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Sarawak upcoming events and festivals

We are coming to the second half of 2015 and with many activities more exciting and wonderful activities being plan and organised to commemorate Visit Sarawak Year 2015, it won’t be a dull and boring period to visit and have a vacation in Sarawak.

Below are some of the planed and organised activities as a guide for you to plan your next trip to Sarawak, Land of the Hornbill. Among them are;

The Interbike Hash 2015 is organised by the Kuching Bike Hash Club, choosing the Vicinity of Bau,at venue. The 3 days even will be held from Friday, 10^th and ended on Sunday, 12^th July 2015. Among the activities biking activities on the day are mass mountain biking and city ride. The event is anticipating participation from both international and local bike hashers. More detail about the event is available here Click here

The Pesta Nukenen or Bario Food Festival is a showcase of the unique food, farming,forest and cultural heriage of the Bario Highlands. The event which was first organised in 2006, is being organised by the Bario Community, the Aide Valley Food Adventures UK and the Resident’s Office, Miri. You can enjoy the different food cooked by the various communities of the Kelabit Highlands and enjoy watching the various traditional games and dances showcases at the events. You can get more details and program outline at their FB page Click here

The Borneo Cultural Festival which is being organised by the Sibu Municipal Council, makes Sibu Town Square as the event venue.  The event which is to be started on July 30 and ended August 8th, 2015 will features foods, music and dances from the different community in Sarawak, Iban, Bidayuh, Chinese, Malay, Melanau, Orang Ulu and the Chinese. The event is open to the public and for more details about the program and participations is available here. Click here

The Rainforest World Music Festivals is organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong. The must see and watch event will be held from 7^th. To 9^th August 2015. The uniqueness of the events is the gathering and performing by the world renowned musicians from all the continents and the indigenous musicians from the interior of Borneo. The Event comprises of interactive and educational workshop, ethno-musical lectures, jamming session and mini concerts and followed by evening performance at the main stage. The event not only attracted world renowned musicians but also fans from all over the world. For more details about this event is available here.

Those who love the trill of bamboo rafting can look forward to the Padawan River Safari which will be held on Sunday 16^th. August 2015. The event which is being organised by the Padawan Municipal Council, Ministry of Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with other government agencies and local NGO’s will be held at Sungai Sarawak Kiri. The event is open to both locals and international participation, divided into 40km Rafting Expert and Kayaking Categories and 26km for other rafting category for government departments, hotels and tour agencies. For more details information about the event can be obtain from Padawan Municipal Council here.

These are some of the events and festival being planned and organised by the Sarawak Tourism Boards, the local government and also the local NGO. There are more events and festival being line-up for the coming months till the end of the years.

Ranchan Recreation park, An ideal venue for recreational events and natural gateway.

Ranchan recreation park which is surrounded by greenery and refreshing atmosphere is a popular picnic venue in Serian District. Families, friends, couples and group come to the park to enjoy the nature surrounding, to swim and bath in the cool mountain stream or just to enjoy the scenery.

The park was open to the public in September 1990 and the facilities which are presently available were recently upgraded. The park is under the care of Serian District Council.

The park which is located South of Serian Bazaar at Kampung Ranchan in Serian district is half an hour drive from Serian Bazaar and around 1 ½ hour drive from Kuching City. You can either drive or took public transport to get to the park which has ample parking space.

Public Parking Arrea

The majority of the visitors to the park come to enjoy the cool and refreshing mountain stream which runs through the park. There are series of waterfalls and cascades along this stream providing ample space for visitor to swim and enjoy the cool crystal water or just immerse oneself in the nature surrounding.

Water Fall

Two suspension bridge was built across the stream which enable the visitors to cross the stream without getting wet and safely. The first one is located next to the public toilets and the other one is at the upper reach. Those phobias of height would want to use the small bridge to cross over the other side.

Suspension Bridge

Among the activities allowed at the park besides swimming, are camping, picnic and also hiking. During the weekend you can see many visitors had their cook out at the park. You can also enjoy seafood meals at the Seafood Restaurant there or simple meals at the food stalls located just across the restaurant. There is also the pavilion for visitors to shelter from the weather  or social gathering or having their picnic.

