Vast business potentials for eco-tourism in Brunei

By Azaraimy HH

Singapore's vast appetites for eco-travels and cultural tours, especially in the growing educational trips, open up great potential for Brunei's vast green jewel, voiced Singaporean companies on their optimism during a Brunei-Singapore business matching at the International Halal Product Expo in the International Convention Centre yesterday.

Companies like JMA Consulting Group Pte Ltd said nature-touring is gaining popularity among primary and secondary schools in Singapore, and due to the pristine condition of Brunei's forest reserve, coupled with the ambition for a full fledge eco-tourism industry, especially with the Heart of Borneo initiatives, Brunei can easily, if tap, become a ready destination for nature-based educational tours.

JMA Consulting chief executive officer, Sharifah Maznah Syed Omar, said after learning the potential of Brunei's eco-tourism, the company is in the process of networking and identifying potential tour operators as partners.

At the business matching, Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Hj Hamdilah Hj Abdul Wahab, said being very close neighbours, Singaporeans know the conditions here and what Brunei can offer as potential business and investment partners.

"We have sustainably been conserving our pristine tropical forests, which covers around 75 per cent of our total area today, through a capped production and cut one-plant policy.

"And through territorial initiative of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, Brunei will be allocating 58 per cent of our land area to the Heart of Borneo, commercialising the value of the forest by developing and promoting eco-tourism in the short-term, undertaking research and development of microbes and micro-organisms with NITE of Japan plus other interested parties, and harnessing of our bio-diversity as we become a signatory to the Convention to Biodiversity starting this year."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

1Borneo Rainforest - A rainforest in concrete jungle

KOTA KINABALU: A unique experience awaits visitors at Sabah’s latest shopping destination, the massive 1Borneo mall.

Located 10km from downtown Kota Kinabalu, 1Borneo is fast becoming a shoppers haven where everything from designer fashion to daily groceries is available.

But a spot within the mall is gaining much attention, especially from first-time tourists.

Amid the glitzy façades of retail premises, this spot stands out due to its natural look with creepers and plants adorning a rocky wall, as if the mall was built around a primeval cave.

This is the 1Borneo Rainforest, an exceptional cultural centre spread out over an area the size of three basketball courts that promises to delight the five senses with the best Sabah and South-East Asia has to offer.

Visitors passing through the “cave” entrance are greeted by a warrior of the Rungus community with the melodious sounds of kulingtangan or mini gongs in the background.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: 1Borneo Rainforest - A rainforest in concrete jungle

Use culture tourism to fulfil vision of Baram

MIRI: Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok is banking on the unique culture and tradition of the Orang Ulu to fulfil part of the state’s ‘one industry one division’ vision.

He said the huge Baram district has the potential to attract the world’s attention by way of tourism based on the unique culture of its people.

The asset of the people, according to him, is their colourful culture which, if promoted and marketed outside the country, could attract a certain type of tourists.

Consequently, he believed that the people could participate in the industry and benefit from it.

To him this would be a commonsensical alternative to planting oil palm despite the extremely attractive price of the commodity.

The way he looked at it, his people “cannot possibly take part” in opening oil palm plantations because the undertaking required big capital and high expertise.

Continue reading at: Use culture tourism to fulfil vision of Baram

Nothing can beat the celebration of world music at the incredible Sarawak Cultural Village

THE 11th Rainforest World Music Festival got off to a wet start but that did not dampen the spirits of thousands of music lovers who converged at Sarawak Cultural Village for the event.

According to the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), a record turnout of more than 7,000 people went through the gates on the first evening.

“In fact, it was the best Friday in 11 years – 7,219 (people),” said STB chief executive Gracie Geikie.

Among the crowd were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, who were making their first visit to the festival.

Altogether, some 22,500 people attended the festival over three days to enjoy music from around the world.

First-time visitor Charles Cadell from England said the festival was “fabulous”.

