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Nurturing spirit of Gawai

2012-05-28T18:29:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: IT is that time of the year again in June, where familiar smells permeate Dayak villages throughout Sarawak.

The sweet pungent smell of fermented rice wines and gravies of native cuisine boiling in bamboo over open fire as well as sounds of slaughtered hogs fill the air.

A feast prepared and fit for the gods who helped to provide a good harvest for villagers is a must on June 1 when Gawai Dayak in Sarawak is observed.

The rice gods are not really sought on that day, for the ceremonies are mainly symbolic, a part of the culture that should be preserved for the younger generation -- ceremonies like Miring and Ngalu Petara or welcoming the spirits.

When I was younger, my folks in the longhouse in Bua, Engkilili would carry out all these ceremonies during Gawai Dayak and various other Gawai celebrations.

Yes, I said it right, various other Gawai celebrations.

Gawai, which literally means festival in my other mother tongue, Iban, simply means that.

Other than the normal Gawai which I experienced, I was part of my grand uncle's Gawai Kenyalang festival; a festival exclusively for warriors who had killed numerous enemies and only he could decide when the date for the celebration was to be held.

The difference with this Gawai is that a sacred hornbill statue, intricately carved is thought to represent the chief of all the worldly birds and oversees all mankind.

That is what I was told and another important part of Gawai Kenyalang is that, only an outstanding warrior can hold such Gawai and my granduncle was a former decorated Sarawak Ranger.

My granduncle is not around and I never got the chance to listen to all of his war stories. And being half Iban, honestly, I do not know much about my own heritage and I have to really do some research to know more.

Like any celebration, Gawai is the time to give thanks for any success that we achieve, but the nitty-gritty of how it is celebrated makes it different and gives it an identity.

Tourism Malaysia, Sarawak Tourism Board and Sarawak Cultural Village recently launched a tourism package that focuses on Gawai. Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board state director Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali said many Malaysians outside Sarawak were puzzled with the Gawai celebration and even he was clueless about it.

"The festival is a crowd-puller, but the problem is that it is not promoted. It is sad that such an important event is not widely known in Malaysia."

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Nurturing spirit of Gawai

Proposed ‘Three Rivers Festival’ a major event for Kuching

2012-05-28T18:26:00.000+08:00

The ever popular Pesta Kaul, Pesta Dalat and Pesta Balingian are set to become major events with the proposal for ‘Three Rivers Festival’.

The idea, which was conceptualised by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, will see participation of the communities from Mukah, Dalat and Balingian in organising the event at all the three locations.

“A fund can be set up to organise these events and with bigger capital, it will turn these events into a major event and not just an event for the locals to gather,” said Taib when closing Pesta Balingian at Batang Balingian Waterfront yesterday.

Taib elaborated that having such event on a larger scale and involving participation of the people from around the area would be a great way to promote the economy in the area, while enhancing inter-community ties.

“Therefore a tourism fund for the ‘Three Rivers Festival’ can be set up and the festival can be done annually according to turns,” he said, adding that it was not impossible for towns such as Dalat to manage a crowd of 20,000 with help from the surrounding communities.

Earlier on, Taib in his speech said his politics of development should not be construed as only a change in terms of economic scale.

“Changes within the community are not literally based on economics, but we want the people to change their mindset towards lifting their family status for the better,” he said, reminding that there was no point in bringing development if the people did not benefit and take advantage of it.

Pointing to better road connectivity and communication as a tool that was underutilised, he said the people particularly in the rural areas should use the Internet and Wi-Fi technology to promote their business.

“We understand that there is not much population in the rural areas. We need the numbers for businesses to come and the area to grow,” he said.

This, according to Taib, was why various development projects had been planned, among them the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) where industries would be set up to benefit the locals through job opportunities that offered better pay.

“This formula is the best for Sarawak as our population is scattered all across the state, not to mention those in remote areas. It is impossible to gather everyone in one place or only in major cities,” he added.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Proposed ‘Three Rivers Festival’ a major event for Kuching

Adding value to Sabah handicrafts

2012-05-27T18:59:00.000+08:00

FOR an insight into life in Sabah during the bygone days, one only has to look at the traditional houses and hand-made relics being preserved at the Sabah Museum Heritage Village within the Ethno-botanical Gardens at the Sabah Museum Complex.

This is a good place to see not only the unique architecture of the houses built by the indigenious community but also the handicrafts they used as household items in the old days.

The community’s ingenuity in the choice and use of wood and other plant materials is evident in the construction of the houses.

I was informed the houses were built by a particular ethnic group to reflect its identity and ensure the cultural and historical authenticity of the houses.

To emphasise these aspects, the houses are furnished with items from yesteryear, including bamboo water containers, spoons and ladles, among many others.

Occasionally, activities such as handicraft-making demonstrations and sales, cultural dance performances and traditional games are held at the Village – usually during May to coincide with the state-level Harvest Festival Celebration.

The handicraft-makers, however, want more than just demonstrating their skills and selling their wares during this time. They are looking for steady income – and they also want to impart their skills to their children.

Simini Gondilo from Kampung Pelakat Sipitang, has been weaving baskets and winnowing trays since her teens.

“I used to follow my mother into the jungle to look for materials like the right kind of bamboo and vines to make baskets, containers and all sorts of household items,” recalled the 54-year-old of Murut-Dusun descent.

It was through helping her mother that she honed her handicraft-making skills.

However, she lamented that since such items were now produced by factories, making them, especially baskets, from natural materials was no longer popular.

“We may gradually lose interest in making things with our hands. But for me, I keep making baskets because sometimes, I do get to sell them. I have a child who is interested in weaving but you don’t make much money from it,” Simini noted.

The lack of demand means she cannot sell in bulk, so she has to do something else to make ends meet.

