Orang bunian are described as beautiful, dressed in ancient Southeast Asian style, and nearly identical to humans in appearance.
Modern depictions of Orang bunian deviate from the traditional folklore by including elf-like features, pointed ears, high fantasy-influenced attire, or modern Minangkabau long coat clothing.
[3] According to legend, their social structure is similar to that of humans in the ancient Malay Peninsula, with families, clans, and royalty.
Orang bunian are generally regarded as benevolent, befriending and assisting humans, particularly magicians (dukun or bomoh) and shamans (pawang).
However, after returning to human society, they found that many years had passed and everyone they once knew had died.