FoodStall.

Ranchan Recreation Park offers accommodations in the form of 4 units Terrace Suite, 4 units Detached House, 4 units Semi-detached House and 2 units Dormitory for overnight visitors. A multipurpose hall which can accommodate 300pax at any one time is also available for public rental and also government department to hold seminars, social gathering, welfare exhibition and also workshops.

Multi-purpose Hall

There is also a lecture hall equipped with P.A System, air-condition, fans and secretariat room attached which can accommodate 60pax at any one time. Those who are interest to make a booking for the facilities can contact Serian District Council for more details or online

Chalet

Majority of the visitors to the park are day tripper, coming to enjoy the nature surrounding and swim in the crystal clear water or just immerse oneself with the nature.

It a ideal venue for family gathering or getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Enjoy the natural surrounding and cool off in the cool mountain stream.

Sarawak Major Upcoming events and Festivals for 2015

Contemplating or planning to make a trip to Sarawak this year, 2015 but not sure when is the best month or period to make that trip.  Well, with the exciting and fun filled events being planned and organize for the year, you can pick and choose the events you would like to see and plan your trip accordingly either on your own or in a group.

Some of these events are open to international participation and you might be interested to know how to gain entry to the events and who to contact for more details information about the events.

To help to make an informed decision on your upcoming trip to Sarawak, Malaysia, listed below are some of the events being planned and organised for 1^st half of the year,2015.

The 5km Colour Rush Run is a charity event, is being organised by Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society for Children with cancer in conjunction with the International Childhood Cancer Day 2015. The event will be held in Kuching, Miri and Sibu in first week of February 2015. For details about the event can be obtain at the here

The Miri Country Music Fest will be held on 7^th February 2015 at Parkcity Everly Hotel Miri in Miri, Sarawak.  This one day event will be filled with Bazaar, music and dance workshop and the night concert. This event which was first introduced in 2014, attracts both young and old especially country music lovers.  To get an update of the event and tickets purchase can be done here

University Malaysia Sarawak together with Sarawak Forestry is organising the The 4th International Bornean Frog Race 2015 at the Kubah National Park, Matang, Kuching Sarawak, East Malaysia on April 25, 2015. Participants will be given the task to photograph any frogs, salamanders and caecilians they will find within given race time of 2 hours. Other activities on that day will include,talks, exhibitions,  Photography Workshops, Night-Time Frog Search and Photo Contest with prizes. More details about the event can be view here.  

The World Harvest Festival for 2015 will be held from the 1^st to 3^rd of May 2015 at Sarawak Cultural Village. The WHF is an ethnic festival which provides the opportunities for the non-Dayaks to understand the cultures, traditions and aspirations of the Dayaks community. Each year the event had a different theme play which utilized the lakes, ethnic houses and the surrounding areas as the natural props.

The 3 days event will be filled with series of joints workshop by the local and also the invited cultural troupes. There be also traditional foods sampling, showcase of ethnic communities’ handicrafts and the ethnic beauty pageants. More details on this event outline can be view here. 

Borneo Jazz festival 2015 will be a two nights of performances by regionally and internationally recognised jazz musicians. The event is being organised BY Sarawak Tourism Board for 10^th year and be held at Parkcity Everly Hotel, Miri, Sarawak from 6.00pm to 12 midnight on both day; 8^th and 9^th May 2015.You can get more details on the event and ticket purchase here. 

The Bisaya Sarawak Association will be organising the Pesta Babulang on June 1, 2015 at Kampong Batu Danau, Limbang Sarawak. Pesta Babulang is an annual event which is of significant to the Bisaya Community is being held to promote tourism in Limbang and also to showcase the Bisaya community culture and tradition

Among the highlight of the event are the buffalo races and Ratu Babulang along with the cultural performances, cooking contest and handicrafts.

These are some of the events and festival being plan for the 1^st half of 2015. Please be advised  to check with the event organisers so as to ensure that to get the correct information.