She hoped some handicraft dealers would come up with a reasonable offer, saying this might encourage the younger generation to get involved in the business.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Adding value to Sabah handicrafts

Everland Eco-Farm - Retreat to nature

2012-05-26T18:19:00.000+08:00

By Aziz Idris In Miri, Sarawak

It was an invitation hard to resist. I was invited by the Sarawak Tourism Board to cover the 2012 Borneo Jazz Festival and to experience a three-day stay at Everland Eco-Farm in Miri, Sarawak.

As a nature lover myself, I opted for the jungle adventure together with Ian Patterson of allaboutjazz.com, Catharine Tipang, a representative from Sarawak Tourism, as well as two Japanese jazz enthusiasts - Ryuta Suzuki (a freelance writer) and Takao Fujioka (a jazz graphic designer).

It was a bright Sunday morning when all of us met at the lobby of Park City Everly Hotel, Miri (the venue of this year's Borneo Jazz Festival). For Ian, Borneo was like a second home; it was his third consecutive year covering the jazz festival in Miri, as well as the internationally-acclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching.

At about 9.30am at the hotel lobby, we were introduced to Madam Jean Lain, the wife of Dr Francis Lian, the owner of the Everland Eco-Farm, and a local tour guide, Larry Siga.

We started the journey without any delay as Madam Jean said we needed to arrive at the Everland Eco-Farm before lunch.

"It's approximately 120 kilometres from here and the journey will take about three hours," she told us.

This brought some comforting news to my ears, as this would give me some time to sleep ... or so I thought!

As I was about to doze off, the road suddenly got really bumpy. (We had not even completed half the journey yet.) Even Takao was awoken by the rough ride that sent him bouncing off his seat. Ryuta, on the other hand, was really enjoying it. As a city slicker residing in Tokyo, all his life he had not seen so much greenery before. I asked the driver if the roads would get any better as I really needed to catch up on my sleep. He just smiled and said, "It will be all gravel roads from now on."

After nearly three hours of driving along the bumpy roads, we finally reached the Everland's farmhouse, where we were warmly welcomed by Dr Francis and other local residents.

It was a two-storey farmhouse - cement on the ground floor while the first floor was made entirely out of wood. Every window and balcony was covered with mosquito netting. There were three bedrooms; Ryuta and Takao shared one room with bunk-beds on the ground floor, while Ian and I shared a room upstairs with a shared bathroom with Dr Francis and his wife. Catharine had a room to herself.

Shortly after lunch, all of us went straight to Loagan Bunut National Park, which was conveniently located less than 10 kilometres away from the farmhouse. The park is a protected area. People are not allowed to reside or build houses. Furthermore, it is also illegal to fish, hunt or cut trees. This, however, was not the case for the Berawan in Loagan Bunut.

According to Larry, fishing and hunting are among the special rights that the Berawans still enjoy as a result of an agreement between the tribe and the state government before the Loagan Bunut covering an area of 10,736 hectares was turned into a national park in 1990. Besides the Berawans, there are two other ethnic groups here - the Ibans and Penans. However, only the Berawans have been given the privilege to fish, hunt and utilise the forest resources at Sungai Teru, Sungai Bunut, Loagan Bunut and the park itself.

The lakeside scenery at the park is perfect for photography. Photographers would never miss the opportunity to shoot spectacular sunsets - and that's exactly what most of us did, especially Ryuta and Takao. It was truly a sight to behold as I watched the Berawans use a unique method of catching fish during the low tide.

Environmentalists say that the 650-hectare lake is a must-see in Sarawak. Visitors who want to take a closer look at wildlife at Loagan Bunut are advised to stay at nearby Iban, Berawan or Penan longhouses.

As the first day came to an end, we were extremely exhausted and headed straight to the farmhouse. We had a quick dinner and immediately went to bed without even realising that Dr Francis had switched the generator off at the stroke of midnight.

The next day, we went for a jungle trek through the lush peat swamp forest and enjoyed a tour around the eco-farm.

According to Dr Francis, his company - Borneo Rainforest Vanilla Sdn Bhd - is the pioneer of commercial cultivation in niche crops in Sarawak. Since the company's venture into vanilla in 2007, it has been investing in the cultivation of two other very high value niche agricultural and forestry plants namely, Stevia and Aquilaria (Agarwood) tree.

Besides the commercial cultivation of these three main crops, Dr Francis also has supporting facilities such as nurseries for seedlings production and field research centres for conducting research on these three and other crops.

One of the fruits that caught my attention was the 'Mahkota Dewa', which is said to have many health benefits including treating cancer, arthritis, eczema and cleansing the body system.

"Everland Farm is an eco-farm that aims to integrate a sustainable balance between eco-tourism and agriculture as well as wildlife conservation. Our farm's home stay programme is suitable for anyone who wishes to get away from the hectic city life and relax in a more natural environment," explained Dr Francis, who used to be a geography lecturer at Universiti Brunei Darussalam in the early 1990s.

While at the farm, we participated in a variety of activities such as horseback riding, jungle trekking and bird watching.

Like a horse whisperer, Ian effortlessly was able to 'tame' the horses. Ryuta enjoyed his time bird watching, while I trekked through the jungles.

The peat swap forests around the area were similar to those in Kuala Balai, Belait District. We even spotted a hornbill as we climbed a nearby hill. Ian ecstatically told me that he had been in Borneo three times and that this was his first sighting. Ryuta and Takao were more amazed than him because they had never seen anything like it before.

On top of the farm's foray into agriculture and tourism, half of the land is allocated for forest conservation and rehabilitation. By doing so, Dr Francis hoped that the land would develop and turn into a safe sanctuary for local birds and wildlife.

On the final day, all of us sat at the dining table and exchanged stories. The calm atmosphere at the farmhouse at night was so different from city life and it was hard to experience the simple life there.

