Accessories are an essential complement to the attire of the panglima and hulubalang of Perak. Their use was not merely for aesthetic appeal but carried unique symbolic meanings, each with its own cultural significance:

Tanjak / Tengkolok / Destar

The tanjak, tengkolok, or destar was an important head accessory in the attire of the panglima and hulubalang. It was crafted from songket or handwoven fabric, folded in specific styles that conveyed symbolic meanings. In Perak, notable variations included the Destar Getam Pekasam, worn by nobles of the Four and Eight, while the Destar Ayam Patah Kepak, made of red full-floral songket, was the official headgear of the Commander of War. For the hulubalang, the most common style was the Pucuk Pisang Patah fold.

Samping

The samping was a vital element of the warrior’s attire, worn around the waist down to the knees, functioning both as ornamentation and as a place to carry small weapons such as a short keris or badik. During royal ceremonies or audiences with the Sultan, panglima typically wore finely woven songket samping embroidered with gold or silver thread. For battle, however, they used a sarong or kain pelikat like the hulubalang, as these were lighter and more practical. In terms of tying styles, the panglima used the Ikatan Kembung or Ikatan Laksamana Melamar during official ceremonies, while the simpler and sturdier Ikatan Silang Pendekar was worn in combat. These differences in material and tying styles reflected the samping’s dual role as both a status symbol and a functional garment adapted to context.

Keris

The keris was an obligatory traditional weapon, tucked at the waist of every panglima or hulubalang. More than a defensive tool, it symbolised bravery, honour, and authority. Each keris was usually custom-made, with uniquely carved hilts and sheaths reflecting the owner’s rank. In the cultural context, the keris also carried symbolic and spiritual significance as a protective charm.

Pending

The pending was a type of ornamental belt buckle made of metal, often intricately engraved with floral or geometric motifs. Its function was to secure the samping or bengkung, while also enhancing the grandeur of the attire. The pending served as a symbol of authority and was typically worn by high-ranking nobles or leading panglima as a marker of elevated status. However, there were also occasions when attire was worn without the pending, depending on custom or the nature of the event. In modern contexts, the pending is commonly worn by grooms during traditional Malay weddings.

Armlets and Bengkung

These accessories served as additional elements in the panglima’s attire. Armlets, usually made of metal, enhance grip strength while adding an aesthetic touch. The bengkung, a long cloth or wide belt wrapped around the waist, helped secure the garments and provided support to the body. It was especially important for the panglima during movement or combat, ensuring both functionality and discipline in appearance.

Capal (Traditional Sandals)

Traditional footwear, such as the capal completed the attire of the panglima and hulubalang. Made from leather or other durable materials, the capal was simple in design yet practical and comfortable for long journeys or official ceremonies. Despite its modest appearance, the capal upheld the values of modesty and embodied the Malay cultural emphasis on practicality and simplicity

TThe materials used in the attire of the panglima and hulubalang of Perak were carefully selected, as they not only ensured the wearer’s comfort but also symbolised the status and function of the attire. The following are the key materials utilised in this traditional costume:

1. Garment 

• The attire of Perak’s panglima and hulubalang was commonly made of cotton, handwoven silk, or velvet.

• Cotton was chosen for its lightness and comfort, making it suitable for swift movements, particularly during warfare.

• Handwoven silk was preferred for ceremonial occasions due to its fine, luxurious, and lustrous texture, often embellished with gold or silver thread embroidery on the cuffs, neckline, and chest to highlight the wearer’s rank.

• Velvet was also used by high-ranking panglima, giving the attire a thicker, sturdier, and more authoritative appearance.

• Occasionally, variations were made from satin for official events, as its sheen reflected beautifully under the palace lights.

2. SSamping (Waist Cloth)

• The samping worn by panglima and hulubalang displayed a variety of materials depending on their function.

