The rebana is a membranophone instrument used in Malay folk music. It is made out of a hollowed-out wooden frame that is covered by a skin or membrane on the top side. Wood from jackfruit trees is commonly used to make the frames, while goat, cow or buffalo hide is used for the skin. Often, the head and sides of the drum are painted with brightly coloured geometric patterns extending vertically up the sides.

The rebana ranges in size. For instance, the cone-shaped Rebana Ubi is at least 0.6m in diameter and can reach almost a metre in height. Comparatively, the Rebana Perak only measures about 25cm in diameter, and approximately 13cm in height.

Depending on the size, the rebana is either carried, hung vertically, or placed upright on the ground; and sometimes, simply placed on the lap during a performance.

Mallets are often used for the bigger drums, while the smaller ones are played like the kompang where the drummer strikes the rebana with the palm of his hand. Certain types of rebana have fittings on them to produce a distinctive sound. For instance, a type of rebana known as the Rebana Kercing (singing drums) is fitted with small bells below the rim.

The rebana can either be used as a single instrument (solo), as in the traditional healing ceremony called Main Puteri; or in an ensemble, such as those that grace a Malay wedding ceremony.