The next day, at the crack of dawn, I climbed up a nearby hill and just sat there watching the sun rise over the valley. It was a picture-perfect moment. Unfortunately, I did not have a camera with me at the time. But I have no regrets, as I was fortunate enough to experience this first-hand. I highly recommend anyone looking for a retreat to nature to come here.

For more information, visit www.borneorainforestvanilla.com or send an e-mail to info@borneorainforestvanilla.com.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Tough slog for Sarawak tourism to get four million tourists

2012-05-26T18:18:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Sarawak will have to go the extra mile to achieve the target of four million tourist arrivals this year.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan said the state would have to focus on Asian markets to boost arrival figures because of the economic slump in Europe and political instability in the Middle East.

He said although 48 per cent of the total tourists came from Brunei last year, travellers from many regions across the globe had visited Sarawak.

The state registered a record 3.8 million visitors in 2011, generating RM7.1 billion in tourism receipts.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, Rashid said the board must also work to improve air connectivity.

He pointed out that the pulling out of Firefly, a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) subsidiary, from the state also had an impact on the industry’s growth.

“Last time, we still had Firefly and now we shall look at expanding MASwings (another subsidiary of MAS) to help us achieve the four million tourists target.”

Continue reading at: Tough slog for Sarawak tourism to get four million tourists

Potential for new dolphin-watching products for Rajang and Saribas rivers

2012-05-26T18:16:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Irrawaddy dolphins are potential eco-tourism products for the Rajang and Saribas rivers.

Sightings of the inshore cetaceans in the state have been documented in the Sarawak River, lower waters of the Santubong branch of the Sarawak River, Rajang River, Rajang Mangrove, Saribas River and major estuaries namely Sematan, Bako, Muara Tebas, Bintulu and Lawas.

“We already have dolphin watching as a tourism product in the Santubong area. It could become potential tourism attractions in other sighted areas,” said Sarawak Forestry Corporation biologist James Bali yesterday.

He was one of the invited speakers for a series of public awareness talks at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre in conjunction with SBC Biodiversity Day.

James said SFC had conducted many surveys including coastal, offshore and aerial surveys to study on Irrawaddy dolphins.

“We currently do not have any information on the species from Sadong River, Igan River, Baram River and Kemena River, due to lack of funds for further research.”

The Irrawaddy dolphin is the most common species and considered the flagship species in Sarawak.

It is a totally protected animal under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) associate professor Dr Lee Nyanti, from the Aquatic Science Department, spoke on the corals of Sarawak.

“Corals are important to medicine and pharmacology. For example, drug extract of coral sponges. The antiviral drugs Ara-A and anti-cancer agent Ara-C were developed from extracts of sponge.

Continue reading at: Potential for new dolphin-watching products for Rajang and Saribas rivers

‘Adventures of Keling and Kumang’ play at World Harvest Festival 2012

2012-05-25T18:09:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: The adventures of Keling and Kumang will be the theme for the World Harvest Festival 2012 play this weekend (May 26 -27).

Festival organising chairperson Jane Lian Labang said that the theme was based on the Iban legendary couple of Keling and Kumang.

The play is about Keling, the Iban hero who found his true love, a beautiful lass, Kumang, after achieving and overcoming a series of feats and obstacles.

The scenes will be enlivened with theatrical effects in an outdoor natural setting which is fronting a lake near an Iban longhouse at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in Santubong here.

“The play this time around is awesome as it brings greater public awareness to the ideal values of the Iban community as depicted in the legendary story of Keling and Kumang. At the same time, this will be a platform to highlight the Iban culture,” Jane said.

Jane encouraged members of the public to come and watch the play.

A full-dress rehearsal meant for media preview was held last Wednesday.

Show tickets can be obtained at the entrance of SCV on the actual day of the play and they are priced at RM60 per adult each while tickets for children will be at RM30 each. It will be free entrance for children under two.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: ‘Adventures of Keling and Kumang’ play at World Harvest Festival 2012

Prehistoric site discovered in Sabah

2012-05-24T18:32:00.002+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: A PALAEOLITHIC site believed to be 200,000 years old has been discovered in Keningau, 138km from here.

Archaeologists claimed that the site in Kampung Lipasu in the sub-district of Bingkor could rival the Mansuli site in Lahad Datu, which is 235,000 years old.

Universiti Sains Malaysia archaeology research team head Prof Dr Mokhtar Saidin said researchers, however, had not revealed the exact age of the site said to be a location for making Palaeolithics stone tools.

Excavation began on May 9 and is expected to finish on May 29.

The team, comprising researchers from the USM Global Archeological Research Centre and the Sabah Museum Department, has discovered several artefacts, including an anvil, core stone, hammer stone, chopper and flake tools.

"We believe the Bingkor site could be older than the Mansuli site as there could be more layers beneath the present excavation site," said Mokhtar.

He said this could be an interesting find because the archaeology community initially believed that human population began on the east coast of north Borneo.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Prehistoric site discovered in Sabah

Angling will be promoted to attract visitors during Visit Sarawak Year 2013

2012-05-24T18:29:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said fishing and angling would be promoted as an event during Visit Sarawak Year 2013.

“Our fishing grounds are attractive for anglers in the region to spend time and money here participating in our angling activities,” he said at the Sarawak Boat Club (SBC) Fishing Competition 2012 prize giving ceremony Tuesday night.

The Miri Anglers Club has organised competitions that manage to attract anglers from as far away as China, he said.

“This means a lot of interests from anglers in the region to come and enjoy fishing in our waters,” he said.

Abang Johari said he had instructed Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) to include fishing and angling as part of the activities at Tanjung Datu National Park, along with snorkelling and turtle sporting at Talang Talang and Satang Island.

