Saturday, July 16, 2005

Tourism beauties charm Sarawak crocs


KUCHING - Participants of the Miss Tourism International beauty pageant hosted by Sarawak turned on the charm as they visited several tourist hotspots here this week.

The famous Jong Crocodile Farm was one of the stops for the 33 contestants, who included beauties from Malaysia, Vietnam, Slovakia, Brazil, USA, South Africa, Russia, Singapore, China, Indonesia, Latvia, Pakistan, Kenya, Cambodia and Australia.

Grabbing the limelight were Miss Slovakia, Judit Karajko; Miss Indonesia, Rizka Maqfira Djufr; Miss USA, Anna Christine Ward; Miss South Africa, Jessica Martha Paulssen and Miss Venezuela, Noda Ponce Jhohanna Sabrina who bravely held a baby crocodile as they posed for photographers at the crocodile farm.

The crocodile is revered in local folklore and the animal is closely associated with the Malaysian state. Even the Sarawak football team is popularly referred to as the "Crocs" by Sarawakians.

The girls also had a closer look at Sarawak traditional attire during a trip to Sarakraf. Miss Pakistan, Uzma Ilyas; Miss Kenya, Rachel Maremarete, Miss Latvia, Kristina Djadenko and Miss Cambodia, Chea Kimny, looked radiant as they donned the traditional dresses of the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu at Sarakraf.

The beauty contestants also visited the popular seaside Sarawak Cultural Village, a "living museum" where staff dressed in traditional costumes showcase the culture and traditional life of Sarawak's various ethnic groups with the majestic Mount Santubong providing a breathtaking backdrop.

The participants are in the Sarawak capital for two weeks before they head to Miri where the finale will be held on July 23rd at the Miri Indoor Stadium.

Courtesy of: Borneo Bulletin Weekend

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