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This Spotlight is sponsored by Starbucks Malaysia.
There was a time when an afternoon could disappear over a game of congkak or batu seremban
There were no group chats or Instagram reels to capture everyone's attention. You just sat down, started playing and somehow ended up demanding "one more round" several rounds later.
That's the idea behind Starbucks Malaysia's 'Back To Dulu-Dulu' campaign, happening from 9 until 30 September 2026 at selected stores.
The campaign is bringing traditional Malaysian games back to the table, so you can grab a drink, challenge your friends or family, and rediscover how much fun you can have offline.
The campaign brings traditional Malaysian games into a modern café setting, giving friends and families a chance to sit down and play together over coffee.
Here's what you can expect:
1. A variety of traditional games to play (and learn if it's your first time)
Games such as congkak, batu seremban, ceper, ting ting, and dam have been passed down through generations, becoming part of everyday childhood for many Malaysians.
Now, participating Starbucks outlets will feature several corners where you can play these beloved games while learning why they're so significant to Malaysian culture
Each game station introduces the heritage and background of the game alongside instructions on how to play. So even if it's been years since you last touched a congkak board, or you've somehow made it this far without learning batu seremban, you can still join in.
'Starbucks Back To Dulu-Dulu' will happen at the following stores until 30 September:
- Starbucks Reserve Mid Valley Megamall
- Starbucks Reserve – Shoppes at Four Seasons Place
- Starbucks Reserve TRX Exchange Mall
- Starbucks Starbucks KLIA 1 (Contact Pier)
- Starbucks Sri Pinang, Penang
- Starbucks Reserve Bandar Utama
- Starbucks Eco Boulevard, Johor
- Starbucks Warisan Square, Sabah
- Starbucks Marina Park City DT, Sarawak
2. Feeling competitive? Test your skills against others and get rewarded!
On September 12, Gelanggang Starbucks 2026 will offer those with competitive spirits the chance to shine!
You can drop by selected Starbucks stores from 10am to 5pm to enjoy traditional Malaysian games such as congkak, batu seremban, dam and ceper.
You can play against anyone throughout the day and collect points based on your games and wins. Once you've accumulated enough points, you can redeem them at the counter for prizes, including Starbucks merchandise or vouchers, depending on your total score.
So whether you're feeling competitive or simply want to relive a few childhood favourites, this event will be a fun way to spend the day playing games, meeting fellow Malaysians and seeing what you can redeem with your points.
So, if you've been wanting to re-experience into the games that helped shape Malaysian culture or even learn them for the first time, there's no better opportunity
Whether you're introducing the games to someone for the first time or discovering that your childhood batu seremban reflexes are still surprisingly intact, it's a simple way to reconnect with a little piece of Malaysian culture this season.