“At Tanjung Datu, we just unveiled an important landmark where we feel is the start of Borneo — ‘Where Borneo Begins’. It’s not far from fishing grounds, meaning we will have two products there,” he said, adding that the national park has much to offer in flora and fauna.

We have to promote angling together with our rich biodiversity, he said.

“I have been working together with Sarawak Forestry in charge of national parks to sell a package that includes the national park as well as angling.”

Also present at the dinner were Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Hamzah, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang, Kuching City South Mayor James Chan, SBC commodore Dato Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki, and event organising chairman Vincent Then.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Angling will be promoted to attract visitors during Visit Sarawak Year 2013

Music lovers can visit Rainforest World Music Festival for an enchanting experience

2012-05-23T18:29:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Thousands of music lovers travel across the globe to Sarawak every year in mid July to attend a unique world music festival.

It is like an annual pilgrimage for these music lovers who come to attend the Rainforest World Music Festival, which has been voted by Songlines, a renowned world music magazine for three consecutive years as the top 25 international festivals.

“This annual event, now in its 15th year, is organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board and is a 3-day celebration of daytime music workshops and action-packed nightly shows. The event this year will be held from July 13 to 15,” said a statement issued by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).

Under the imposing shadow of Mount Santubong, and in the midst of a virgin rainforest at the edge of the South China Sea, the Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together on the stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interior of the mythical island of Borneo.

The kinship and spirit among music makers and music lovers alike as they celebrate one another in the cradle of Mother Nature is unique to the green haven where thousand-year-old trees reign.

The three-day event, beginning at 2pm everyday features workshops that allow festival-goers to interact with the musicians and experience the music and dance of the different cultures up close.

The nights consist of five-hour concerts that take place on a main stage and smaller ‘Tree Stage’ that carries on past midnight.

Night-time concerts are held on a stage built by the lake, under the open sky and in an informal ambiance, where visitors can sit on the grass lawns and dance to entrancing world beats.

The festival culminates in a huge finale on the final night, where all performers are invited to play onstage as one.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Music lovers can visit Rainforest World Music Festival for an enchanting experience

Sarawak records highest number of visitor arrivals last year

2012-05-23T18:26:00.000+08:00

SARAWAK recorded 3,795,373 visitor arrivals last year, an increase of 16 per cent as compared to the 3.27 million recorded in 2010.

“This figure was the highest figure ever achieved by the state so far,” said Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here yesterday.

According to him, 62 per cent (2,343, 236) were international and 38 per cent (1,452,137) were domestic visitors from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah with estimated revenue generated from tourism last year at RM7.1 billion thus contributing 13.5 per cent towards the state’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“In the first quarter of this year, total visitor arrivals to Sarawak maintain a positive growth of 16 per cent recording 998,557 visitor arrivals. Of this, 66.3 per cent were foreigners and 33.7 per cent were domestic.

“The top ten visitor arrivals by countries and regions to Sarawak in the first quarter of this year were Brunei (448,809; 44.9 per cent), Peninsular Malaysia (193,359; 19.4 per cent), Sabah (143,513; 14.4 per cent), Indonesia (99,604; 10 per cent), Philippines (26,294; 2.6 per cent), Singapore (12,588; 1.3 per cent), China (9,876; 1 per cent), Thailand (8,644, 0.9 per cent), United Kingdom (7,800; 0.8 per cent) and India (7,546; 0.8 per cent),” Abang Johari revealed.

Continue reading at: Sarawak records highest number of visitor arrivals last year

RM37.1m for Sarawak tourism projects

2012-05-22T18:21:00.001+08:00

KUCHING: Under the 1st Rolling Plan (2011-2012) of the 10th Malaysia Plan, the federal government through the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia has allocated RM37.1 million for the implementation of 50 approved tourism projects in Sarawak.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said to date, 14 projects had been completed, 14 other projects had been awarded to contractors and 22 projects were still at the stage of procurement process (inviting tender and quotation) and most of the 50 projects were expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

"My Ministry is also coordinating and reviewing tourism project proposals which are to be considered under the 3rd rolling plan of the 10th Malaysia Plan worth RM153 million," he said in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, here today.

He said among the projects were Bakam Point-Miri, Bekenu Riverfront-Miri, Miri Tourism Corridor, Heritage Trail Kuching, Botanical Garden-Petra Jaya, Sarawak Museum, Digital Billboards-Kuching and Maritime Museum.

Johari said his ministry was looking forward to the completion of the jetty at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) to provide unique transportation experience for tourists to BCCK via the river taxi.

"This initiative gives BCCK the competitive edge amongst other worldwide convention competitors. This project is expected to be completed by the end of this year," he said.

Talking on the Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE), Johari said there was growing awareness, particularly amongst developing nations, that business events such as association conferences were an essential ingredient in the economic strategy of a destination.

Continue reading at: RM37.1m for Sarawak tourism projects

Lawas Fest a cultural showcase

2012-05-22T18:19:00.000+08:00

LAWAS: Lawas Fest 2012 from May 25-28 will showcase the cultural heritage attraction in the district with the main stage reflecting Brunei Malay architecture and Lawas history.

The carnival themed ‘Rumah Basar Masyarakat Melayu Brunei’ aims to share the heritage and history of Lawas and Brunei Bay.

A brainchild of Awang Damit Ali Hasan, it would incorporate elements of the traditional ‘bagong’, a boat used to transport people and trading goods in the old days.

Kerosene and pressure lamps would light the backdrop of the stage depicting a scene from the Brunei Malay Sultanate of old.

Across the river, 3,000 participants from Tuaran (Sabah), Brunei Armed Forces, Brunei Youth Council, Pusaka, Landa, Citra Alti, Bekenu and local Lawas contingents would watch the opening ceremony by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

RTM Sarawak will join in the celebration with its Marketing Expo Roadshow and Gegar Olimpik programme at Lawas Public Town Square.

