Events to Watch out for in 2003

A variety of local and international events have been planned to make STY 2003 truly exciting and memorable for both foreign and local tourists. Both the private and public sectors have come up with their own events to ensure the success of STY 2003.

To start off the celebration after the colourful launch on 31 December 2003 is the Bukit Aup Jubilee Park Run in Sibu. Set for 31st February 2003, this annual Run is a challenging yet rewarding experience for the 3,000 participants expected at the event. The Run is organised by the Sibu Municipal Council.

Most people identify Sri Aman with Bujang Senang - the mythical giant man- eating crocodile that has terrified the riverine community of Sri Aman since time inmemorial. The Pesta Benak or tidal bore festival has made Sri Aman a popular spot where brave boatmen and daring young lads ride on gigantic 5-foot waves as it hits the town’s waterfront. The festival will be held from 16 -18 April 2003 and is a project of the Sri Aman Resident Office.

For those keen on coastal festivals where one can have fun and culturally enriching experience, the Pesta Kaul 2003 in Mukah is the place to be. It is a celebration to mark the end of the monsoon and to welcome the start of the fishing season. Pesta Kaul, a traditional festival of the Melanau community offers traditional Melanau cuisine, cultural shows, traditional games and rituals. Organised by the Mukah District Office, the festival will be held from 26 - 27 April 2003.

The Kapit Balleh Raft Safari 2003 is a challenging expedition comprising teams of men and women who will paddle a 50 km journey down the mighty Balleh and Rejang rivers to Kapit. Braving the raging rapids in bamboo rafts built with their own bare hands, the event hopes to re-enact the a typical adventure of the Iban community in those days when rivers were the only source of transportation.
An event of the Kapit Resident Office, the safari will run from 26-27 April 2003.

Sarawak Cultural Village will come alive on 24 May 2004 as it celebrates the annual Gawai Tourism Night. A prelude to the Gawai Dayak festival that falls on June 1 & 2 each year, this event provides the perfect avenue for both local and foreign visitors to enjoy a culturally enriching experience of traditional music and dance. A drama re-enacting the legends of the indigenous community is the highlight of the evening.

For the adventure seekers, Sarawak with its challenging terrain and abundant natural attraction provide the perfect location for mountain bikers. The Borneo Mountain Bike Expedition 2003 to be held from 7 -8 June 2003 in Sibu has its own international appeal ensuring participants a well worth sporting adventure. The event is a joint collaboration of the Sibu Resident Office, Sibu Rural District Council, Sarawak Tourism Board and MTB, Asia.

Gawai Dayak Malaysia Open House 2003 is an event that invites all well wishers to an open house usually held at a public hall. Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism and the State Government, this event is a major attraction for the public with thousands coming to pay their Gawai greetings to their Dayak community leaders and ministers. Expect lots of food, beautiful ethnic music and dance and of course, the traditional tuak to celebrate the end of the bountiful harvest season. The celebration will be held on 16 June 2003.

Music is the universal link that binds all people regardless of their race, religious belief, ideology or economic background. Beginning 11 July and ends 13 July 2003, the Sarawak Cultural Village will be filled with the sounds of ethnic music from all over the world. Rainforest Music Festival 2003 a much awaited annual event, with world class musicians and performers is a must see for music lovers. Besides musical performances, there are musical workshops, mini concerts, jaming sessions, ethnomusicology lectures, dance workshops and children music workshop to look forward to.

Gathering another gruelling and tough all-round sporting event is the Sarawak International Triathlon & Asian Cup Series organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation. Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Santubong mountain and the sea, the triathlon will include a 1.5 km swim in the open sea, 40 km bike ride and a 10 km run. This event will provide enough challenge even for the most experienced adventure seeker. Look out for this event on 17 August.

For joggers and casual runners, the Kubah Serapi International Run 2003 is worth joining as it provides an excellent workout within a natural setting. Mount Serapi is also a popular picnic spot among the locals. Organised by the Padawan Municipal Council, the Run will take place on 23 August.

The deafening sound of Jet skis, powerboats and crowds rooting for their favourite teams for the long boat race are the typical scenes at the Sarawak Regatta 2003. This year, the annual and popular water festival will be held from 6-7 September at the scenic Kuching Waterfront. Sarawak Regatta is an offshoot of the historic Baram Regatta that took place in the late 19th century as a sporting event to promote peace and harmony among the warring ethnic groups. The excitement of those warring times is rekindled as competing teams paddle their longboats to victory. The Sarawak Regatta 2003 is a joint effort of the Sarawak State Government and the Kuching Resident Office.

Other events to look out for include the Lambir Rainforest Challenge organised by the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak on 28 September, the International Cats Show 2003 by Kuching North City Council on 23 August, the Inaugural Borneo Cup International Yacht Race from 30 Oct - 2 Nov and finally the Aidil Fitri Malaysia Open House 2003 on 6th December.

For the first time ever, Sarawak will host local and international yacht race teams in a competition that will test the sailing skills of skippers and crews in an often unpredictable sea condition. The first of its kind in Borneo, this ambitious project of the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak will bring racing teams through the Miri-Labuan-Miri route close to some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the world. The participants’ list for the maiden Borneo International Yacht Race will include competitors in the monohulls, catamarans and trimarans. What’s special about it is that the local can witness and enjoy a world class sea sporting event for the very first time in the State.