“It’s got a collection of music from all over the world that I haven’t seen before at any other festival.

“And it’s got great atmosphere, very relaxed and of course very friendly. So it’s brilliant. It’s got everything,” he said, adding that he would be back next year.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Nothing can beat the celebration of world music at the incredible Sarawak Cultural Village

5,000 to attend Gambus Festival in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The ninth state-level Gambus Festival to be held at the Sipitang Community Hall from tomorrow is expected to be attended by about 5,000 people.

The annual programme, which will gather more than 200 traditional musicians, is organised by the Sabah Brunei Community Association (PMBS) with the cooperation of Sabah Tourism Board (STB).

PMBS publicity committee member Saat Awang Damit, when met yesterday, said the festival would feature four competitions — adult ‘gulintangan’, youth ‘gulintangan’, group ‘gambus’ and solo ‘gambus’.

Seven teams will compete in the competition, including six representing Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Bongawan, Membakut, Beaufort and Sipitang, while Sandakan qualified automatically.

“There will be stiff competition from the Kpg Benoni team representing Papar to retain their Gambus category title and the defending Gulintangan champion team from Kpg Kalansanan (representing Kota Kinabalu),” he said.

Continue reading at: 5,000 to attend Gambus Festival in Sabah

Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival - When jungle beat meets folk songs

One of the four local bands which entertained the crowds

A foreign band at the show

Large crowds packed the venue

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Hj Ahmed Shaheeb and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd

By Hj Ahmed Shaheeb

More than 18,000 tickets to the three nightly concerts of the 11th Rainforest World Music Festival, which kicked off on July 11, 2008 at the Sarawak Cultural Village were snapped up well in advance.

Six delegates from Brunei Darussalam together with the writer, Rafidah Jumat from Media Permata, Rano Iskandar of Ranoadidas.com, a popular social web site in the Sultanate, Luk Boon Hwa from Century Travel Centre Sdn Bhd, Chia Choi Nyuk Betty from Pan Bright Travel Service and Efarina Abang Haji Osman, Liaison Officer from TM Brunei were sent to the Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival 2008 on July 11-13, 2008 at the Sawarak Cultural Village in Santubong, a 45-minute drive from the state's capital, Kuching.

Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and presented by Celcom, the award-winning festival is one of Malaysia's best known events. It is a unique festival that brings together on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of Borneo.

Entering its 11th year, the Sarawak Rainforest Music Festival has evolved into a must-attend music festival. With 16 groups of local and foreign musicians performing this year, festival-goers can expect various genres of world beat ranging from celtic fusion, socca, folk, baul, fusion and traditional.

The festival site also had a variety of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area as well as a counter for festival memorabilia, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artistes, all this contributing to a fun filled, wholesome festival experience.

The event had a country fair atmosphere in the midst of lush greenery.

The performers hailed from all corners of the world such as New Rope String Band (United Kingdom), Yakande (Gambia/Guinea), Pinikpikan (the Phillipines), Adel Salameh (Palestine), Ross Daly Quartet (Greece), Fadomorse (Portugal), Kasai Masai (Congo), Hiroshi Motofuji (Japan), Cholo Valderamma (Columbia), Oikyataan (India), Beltaine (Poland), Sheldon Blackman and the Love Circle (Trinidad and Tobago).

Malaysia was represented by four bands comprising Anak Jati Bisaya Orchestra, Kan'id, Senida and Tuku Kame. Senida and Tuku Kame are the resident bands and performers of the Sarawak Cultural Village.

The festival maintained its formula of afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening perfomances on the main stage.

However, two fringe events - the Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) 2008 and Folk Art Forum (FAF) - had been included to add more excitement to the festival.The RWCB was held on July 9-15, while the FAF was on July 9 and10.

Each daily ticket was priced at RM90 for an adult and RM45 for children aged between three and 12 years old. For a three-day pass, tickets were priced at $250 for an adult and RM100 for children aged between three and 12 years old. Tickets were made available online at www.ticketcharge.com.my and at the Visitor Information Centre in Kuching.

The Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival wass supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia and the Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism, Sawarak. It is also the winner of the Heritage and Culture PATA Gold Awards 2006. Also attending the opening of the event's 11th edition was Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. His presence created history as he was the first prime minister to attend the festival.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Baram Regatta 2008 - Sape goes global

MIRI: The Baram Regatta 2008 will take on an international flavour for the first time in its century-old history.

The event will feature sape players from England, Kalimantan in Indonesia, Brunei and local Chinese and Malays who have become experts in playing this Orang Ulu guitar-like musical instrument.

The Baram Regatta, as the name implies, will be held along the mighty Baram River in the interior town of Marudi, 200km inland from Miri, on Aug 16 and 17.

This historical event marks a peace accord reached by warring Orang Ulu tribes in 1899 that ended the ancient practice of head hunting.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Baram Regatta 2008 - Sape goes global

Sabah should use its rich culture to lure tourists

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s rich multi-ethnic cultures should be fully exploited to lure tourists, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

He said Sabah, with its 32 ethnic races speaking 50 dialects, could draw foreign tourists keen on seeing the traditions and cultures of the people in Borneo.

Noting that Bali first promoted its Balinese culture to lure tourists before selling their beaches, Masidi said Sabah's varied ethnic groups would definitely appeal to tourists.

“For this purpose, we are teaming up with Sarawak to celebrate next year's Kaamatan and Gawai festivals together and we hope to bring in a large group of German tourists,” Masidi said when launching The Mystic of Borneo: Kadayan, a book by Amde Sidek who wrote about his ethnic Kadayan community.

Continue reading at: Sabah should use its rich culture to lure tourists

Sarawak Rainforest Music Festival enters a new decade

KUCHING: After the stirring 10th anniversary celebration last year, Rainforest World Music Festival is now ready to enter into a new decade with the promise of a better festival and more value-added experiences for audiences in coming years.

The festival, which won the Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold Award in 2006, will be held from July 11 to 13 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, a 45-minute drive from here.

With 16 local and international groups performing this year, visitors can expect a myriad of world music performances, including Celtic fusion, Socca, folk, Baul fusion and traditional.

The three-day festival will feature the Ross Daly Quartet from Greece, Kasai Masai (Congo/UK), Hiroshi Motofuji (Japan), Oikyataan (India), Cholo Valderamma (Colombia), New Rope String Band (UK), Yakande (Gambia/Guinea), Pinikpikan (Philippines), Adel Salameh (Palestine), Beltaine (Poland), Sheldon Blackman and The Love Circle (Trinidad & Tobago), Fadomorse (Portugal) and Akasha (Kuala Lumpur).

Continue reading at: Sarawak Rainforest Music Festival enters a new decade

Unique fests of Sarawak's Lun Bawang and Bisaya

LIMBANG: While the Gawai Dayak festival, which began on June 1, was held across Sarawak, two Orang Ulu ethnic groups in the northern region of the state had their own unique midyear celebration.

In Lawas, the northernmost district of the state, Lun Bawang folks had their Irau Aco (festival) from June 1 to 3.

The festivities swirled down to Batu Danau in neighbouring Limbang district where the Bisaya hosted the Babulang Festival from June 5 to 7.

The Irau Aco was a celebration marking a great harvest season in the old days, but as the Lun Bawang community moved on with time, it turned into a showcase of the rich and colourful traditions and cultural roots of this largest Orang Ulu ethnic group in northern Sarawak.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Unique fests of Sarawak's Lun Bawang and Bisaya

Exciting performances at Borneo Cultural Festival 2008 event

SIBU: Colourful and unique cultural presentations will be held at the main stage of the ‘7th Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2008’ in Sibu Town Square from July 3 to 5.