The main attraction will be Lawas Regatta, expected to be most exciting this time round as some competitors have many titles under their belts.

Pesta Lawas will also feature the popular Lawas Kitchen, Komuniti 1Malaysia bazaar.

Among the entertainers heading for Lawas are Hafiz, Jac Victor, Mas Idayu, Jimmy Palikat, Daniel Lee, Estrange, Bunk Face, Saiful Apek, Herman Tino and Daus.

On the night of May 26, Lawas Town would be awash with people and colour from the floats of 21 contingents and lantern procession by another 25 contingents.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Lawas Fest a cultural showcase

Brunei's Adau Gayo celebration has huge tourism potential

2012-05-21T19:32:00.000+08:00

By Sim Y H

With the country's rich heritage, Brunei Darussalam's cultural gatherings can potentially be turned into a product investment focussed on attracting tourists into the country.

One of the biggest local celebrations among the Dusun community, the Adau Gayo, suggested Special Duties Senior Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs Awang Metussin bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba, could be made into a significant yearly gathering in the country's calendar such as what is currently being practised by our neighbouring country where the Dusun community plays an integral role in enriching society's history.

The senior government officer explained that with proper management, organisation and fixed scheduling, the once-a-year event that takes place in the month of May to give thanks for the harvest season, can be transformed into an important event highly anticipated by the general population.

"We have an agency that can help in promoting these events should we decide to include it in the tourism calendar," he said in his speech during the opening of the Adau Gayo celebration in Kampong Bukit, Tutong, yesterday.

To achieve this ambition, Awang Metussin also highlighted that a bigger venue should be provided to accommodate a bigger crowd and, instead of carrying out the celebrations in different groups, organisers should consider having one major and all encompassing gathering with cooperation from the entire Dusun community.

"With the existence of such teamwork, we will be able to witness unity and understanding in the Dusun community that we wish to see whilst at the same time uplift our society's culture."

Confident that a bigger celebration would further strengthen relations among the Dusuns, the uniqueness of the culture, its tradition and way of life will be an attraction in itself and that its identity should be preserved and its heritage should be handed down to future generations to ensure its survival in a globalising world.

"In Brunei, the Adau Gayo celebration is observed by the Dusun community and many of them are in the Tutong District. This celebration is indicative that Adau Gayo does indeed belong to the Dusuns," he said.

"Therefore, it is a Dusun identity and as a community, Dusuns should be proud as each community is valued by the way its members are dressed, by their language and by their practice.

"We do not need to copy, need not follow and need not seek a new culture for our society because we already have one ... therefore, defend it, bequeath it to your children and grandchildren because the Dusun community is a community that is recognised as one of Brunei Darussalam's tribal identities," he added.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Group to conquer Mount Kinabalu again to raise Duchenne awareness

2012-05-21T19:30:00.002+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: A group of climbers committed towards raising awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy will be back in Sabah this year to conquer Mount Kinabalu for the second time.

Building on the success of their climb in 2011, Coalition Duchenne will bring over 60 international climbers to scale the country’s highest mountain on Aug 25 to raise global awareness on the disease.

The coalition’s founder Catherine Jayasuriya, whose 19-year-old son Dusty Brandom is afflicted with Duchenne, will once again lead the climb.

At the summit of the 4,095m high mountain, the team will raise the Coalition Duchenne flag in honour of the hundreds of thousands of boys and young men worldwide who have the disease, Jayasuriya said.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive muscle wasting disease and is the most common fatal disease that affects children. Duchenne occurs one in 3,500 male births.

“A total of 20,000 boys are born each year with Duchenne, more than 50 each day. Most only live into their 20s. We lose many in their teens,” she said.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Group to conquer Mount Kinabalu again to raise Duchenne awareness

Borneo Jazz Festival - An enchanting fusion of music and adventure

2012-05-20T18:29:00.000+08:00

The event was an exceptionally rich musical spectacle not to be missed

Alif aka Chief from Brunei amongst the thousands enjoying the performances

Nita Aartsen, described as the 'rising star' of Classical and Jazz in Indonesia

Special performance by a local ethnic group at the Borneo Jazz Festival 201

Magnificent drum solo by the 'New Cool Collective' band

Mr Saxman performing at the event

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Sarawak Tourism Board

By Aziz Idris in Miri, Sarawak

The Borneo Jazz Festival, now in its 7th edition, has undergone a certain amount of re-branding in an effort to promote its growing stature as one of the leading jazz festivals in the region.

What hasn't changed from previous years is the variety of music on the programme - jazz and it's many splinter genres and blues were performed by veterans from across the globe.

The musical extravagant offers a little of everything, and a capella jingles, groovy fusion jazz, some South African and Latin rhythms completed a diverse and mostly engaging set of performers.

In 2011, the event attracted some 7,811 festivalgoers with 3,668 coming on the first night and 4,143 on the second night. An estimated 20 per cent were foreigners.

Borneo (or Miri to be exact) is a unique setting as it is an unlikely one for a jazz festival. "There's no other place like it on earth," says Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development and Minister of Tourism.

"The aim is clear, we hope the Borneo Jazz will become an iconic jazz festival in the region, just as the Rainforest Music festival in Sarawak is," he told the international media during a press conference.

He told the Sunday Bulletin that a "substantial number" of audiences are from Brunei (locals and expatriates). The Sarawak Tourism Board is working closely with the Brunei Tourism Board in creating attractive packages not only for the Borneo Jazz but also other events.

The minister believes that with strong "team spirit" between both nations, it will benefit them in promoting both countries as well as Borneo as a whole.

The Borneo Jazz got underway on Thursday (May 10) at ParkCity Everly Hotel with an opening ceremony by the minister. Dozens of local performers from rich ethnics groups beautifully attired provided colourful greetings while traditional musicians performed the 'sape' (a long -bodied string instrument).