• In formal ceremonies, panglima donned Perak songket, a traditional handwoven fabric featuring motifs such as scattered flowers (bunga tabur), bamboo shoots (pucuk rebung), or scrolling clouds (awan larat), crafted with gold or silver threads to denote high status.

• Some hulubalang wore simpler handwoven samping without elaborate decoration, emphasising modesty while maintaining neatness.

• On the battlefield, however, both panglima and hulubalang preferred samping made from sarong or kain pelikat, usually cotton or cotton-polyester blends, as these were lighter, easier to tie, and allowed greater freedom of movement.

• These differences in material signified the balance between ceremonial demands and the practical necessities of combat.

3. TTanjak / Tengkolok / Destar (Headgear)

• The tanjak or tengkolok was an essential element, typically made from finely woven songket with gold or silver threads, decorated with traditional motifs such as bamboo shoots (pucuk rebung), full floral (bunga penuh), or scattered flowers (bunga tabur).

• Songket fabric indicated rank and social standing, particularly for high-ranking nobles and commanders of war.

• In addition, black woven fabric striped with gold was sometimes used, symbolising bravery and loyalty to the Sultan.

• On certain occasions, the tanjak could also be made from an ordinary sarong or kain pelikat, especially when worn by hulubalang who prioritised practicality.

• This diversity of materials allowed the tanjak to be adapted for both ceremonial purposes and preparations for battle.

The wearing of the panglima and hulubalang attire in Perak followed specific rules and traditions. The steps for donning the attire were as follows:

Step 1: Inner Garment and Outer Layer

• Dressing began with the baju Melayu in the teluk belanga style, usually in dark shades such as black or navy blue, worn as the inner layer.

• As the outer layer, the panglima or hulubalang would wear the baju silang, baju layang, or baju sikap, which were long-sleeved outer garments.

• The outer garment was typically fastened with brooches (kerongsang) or buttons.

Step 2: Trousers

• This was followed by pairing the attire with seluar panjang cekak musang, made from matching or complementary fabric and colours.

• The trousers were cut loosely to allow comfort and freedom of movement, particularly important in combat or when accompanying the Sultan at official ceremonies.

• For ceremonial functions, the trousers extended to the ankles, while for battle, they were cut shorter, reaching just below mid-calf, to facilitate agility.

Step 3: Samping and Tying Styles

• Next, the samping was tied around the waist. For royal ceremonies, the panglima wore a songket samping using the Ikatan Kembung or Ikatan Laksamana Melamar.

• However, for battle preparations, the samping was replaced with a kain pelikat, tied using the sturdier and more practical Ikatan Silang Pendekar, a style also commonly used by the hulubalang.

Step 4: Bengkung and Pending

• The bengkung (waist sash) was wrapped tightly around the abdomen to strengthen the body and secure the attire.

• For the panglima or nobles, the bengkung was often paired with a pending, an intricately engraved metal belt buckle, which served as both a fastener for the samping and a decorative emblem of rank.

• In battle, the bengkung was secured firmly to ensure the samping did not loosen easily.

Step 5: Tanjak / Tengkolok / Destar (Headgear)

• The head was adorned with a tanjak or destar, folded according to traditional Perak styles. Among these were the Destar Getam Pekasam for the Orang Besar Empat, the red Destar Ayam Patah Kepak for the Commander of War, and the Pucuk Pisang Patah style commonly worn by the hulubalang.

• Wearing the tanjak was not merely decorative; it was a mark of bravery, rank, and cultural identity.

Step 6: Keris and Weapons

• The keris was then tucked at the waist, either at the left side or the centre, depending on protocol and style.

• The keris served not only as a weapon of self-defence but also as a symbol of courage and honour for the panglima and hulubalang.

• In certain situations, they also carried additional weapons such as swords or spears.

Step 7: Footwear (Capal)

• The dressing process concluded with the donning of traditional capal or leather sandals, simple yet neat.

• This footwear maintained decorum while providing comfort, whether walking within the palace or traversing open grounds.