Deputy Chairman of Sibu Municipal Council, Daniel Ngieng said yesterday that after the cultural programmes at the three cultural pavilions, namely, the Malay Melanau Cultural Pavilion, Chinese Cultural Pavillion and Dayak Cultural Pavillion, ended on July 2 night, the main stage programme would kick off today with a live band performance commencing at 6.45 pm.

“It will be followed with performances by the local singers and the presentations by Kelab Muzik dan Tari Nusantara Sibu, Sri Swangsa Sibu, Ling’s Drum Team Sibu, SMK Sungei Merah Sibu, Hornland Dance Theatre Sibu, singing solo by Su Xiang Qing, Tuku Kame Kuching, Botswana Africa and finally the cultural troupe from Sindang, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia,” he added.

He was speaking to journalists after welcoming some 40 members of a cultural troupe from Sindang, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia who dropped by at the Sibu Municipal Council for a courtesy call, yesterday.

He said, the cultural troupe from Sindang, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia, headed by a Member of Parliament from Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia, Mr Tobias Ranggie was here upon the invitation by the Ministry for Urban Development and Tourism Sarawak to present their unique cultural shows at the ‘7th Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2008’.

Continue reading at: Exciting performances at Borneo Cultural Festival 2008 event

The meaning behind 'Kadazan' & 'Dusun'

Girls looking proud with their traditions

Tribal warrior

Traditional 'Kadazan' and 'Dusun' clothes

Dressed up in their finery

The longhouses

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Rahmat bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd

By Rahmat bin Haji Abdul Rahman

The recent Tadau Kaamatan 2008 celebration held at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang district and the Open House Malaysia held at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu City showed the celebration was very merry and many things told audiences and tourists about the Kadazandusun Culture.

However, some international and neighbouring communities still do not know the origins and meaning of the terms "Kadazan" and "Dusun".

There are many explanations and theories about the origins and meaning of the word 'Kadazan'. Here are the meanings and origins put forward to explain the word 'Kadazan'.

Some of the more popular explanation and meanings attributed to it where some people believed that the word came from "Kakadazan" which means 'town'. Others believed that it originated from the word 'kedai' which mean 'shop'; thus the word 'kedaian' or 'Gadaian' which supposed to mean 'people of the town'. Others believed that 'kadazan' come from 'Kedayan'. The name of an ethnic group, residing mainly in Brunei in the Temburong district, at Kampong Salambigar, Kampong Tanah Jambu, Kampong Jerudong, Kampong Katimahar, Kampong Pangkalan Batu, Kampong Junjongan, Kampong Lumapas in the Brunei and Muara District, Kampong Sinaut in the Tutong district, Papar, between the districts of Sipitang and Beaufort at Kampong Inuman and Bukit Nenas, Labuan Federal Territory and Merapok, Punang in Lawas, and at Kampong Batu Niah, Sibuti, Bekenu in Miri Sarawak. They are not usually identified as part of the 'Dusunic' people. Some believed that it was coined by certain politicians, and finally others believed that it means 'the people'.

The first explanation that the term 'Kadazan' came from 'kakadazan'. 'Kakadazan' in the Tanga'a dialect means 'town'. Did Penampang and Papar districts Kadazan really name themselves 'town'? If so, why? Presumably, part of these factors is the belief that the word 'Kadazan' was coined in the late 1950s and 1960s. To judge the merits of this explanation, historians and authors have to consider the historical background of urban development in the Penampang District. In the fifties, there were only two towns, namely Donggongon and Kasigui. Donggongon town had about 20 shops arranged in two rows on each side of the road, and Kasigui had about 10 shops build on one side of the road. Except for one shop, all the other shops in both Donggongon and Kasigui were owned by the Chinese. The Penampang Kadazan were scattered in numerous villages in the Penampang District and still are. How come these people, who never stayed in the towns, suddenly decided to call themselves after 'town'? Those who proposed these factors or views have not come up with answers.