The opening band of the festival programme (May 11) to take stage was FVE Project, a local band who ran through an enthusiastic set of jazzy numbers as well as their own jazz rendition of popular nursery rhythms. Miri-born Dean Sim of the FVE Project gave an electrifying performance for his home crowd and family members.

Next up was Nita Aartsen from Indonesia who has been described as the 'rising star' of Classical and Jazz music in the country. She wooed the crowd with her own indomitable style that turned from a sombre-like-classical into a feet-tapping, hip-swaying Latino music with a generous helping of Jazz. At one point it looked as if Nita was smashing her piano to smithereens with her energetic style but her performance was simply phenomenal.

The night breeze from the nearby beach was a perfect setting for jaw dropping performance by 'The Slixs', a German a capella group, comprising six vocals virtuosos which make a band. Slixs brought audiences to their feet, dancing, swaying and some even tried to mimic their sounds. They also performed classic hits from The Beatles, the 'boogie' sounds of the 70's and R&B hits from the 90's including Waterfalls by TLC.

The first night closed with an eight-piece band from the Netherlands called 'New Cool Collective'. They brought their own 'hipper-than hip' jazz sounds to the concert with band members playing different instruments from saxophones to drums, guitars to percussions and piano to bass.

Looking smart with a 'clean cut' appearance, the band wooed the ladies playing their own original music which was fast-paced Jazzy beats and a little intermission in the middle that makes a remarkable build-up towards the end of their set. It was equally entertaining to watch the New Cool Collective band and crowds shouted for an encore performance, which they did with style.

The second night (May 12) opened with a Singapore based band called the 'Tropic Green'. The band is made up of musicians from the UK, USA and Japan, which brings a lot of different influenced jazz sound into the band.

Playing all original materials, Tropic Green sounds were captivating, intriguing amalgam of fresh ideas and jazz performances, which credits Susan Harmer, the Singaporean-born composer and main musician.

Tangora's compositions are characterised by dynamic, propulsive rhythms, orchestral passage with an inherent melodicism, and impassioned soloing. The three-pronged front line bass guitar, piano and strong vocals introduced the melody in most of the numbers, sounding as one voice. Her sumptuous vocals, singing in Spanish, French, Portuguese and a mixture of free flowing lyricism stirred the crowd. She shared the stage with her accomplices and brilliant musicians filled the night air and breezy Saturday night.

Another musician that made a remarkable effect at the Borneo Jazz was Mr Sekpol Unsamran, more famously and affectionately known as Mr Saxman. Born and raised in Thailand, Mr Saxman was joined by the Takeshi Band who played groovy and charming jazz tune. A slower number by Mr Saxman, provided another example of emotive content overriding shows of techniques with his two decades performing on stage.

Next up was Schalk Joubert's Three Continents Sextet, which is an ensemble, made up of seven new generation jazz musicians. Playing on bass was Schalk Joubert himself accompanied by the trombone, Karin Hammar from Stockholm. His percussionist Rich Armstrong hailing from the San Francisco has 'blues' roots that gave an unbelievably diverse sound performance.

Other musicians in the band include Kevin Gibson from Florida, Shannon Mowday from Oslo, Melissa Van der Spy from Holland and Hildegunn Oiseth from Norway. Although the band members hail from around the world speaking different languages, music has brought them together and provided a definite highlight of the festival.

The lush grounds of the ParkCity Everly Hotel by the sea, and spectacular sunsets seared the sky a myriad of colours each evening. One of the many Bruneians who came to see the festival for the first time was Alif aka Chief who commented that it was a relief to attend a live Jazz concert in close proximity from Brunei. "It was a great show. I had fun and definitely coming back next year."

Another Bruneian Jazz fan Fina, brought her colleagues from Norway and Venezuela along to see the concert for two-consecutive nights. "Listening to Jazz music from musicians around the world at one venue is definitely a great experience."

For Marcus and Wafiy from Brunei who came during the second night, said that the festival was amazingly fun especially seeing how the musicians played their instruments with techniques they have never seen before.

To end the festival, all the musicians literally crammed on stage for a twenty-minute jam session and put the seal to the Borneo Jazz 2012. It was an electrifying ending to a remarkable edition of the festival of enchanting fusion of music and adventure.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

Gawai a tourism gem

2012-05-20T18:26:00.000+08:00

SANTUBONG: The ‘Special Gawai Package’ is expected to put Sarawak on the world map and further stir up some growth in the local tourism industry.

Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the package, which will be available now until June 31, promised an invaluable experience for tourists.

“This is an important event because it is the platform of fostering good relationship and harmony between our multiracial people. In addition, it allows people to experience celebrating Gawai.

“This is also a wonderful attraction for visitors to Sarawak and I’m confident that we can be a popular stop for tourists,” he said at the welcoming ceremony for the first group of Gawai revellers who took part in the package at Sarawak Cultural Village on Friday.

Also present were his wife Datin Amar Ju’maini Tun Bujang, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board state director Ahmad Johanif, SCV general manager Jane Lian Labang, and Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip.

The package consists of various exciting Gawai activities such as miring, lemambang ceremony, ngiling tikai, ngetas pun renyai, traditional cooking and ngabang (house to house visiting).

The Gawai activities will also be complemented with music and cultural dances from the Bumiputera and other ethnic groups in Sarawak.

“This incentive is good because it allows people to stay over at SCV for a few days. The price is reasonable and the experience will be something very valuable.”

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Gawai a tourism gem

Dayaks to converge in Kuching in June for special Gawai

2012-05-20T18:21:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Dayaks from all over Borneo will be in Kuching for a special Gawai Dayak event organised by Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) on June 16.

The event will kick off with the inaugural Dayak International Golf Competition at Sarawak Club Golf Resort near here.

