There are 2 types of kurutut, the first one is simple, made of the bases of coconut fronds or of the areca-nut plant.

The second is more complex, its components are:
(i) frame constructed from the wood of the “biabas” tree (chosen due to its durability)
(ii) wheels made from “pakuh” tree (some people mentioned papaya tree too)
(iii) nails

There is the 2-wheel variant for beginners and 3-wheel variant for the “pros” [all photos taken in Bundu Tuhan, courtesy of Johnny Ghani]:

One would ride it like so:

Note the “brake”.

Preparing for a race:

A race in progress:

Apparently this was very popular among youngsters in the 1960s in Bundu Tuhan, located along the Kota Kinabalu – Ranau road. Where now every kid wants a PS3, back then possession of a kurutut was mandatory. Sure beats spending long hours in front of televisions!

Warning: players are advised to wear durable pants!

There are so many possibilities from this. Can patent it, promote to tourists, run a clinic on kurutut-making then organise an annual race. For a start, perhaps include as one of the traditional games in the Kiulu 4M!

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