The second explanation for the origin of the word 'Kadazan' was that it derived from the word 'Kedaian' from the Malay word 'Kedai' which means 'shop'. To consider the merits of this view, one will have to look at the same points raised above regarding the word 'kakadazans' being the source of the word 'Kadazan'. These peoples have no shops and did not live in them, yet they were supposed to have named themselves 'shops'. Why? Those who proposed this view have not come up with reasons as well.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Rich colours of Sarawak

SARAWAK put on a grand display of its rich cultural traditions at the Gawai Dayak Open House at the Indoor Stadium here recently.

Head of State Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng was joined on stage by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to launch the event by winnowing rice in traditional flat baskets.

Also present were Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal and Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

A welcoming dance to kick off the celebration was followed by a solo Orang Ulu ngajat” (warrior’s dance) and a “Selamat Gawai” song.

There were special performances by cultural groups from the Bisaya and Penan communities, who put on a show of their traditional dances.

A Lun Bawang bamboo band from Long Semadoh in Lawas then serenaded the crowd with a medley of familiar tunes including “Geylang Si Paku Geylang” and “Auld Lang Syne”.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Rich colours of Sarawak

Dayaks rejoice in Gawai fest

Elders from the Orang Ulu community with traditional instruments at the festival

Traditional dance performances by Dayak beauties at the festival

Dayak beauties in their traditional colourful attire

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Achong Tanjong and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd

By Achong Tanjong in Kuching, Sarawak

The national-level Malaysia Gawai Dayak Open House 2008 celebration held in Kuching recently was the ideal experience to explore and learn the unique cultural heritage of the many ethnic groups in Sarawak.

It is the iconic celebration of the Dayak communities in the state to showcase their respective cultural performances on stage with their traditional colourful costumes and dance.

The mesia was invited by Tourism Malaysia under the Mega Familiarisation Programme to witness the colourful celebration of the Dayak community.

Our group from Brunei comprised local travel agents led by Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) officer Mrs Efarina Abang Haji Osman. The travel agents were from Mas Sugara Travel Services Sdn Bhd, Century Travel Services Sdn Bhd, Pan Bright Travel Services Sdn Bhd and Freme Travel Services.

Other Mega Fam groups were from Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

The festival carried the theme "Unity Through Culture and Tradition" (Segulai Sejalai) and was attended by the Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

The event was declared open by Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin on behalf of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Shah by taking the lead in a mock winnowing of rice on stage.

The festival is celebrated annually and is one of the highlights in the Sarawak tourism calendar of events. The festival was first held in 1987.

The Gawai Open house is usually held in June just after the actual Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1.

The festival brought together the culture of the ethnic groups of the Dayak communities in the state. Altogether, there are 30 different ethnic groups in Sarawak.

Visitors who attended the event had the opportunity to take a closer look at mini traditional longhouses to portray the different Gawai celebrations of each Dayak ethnic group.

There was also a mini exhibition on the wide range of handicraft items including Iban traditional textiles Pua Kumbu, decoration and accessories of the ethnic groups.

Gawai Dayak is the most popular festival among the Dayaks in the state. It is the festival to mark the end of the padi harvesting season and the beginning of a new one. The native ethnic groups of Sarawak comprise the Iban, Bidayuh, and the Orang Ulu. The Orang Ulu consists of about 24 sub-groups - Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Lun Bawang, Bisaya, Penan, Tabun, Tagal, Saan and Punan Busang.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

Craft bazaar boost for Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival

KUCHING: The internationally-renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) seems to get bigger and better with each passing year.

Now in its 11th year, the festival is not only a musical extravaganza, but also boasts seminars, food showcases and parties that delight visitors.

And this year, the festival will also highlight the handiwork of traditional artisans from around the world.

Running concurrently the inaugural Rainforest World Craft Bazaar will be held at the Sarawak Cultural Village from July 9 to 15.

International participants that have confirmed their participation in the bazaar hail from Japan, Korea, USA, India, Kyrgyzstan, Denmark and Indonesia.