Around 120 golfers comprising Dayaks from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan are expected to participate as they vie for the SDNU President’s Challenge Trophy.

In the evening, there will be a dinner hosted by SDNU where the prize presentation will be held. The tentative venue is the Ecumenical Centre at Jalan Stampin here.

SDNU publicity officer Ganchai Jinta said the dinner will also double up as an installation ceremony for the newly elected SDNU office-bearers.

He revealed that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dato Sri Douglas Uggah, who is also Betong MP, has been invited as guest-of-honour for the dinner.

Continue reading at: Dayaks to converge in Kuching in June for special Gawai

Plans afoot to turn Bako Bay into a must-visit place

2012-05-19T18:33:00.000+08:00

THE Sarawak Tourism Ministry has short and long-term plans in place to enhance tourism visitation and experience for the Bako Bay area.

Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip said among the short-term plans were incorporating the introduction, understanding and conservation of crocodiles, which are ready for tourism stakeholders to package and market.

“Boat cruising in the Bako Bay will highlight wildlife watch for crocodiles, dolphins, fireflies and proboscis monkeys,” he told Dr Hazland Hipni (PBB-Demak Laut) during question-and-answer time yesterday.

Talib said Bako Bay had been identified as part of the East-Asian-Australian Flyway for migratory shore birds.

“Proposal has been submitted to the government to construct observatory towers and hide facilities for bird enthusiasts.

“The ministry is also encouraging more homestay participation from villagers in the area.”

Continue reading at: Plans afoot to turn Bako Bay into a must-visit place

Boosting Sarawak tourism

2012-05-18T15:36:00.000+08:00

THERE are those who argue that it is not the government's business to be in business. Malaysia, like many other countries in the region, dared to defy such orthodoxy and can claim that its remarkable achievements in the last several decades had been precisely because of economic activism on the part of government.

In the case of Sarawak, government involvement in the economy has been at best a mixed blessing.

In aiding industrialisation, government-led investments -- such as in cement manufacturing -- have proven to be inspired. But for each successful foray, the government also chalked up failures.

One area where the state government has invested much (hundreds of millions of ringgit, primarily in hotels) but not reaped much success is in tourism. Many reasons have been given for the relative lack of success in Sarawak (as compared with Sabah, for instance) but a haphazard approach on the part of the government towards tourism promotion needs to share the blame.

Out of exasperation, perhaps over a perceived lack of direct air access into the state from major points where tourists originate, the state is in the process of taking over MASwings (which is supposed to be Malaysia Airlines' outfit to serve the government's rural air services into remote localities in Sarawak and Sabah).

Already, the airline has taken on some routes between the two states and points in Kalimantan, as well as to Brunei. But except for the already well-plied route between Kuching and the West Kalimantan capital of Pontianak, the long-term sustainability of other routes within Borneo remains a huge question mark.

MASwings is talking about linking up to such cities as Balikpapan and Manado in Indonesia and Davao in the Philippines. But these same cities had been served by MAS before and quickly abandoned. It cannot be that MASwings knows something about these routes that its mother airline did not already know.

Where the state government had been largely absent, such as in the increasingly bright spot of medical tourism, things have actually moved by leaps and bounds.

The three existing private hospitals in Kuching are doing so well that all have either expanded or are expanding. Another major hospital will soon open and all are targeting the lucrative clientele from just across the border in West Kalimantan, aside from the local clientele, of course.

The state government may think it can aid these hospitals by soon opening air services to the booming oil hub of Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. It may well be mistaken. The Indonesian customer base of Kuching private hospitals is the Chinese business community that forms much of the middle class in West Kalimantan.

The monied class in Balikpapan is the expatriate community serving the oil and gas sector. This class of potential clients very likely already have their medical packages with Singapore hospitals written into their employment contracts.

If the state government really wants to help the medical tourism industry in the state, it will be well advised to give priority to having MASwings ply directly between Kuching and Jakarta, now only served via a Pontianak stopover.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Boosting Sarawak tourism

Harvest Festival Unduk Ngadau Gala Nite 2012 on May 29 at Hongkod Koisaan

2012-05-18T15:26:00.005+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The Sodop Unduk Ngadau 2012 (Harvest Festival Queen Gala Nite) on May 29 will not only parade all the contestants for the State Unduk Ngadau title but to also raise funds for the Sabah Society for the Blind.

Organising Chairman of the state level Unduk Ngadau competition, Puan Jornah Mozihim, said all the proceeds from the sale of 2,000 gallery tickets would be donated to the association.

“Besides the gallery tickets, we are also making available 71 tables priced at RM5,000, RM3,000, RM2,000 and RM1,000. However, as of now all the RM1,000 tables have been sold out.

“The Sodop Unduk Ngadau 2012 will begin at 7 pm at the Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang and the Deputy Chief Minister who is also the Chairman of the Central Committee for the Kaamatan Festival Celebration, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, is expected to grace the occasion,” she said.

She disclosed this at a press conference held at Le Meridien, here, on Wednesday night. Also present were the Director of Sabah Museum, Puan Joanna Kitingan, former State Unduk Ngadau 2011 Bo Tiza Disimon and committee members State Unduk Ngadau organising committee.

Jornah said, on the night two other subsidiary titles; Tati Topiod (Miss Natural Beauty) and Tati Tosuau (Miss Friendly) will be presented by Puan Sri Genevieve Kitingan.

“We also invited several artists to provide entertainment during the Sodop Unduk Ngadau 2012 besides drawing of lucky tickets,” she said.

In respect of the contestants for the State Unduk Ngadau competition, Jornah said the deadline for submission of entries is on May 24 at the Unduk Ngadau Office in Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, Penampang.

”The closing date for receipt of entries from the district, sub district, district councils is on May 24 before 5 pm. Late entries will not be entertained,” she said.