FIRST CRUISE SHIP ARRIVAL FOR 2015

KUCHING, Tuesday – The first cruise ship for 2015, SILVERWIND MONACO, sailed into Sarawak and docked at the Bintulu Port on 6^th January 2015 at 8:00 a.m. This is SILVERWIND MONACO’s first arrival for the year and Sarawak is expected to receive a total of 8 confirmed cruise ships for the year 2015 with a few more pending confirmation from the cruise operators.

SILVERWIND MONACO

The cruise ship was on its 11 Days cruise from Singapore to Bali, beginning from Singapore, Bintulu, Muara, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Pare-Pare, Makassar, Komodo and making its final stop in Benoa, Bali. It brought a total of 260 passengers and 220 crew, all Americans.

At the arrival in Sarawak, the passengers were given a traditional welcome, courtesy of Sarawak Tourism Board. Their local ground handler was Exotic Borneo Tours, Kota Kinabalu. While in Sarawak, the passengers will explore Bintulu for various excursion trips such as visiting Similajau National Park, Niah National Park as well as touring Bintulu City.

Total visitor arrivals to the state have increased by 23% with a total arrival of 4.3 million tourist arrivals as of 30 November 2014, compared to the same period in the previous year. Maurice Balang, Sarawak Tourism Board’s Regional Manager for UK & Europe who was on hand to welcome the visitors said, “The cruise industry is on the rise and in recent years there has been a demand in this industry despite the lack of proper cruise terminals in the State. We will continue our efforts in promoting Sarawak as a place where adventure lives”

Issued by:

Corporate Communications Unit

SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD

6^th January 2015

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2015

 Wishing all readers, visitors and fans of Sarawak travel Guide Merry Xmas and Happy New Year 2015. We would like to thanks everyone for their support and comments which will inspired us to provide more useful update and information regularly in the upcoming months.

Brace for more exciting and interesting events and celebrations that are being plan and organised in Sarawak for 2015. Plan your trip early so that you wont miss your favourite events.

We are looking forward to your continue support,readership and comments.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year 2015

SARAWAK DELEGATION CALLS ON HUNGARIAN’S MINISTER OF STATE FOR ECONOMIC REGULATION

             Datuk Amar Abang Johari reviving a memento from Dr. Bagdy the Vice Mayor of Budapest City (second from left). Also seen, from right is Encik Liwan Lagang, Datuk Abdul Karim and Datuk Gramong. At left is His Excellency, Mohammad  Sadik.

BUDAPEST, Hungary, Tuesday - The Minister for Tourism, Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg, yesterday morning paid a courtesy call on Hungary’s Minister of State for Economic Regulations, Mr. Bela Glattfelder at his office, here.

                                                                       

The Tourism Minister, who was accompanied by the Malaysian Ambassador to Hungary, His Excellency, Mohamad Sadik Gany,  Assistant Minister for Tourism, Datuk  Gramong Juna, the Assistant Minister for Youth Development, Datuk  Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and the Assistant Minister for Culture and Heritage, Liwan Lagang, among others, discussed on possibility of joint collaboration in Tourism and  Heritage,  as well as the study of city planning and development during an hour meeting  with the Hungarian Minister and his senior officials.

             Hungarian Minister of State for Economic Regulation receiving a Sarawak Memento from Datuk Amar Abang Johari. Seen from left are Datuk Gramong, Datuk Abdul Karim and Datu Ik Pahon, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism.

Earlier, the Sarawak delegation attended the Budapest city development briefing at the City hall. Upon arrival at the office, Datuk Amar Abang Johari was met by the Budapest Vice Mayor, Dr Gabor Bagdy.

             Datuk Amar Abang Johari and his delegation being conducted on a tour to the South Pest Water treatment plant by Peter Uarga (right)

Later in the afternoon, the delegation also toured the Oganica Water’s environmental friendly South Pest Wastewater Treatment plant about 10 kilometres from the city centre and was given a briefing by its Business Development manager, Peter Uarga.

Also present in the delegation were the Pantai Damai Assemblyman, Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi and senior officials from the Tourism and Housing Ministries and from the Dewan Bandar Raya Kuching Utara.

Later in the evening, the Sarawak delegation was feted to a dinner at his Excellency, the Ambassador’s residence at Verecke Ut 72.

The 25-member delegation from Kuching ended the five-day working visit to Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary today.