Continue reading at: Craft bazaar boost for Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival

Cultural rendezvous at Sabah's Harvest Festival

The Suau Do Bambarayon or Tarian Sambut Tamu by LKS, KKJ and Art Collection groups

Unduk Ngadau 2008 finalists

Musicians playing traditional musical instruments

Boys showing their skills using long poles

Kadazandusun girls from Papar district

Kadazandusun dancers

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Rahmat bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd

By Rahmat Haji Abdul Rahman

Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) Open House Malaysia 2008 involved the grassroots and had Kadazandusun cultural performances, traditional house exhibition, the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Festival Queen) pageant and a colouring contest for children.

The guest of honour TYT Yang Di-Pertuan Negeri Sabah Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah bin Abdullah and Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Datuk Seri Panglima Hajah Dayang Masyuyah bte Awang Japar accompanied by other state dignitaries visited traditional houses of Runggus, Dusun Tambunan, Dusun Lotud, exhibition, traditional food kiosks and the Murut house.

Two "Bobohizan" led the guest of honour to the grand stand, followed by the national anthem Negaraku and Sabah Tanah Airku, a welcome dance "Suau Do Bambarayon", a welcoming speech from the Minister of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Datuk Mohd Shafie bin Hj Apdal, an interlude Samazau Dance, a speech from Deputy Minister of Sabah, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, a stage performance with the people's song Tadau Kaamatan, a speech from the Chief Minister of Sabah Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, a Pinakang dance performed by Dusun Kimaragang, Kota Marudu.

Artists and "Pembawa Sandangon (Selendang) and "Rantai Manik" lined up the pathways, while from huge and powerful speakers blared Malaysian music and Tadau Kaamatan before the arrival of YB Minister of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Datuk Mohd Shafie bin Hj Apdal and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sabah Environment Datuk Msidi Manjun and their spouses.

A Kaamatan cultural diversity rendezvous held for the first time showcased the sub-ethnic tribes of Sabah through food, song, dance and music. It started on Thursday at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association cultural village of Hongkod Koisaan at Penampang.

The very important guests and the people of Sabah were entertained with a stage show. Segment number one had "Tangon Do Nunuk Ragang" or community legend with the "poem" song "Peace Through Culture", a parade by Nunuk Ragang community with 60 people carrying oil light torches and 60 female dancers, and "Khazanah Orang Kita" by Abu Bakar Ellah.

In segment number two, "Pisompuruan" - "Keharmonian Masyarkat" or Community Harmony showed the villagers doing their rice fields activities and a song "Salam Do Kaamatan" and "Jambatan Tamparuli".

The third segment, "Tadau Kaamatan" or "Pesta Menuai", showed the "upacara kesyukuran" or "magavau" by Bobohizan, the Dusun Tindal dance, Mongigol dance and Sazau Papar.

The people at Padang Merdeka were entertained with "Tungkus Di Hominodun" - "Memperingati Pengorbanan Huminodun" performed by the seven Unduk Ngadau Finalists 2008 with Unduk Ngadau and Rumandawi. "Sinakagon Di Odu Aki" or "Penerusan Warisan" participated by dance performer from Brunei, Bajau of Kota Belud, and Bajau of Semporna. The songs Umang Ting Ting, Ampuk Ampuk Bulan, Budaya Bangso and Lampa Lampa Pisang were sang by artists Fauziah Suhaili, Afiq Ahmed and Den Bisa.

Noiduanan Minakan, Norikot Nodi Bulan Lima and Tadau Tagayo Do Kaamatan were sang in the closing ceremony by the choir group, the Unduk Ngadau Finalists 2008. The people were entertained by artists involved with the DJ Abon and Abu Bakar Ellah.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

"Tadau Kaamatan" ends on merry note

The Sabah Head of State (centre) and state dignitaries

officially closing the Tadau Kaamatan

Girls from the Lotud community

A ritual song performed by the elderly

Contestants in the Unduk Ngadau contest

A traditional dance from the east coast of Sabah

Tourists participating in a traditional dance

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Rahmat bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

By Rahmat bin Haji Abdul Rahman

Sabah's "Tadau Kaamatan" or Harvest Festival officially came to a close at the HongKod Koisan in Penampang District recently.