She expects about 41 contestants representing all districts and sub-districts across the state to be competing for the Unduk Ngadau 2012 title as it is the main highlight of the Kaamatan Festival celebration at the state level.

Continue reading at: Harvest Festival Unduk Ngadau Gala Nite 2012 on May 29 at Hongkod Koisaan

MASwings offers promotional fares to celebrate harvest festivals

2012-05-18T15:22:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Fancy a quick break and getaway this coming Harvest Festival?

MASwings has the attractions.

MASwings announced its latest Borneo Harvest Festival Specials offering promotional fares today in celebration of forthcoming Tadau Kaamatan in Sabah and Gawai Festival in Sarawak.

This offer will kick off on May 18 and will be available until May 31, valid for travel from May 20 to Dec 13 this year.

Customers will be able to purchase one-way fares from as low as RM49 from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Labuan, RM59 to Bintulu, Mulu, Tawau and Miri and RM69 to Kuching and Sibu.

Those travelling from Miri would also be enjoying fares from as low as RM29 to Limbang, RM39 to Bintulu, Mulu and Labuan as well as RM49 to Sibu.

Similar low fares are also available from Kuching from as low as RM49 to Sibu and Bintulu and RM59 to Miri and Mulu.

As part of MASwings continuous effort to promote its newly introduced BIMP-EAGA routes, international promotional fares are also available, starting from as low as RM39 one way to Brunei from Kota Kinabalu as well as from Tawau to Sandakan, RM69 from Kuching to Pontianak and RM99 from Kuching to Brunei.

Borneo Harvest Festival Specials is a 2 days’ advance purchase offer available online at www.maswings.com.my.

Alternatively, the fares are also available through MASwings / Malaysia Airlines ticket offices, via Call Centre at 1300 88 3000 and appointed travel agents within Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

Continue reading at: MASwings offers promotional fares to celebrate harvest festivals

Grand Palace Hotel celebrates 17th anniversary of Sarawakian hospitality

2012-05-18T15:19:00.000+08:00

MIRI: When it comes to a comfortable stay at affordable rates, Grand Palace Hotel, a name synonymous with luxury and quality, simply offers the best value for money.

Since its establishment in 1995, travellers have found excitement, tranquillity, comfort and culinary delights as part of the many experiences that make Grand Palace exceptional and have shaped the hotel for the past 17 years.

Grand Palace is an elegant four-star business hotel located just 2km from the city centre in the heart of Pelita Commercial Centre.

Its 125 elegantly decorated rooms and suites are further enhanced with exclusive amenities designed for both local and foreign travellers for business or leisure.

The Western Palace Restaurant is cozy and intimate acknowledged by the cosmopolitan community of Miri as one that serves the best steaks in the city.

The restaurant also serves a wide variety of continental and oriental cuisine, complimented by soothing piano recital by its resident pianist.

Savour the dishes at Han Palace Restaurant, where authentic Cantonese cuisine is served for lunch and dinner, or indulge in daily offerings of delectable Hong Kong dim sum.

Complimentary for in-house guests are the poolside on the second floor, well-equipped gymnasium for a good workout, and the steam bath, sauna and spa pool facilities.

Banquet and catering services are available for private and corporate functions, weddings, birthday dinners, seminars, conferences, and all other celebrations.

This year Grand Palace is having its 17th anniversary room promotion from April 1 to June 30, where a room with breakfast for two is going for RM198, or RM170 without breakfast.

Continue reading at: Grand Palace Hotel celebrates 17th anniversary of Sarawakian hospitality

Reach for the sky at 2012 Borneo International Kite Festival

2012-05-17T19:06:00.000+08:00

BINTULU: The 8th Borneo International Kite Festival in Bintulu, Sarawak, will once again showcase kites of all sizes, shapes and colours from Sept 26-30 this year.

Flying majestically and gracefully, these art pieces in the sky are marvellous to behold.

Yes, enthusiasts and kite experts will offer spectators the opportunity to fly their kites with the help of instructions and tips.

To experience these thrilling sessions, drop by at the old Bintulu Airport which is in the middle of the fast developing town during the last weekend of September to get a feel of these kites.

From multi-section butterflies to stunt kites, their touch and feel is astounding and challenging to those new to the sport.

In the hands of professional kite handlers, the kites seem able to do almost anything – turning, dropping straight down, shooting right up or dancing in the air.

If standing under the sunny sky is not your thing, then stand in the shade to enjoy the spectacle of these flying beauties.

When the show is over, you can pick your way to the kite workshop for an understanding of how these kites are made, assembled and manipulated.

‘Wau’ or kite workshops will be held while a stunt kite clinic should prove interesting.

Continue reading at: Reach for the sky at 2012 Borneo International Kite Festival

Award winning Malaysian Rainforest World Music Festival returns to Borneo

2012-05-17T18:59:00.000+08:00

The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is one of the world's most popular music festivals, and this year record numbers are anticipated to descend on Kuching, Sarawak to attend.

The RWMF, now in its 15th year, was named for the third consecutive year as one of the top 25 Best International Festivals by British world music magazine Songlines.

The three day annual festival will take place from 13-15 July, bringing world renowned musicians and local indigenous musicians together in the heart of Kuching’s rainforest.

The event features afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, but the highlight of the event is the evening performances by local and international acts on the main stage.

The event at the Sarawak Cultural Village will feature one of the island's own, Zee Avi. Having returned from touring at South by Southwest, Outside Lands, and Bonnaroo, the twenty-five year old recently picked up an International Youth Icon Award.

In addition to Malaysian artists, the festival also attracts top world music performers from Korea, Turkey, Taiwan, West Africa, Congo, Mongolia, Palestine, the Brazilian Amazon, France, Spain, Scandinavia, Czech Republic, Reunion Island, and more.

Continue reading at: Award winning Malaysian Rainforest World Music Festival returns to Borneo