Bumbong music is characterised by its use of bamboo instruments called the bumbong, which are percussion instruments made from bamboo tubes. The word "bumbong" itself means "bamboo" in the local languages. These bamboo tubes are cut in various lengths and diameters to produce different pitches and tones.
The bumbong are played in sets, with each musician holding and striking a specific tube with a wooden mallet. The rhythmic patterns created by the different bumbong players combine to form the melody and rhythm of the music. The music is usually accompanied by singing and dancing.
Bumbong music is traditionally played during festivals, ceremonies, and social gatherings in Borneo. It is an important part of the local cultural identity and is often used to express the emotions, stories, and traditions of the communities that practice it.