Its orchestra is a mix of Indian, Western, Latin American and indigeneous Malay musical instruments , combined in a number of different ways. Its music is a fusion of Malay and Western elements. Malay features include singing style, vocal ornamentation, emphasis on the last beat of the phrase, linear texture, cyclic drum patterns and the use of Malay texts.
Western influence includes harmony, music related to the text and orchestration.
Some songs adopt Middle Eastern, Chinese or Indian rhythms and modes. Others omit Western elements altogether. In summary, bangsawan can be said to be highly syncretic in nature.