Source: 

Corporate Communications Unit

SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
4 November 2014

TOURISM MINISTER MEETS SARAWAK TOURISM PARTNERS IN VIENNA

Datu Amar Abang Johari (right) with his guests, from left, Gerald Stainoch and Henry Jedlsky. Also seen on the Minsters’ right is Datuk Talib and Dato’ Selwyn Das. together with the French journalist group at arrival in Kuching Airport.

VIENNA, Austria, Sunday - Sarawak Tourism Board today welcomed a group of The Minister for Tourism, Datuk Amar Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg who is currently on a three-day working visit here yesterday received four Austrian guests calling on him at Hotel Grand Wien here.

The guests, Gerald Stainoch of Jumbo Touristik GmbH, Henry Jedlsky of Reise Aktuell Travel News, Professor Waltrund Stienbock of Circle Diplomatique  and Maria Oetrak, an Austrian blogger met the Minister who was accompanied by the Malaysian Ambassador to Austria, His Excellency Dato’ Selwyn Das.

The Austrian guests shared experiences with the Minister and also exchange ideas on how to effectively promote Sarawak to Austrians and the German speaking market.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, the Minister visited the World Museum Vienna. He had a meeting with Director of Museum, Dr Steven Engelsman on the possible collaboration and artefacts exchange especially on the ethnology with Sarawak Museum. They had a chance also to visit the ‘Borneo Gallery’ corner, a dedicated corner exhibiting about Borneo artifacts within the museum building. World Museum Vienna is considered as one of the world’s most important ethnological museum. It houses over 200,000 ethnographic objects, 75,000 historical photographs and 144,000 printed works on history, culture, art and daily life of predominantly non-European community.

Also present were Assistant Ministers for Tourism, Datuk Gramong Juna and Datuk Haji Talib Zulpilip, Assistant Minister for Youth Development, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and the Assistant Minister for Culture and Heritage, Liwan Lagang, Pantai Damai Assemblyman, Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi and the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Datu Ik Pahon.

Datuk Amar Abang Zohari is leading a 25-member Sarawak delegation comprising staff from the Ministry of Tourism, Dewan Bandar Raya Kuching Utara (DBKU) and the Land Custody and Development Authority to Vienna Austria and Budapest, Hungary.

Source - Sarawak Tourism Board.

Issued by:     

Corporate Communications Unit

SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD

T: + 6 082-423600

F: + 6 082-416700

W: www.sarawaktourism.com

E: gustino@sarawaktourism.com

Date:  2 November 2014

Sarawak Regatta - A Grand Event

Sarawak Regatta is an annual traditional boat race held at Kuching Waterfront in Kuching, Sarawak. The event which attracts participation from government bodies, private and also international participants has a distinct historical and cultural significant in the history of Sarawak people.

The regatta is organised by the Kuching Resident Office and is normally held in the month of September in conjunction with the Malaysia day Celebration. The earliest known record of the event being held could be found in The Sarawak Gazette; on the 29th February 1872, which were held in front of the Astana, Kuching.

During the Brooke’s ruling era a boat race would be held to bring peace among the various ethnic races in Sarawak. An indication provided in the Sarawak Gazette showed that the event has been an important social event for social integration and goodwill for the people of Sarawak.

This year the event is being held from 4th- to 7th. September 2014 at the Kuching Waterfront, with participation from Individual , private companies and also government department across Sarawak.

The Sarawak Regatta is divided into different category and group. They are the Balok Boat, Bidar Boat, Kenyalang Boat and Tambang Boat-motorised and non-motorised. The decorative colourful designed longboats can accommodate from 7 and up to 30 paddlers, depending on the competition category.

The Balok Boat is manned by 7 men paddlers, while the Bidar Boat is manned by 10 to 30 paddlers based on the category being competed. The Kenyalang Boat is manned by 10 to 20 paddlers depending on the competition requirement. This year event saw the appearance of the Dragon Boat race, with participation from Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Taiwan and Indonesia.

Other events are also being organised alongside the Sarawak Regatta; among others, Kuching Festival, the Malaysia Craft Promotion and Food Festival, Eatof Food Festival and Gendag Melayu Competition, which attracted a fair share of visitors.

The Regatta is one of the top tourist attraction events in Kuching, beside the Rainforest Music Festival. This Sarawak Regatta will be continue to be held annually not only for tourist attraction but also as a reminder of how peace and harmony be maintained among the people of Sarawak, regardless of race and religion. This yearly event always attracts lot of audiences both local and foreigners.

Sarawak Visitor's Guide 2014

Sarawak Tourism Board(STB) provide visitors and the travel industry with up-to-date travel information about Sarawak, has visitors' information centres in Kuching, Miri and Sibu. These information centres are stock up with wide range of guidebooks, maps, brochures and leaflets.

STB also publish an online guide, providing update on new events, attractions, travel products and activities. A pdf version of the Sarawak Visitor's Guide for Year 2014 is available for download HERE.

Damai Central – Multi-purpose Public Complex.

Damai Central Icon

Damai Central which is an innovative multi-purpose public complex is sited on a coastal land fronting the panoramic South China Sea and with the legendary Mount Santubong in the background. The complex is 40 minutes via Kuching-Santubong Road.

Damai Central Entrance

The complex which has Sarawak ethnic Concept design and snuggled between numerous resorts, with Sarawak Culture Village as adjacent neighbour, it provides the visiting public with enhanced facilities and activities.

Damai Beach

The complex is open to the public daily. Visitors can enjoy a sumptuous meal of fresh seafood at the Bayridge Fine Seafood  Restaurant  or a glass of wine or cold beer at the Escobar Bar and Grill while admire the sunset or just watching the ship and fishing boats passing in the distance South China sea.

Bayridge Fine Seafood Restaurant

Escobar Bar and Grill

Visitor can also comb the beach or have a swim in the sea. Among the facilities available at the complex are;

1.       Open lawn for banquet
2.       Concert Stage
3.       Amphitheatre
4.       Conference room
5.       Beach from BBQ
6.       Public toilet
7.       Shower room and locker for rent
8.       Bicycle for rent
9.       Camping Site.

Beside the Seafood Restaurant and the Bar and Grill, the complex also has;

 1.        Food court servicing variety of local dishes and drinks
2.       Souvenir  Shop and Café
3.       Wellness Centre
4.       Laundry Services

Locker for Rental

Laundry Services

It is a popular weekend destination for both local and visitors alike, as it strategically located among the tourist destination in Santubong Peninsula. Among the resort and hotels in proximity to the complex are the Damai Beach ResortPermai Rainforest Resort, Damai Puri Resort &Spa, One Hotel Santubong.

There are also the guesthouse and homestay available at the Santubong Village and also along the Santubong Road.

Damai Central Complex

Selamat Hari Gawai Dayaks to All.

Happy Gawai Dayaks to all readers, visitors and guest to Sarawak Travel Guide. Taking this opportunity to record my appreciation and thank you for the support and readership

Gawai Dayak or Pesta Gawai or Onu Gawai is being celebrated by the Dayaks community in SarawaK, East Malaysia in the first week of June every year. The Bidayuh, Iban and also the Orang Ulu had their own rituals and traditional ways in celebrating this event which marked the end of the rice harvesting season and the ushering in another year of bountiful harvest and goodness.

It is the time for merry making and gathering of family members from far and wide. Those working outside Sarawak always make the effort to be home with their parents, relatives and friends in the villages and longhouses.

There are variety of delicacies and menu to choose, from traditional cuisine to modern one. Some of them are chicken cook in bamboo, glutinous rice in bamboo and many more; each community has their own speciality.

It also the time of sharing as friends and stranger are invited to share in the celebration. This promotes unity and friendship among the various communities in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Various programs are held to make the celebration merrier and colourful, like beauty contest in traditional outfit like Kumang Gawai for the Iban community, Dayung Sikora for the Bidayuh, while the Orang Ulu community has their own Traditional Costume Beauty Contest. It is a feast for the eyes with the colourful rituals, traditional music and costume and variety choice of traditional cuisine and wine.

The official Gawai Dayaks Celebration in Sarawak is 1^st. June, every year but the celebration in the longhouse and the villages are held at different day and some last for a month.

HAPPY GAWAI DAYAKS TO ALL....