Large crowds of people from different ethnic groups as well as tourists from Brunei, Australia, England, Japan, Europe, Japan and the United States, converged on the venue to witness the colourful events that marked the closing of this year's Harvest Festival, which was themed "Peace Through Culture".

The guest of honour was the Sabah Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah bin Abdullah, who was accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datin Seri Panglima Hajah Dayang Masuyah binti Awang Jaafar.

The guest of honour was welcomed and accompanied to the stage by the Sabah Deputy Chief Minister/Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Datuk Kitingan, who was also Chairman of the Pesta Kaamatan; the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman; and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Maximus J Ongkili, who was also the Coordinating Chairman (Kadazandusun Culture Centre) of the Tadau Kaamatan.

To mark the closing ceremony, the dignitaries took part in a ritual which included the pouring of the paddy from the "sukat" into the "Tangkob", followed by the beating of the gong seven times.

The host for this year's launching of the Tadau Kaamatan was Beaufort District. The ceremony "magavau" was officially launched by the "Bobolian" or Priestesses Kadazandusun of Beaufort District.

The official closing ceremony was followed by a performance by a choir from Beaufort District. A dance-drama was also performed by the artistes from the Sabah Cultural Board and cultural troupes from the respective districts.

As the event came to an end, the audience anxiously waited for the announcement of the winners of the beauty pageant, Unduk Ngadau 2008. This year's champion was Leonie Lawrence Gontuni, 20, from Penampang, while first runner-up was Florence Masimbin, 23, from Kinabatangan and second runner-up was Emily Majil, 20. They were crowned by the Sabah Head of State's wife, Toh Puan Datin Seri Panglima Hajah Dayang Masuyah.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Pesta Bebulang and Lumba Kerbau from June 5 to 7

MIRI: A spectacular culture-based tourism event called “Pesta Bebulang and Lumba Kerbau 2008”, will be held from June 5 to 7 at Batu Danau in Limbang.

The yearly event with the theme of “Saganao, Sarunding, Sapanau” is jointly organised by Sarawak Bisaya Association (SBA) and Limbang Resident’s Office. It is expected to attract more than 10,000 people.

President of SBA, Antonio Kahti Galis said various interesting programmes had been lined up for the three-day Bisaya festival.

The participation of 100 delegates from Bisaya Sabah led by its Presiden Datuk Sri Panglima Lajim Ukim is expected to make the event more interesting.

“Pesta Bebulang and Lumba Kerbau is closely connected to the Bisaya culture. It is a good opportunity to learn about the culture of Bisayas, who are one of the minority ethnic groups in the state,” Antonio added.

Continue reading at: Gawai changes as Dayaks show progress

Kaamatan festival launches in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The overcast skies over the city cleared just in time for the state level Kaamatan celebrations to start.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi joined Sabah Yang Di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah to enjoy the festivities by performing the traditional harvesting of seven padi stalks to launch the event.

Sabah's cultural diversity was then put on display with cultural performances such as the sumazau, magunatip, igal igal, adai adai and mogigol.

This was followed by the magavau or the traditional thanksgiving ceremony for a bountiful harvest, which wasperformed by a group of bobohizan or Kadazandusun traditional priestesses.

The thousands who thronged the festival applauded when a mini-musical of the Huminodun legend – the story of how the Creator God Kinoingan sacrificed his only daughter by transforming her body parts into padi plants so that the human race had food – was staged.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Kaamatan festival launches in Sabah

Celebrating Gawai Dayak

Gawai Dayak, recognised as a festive celebrated in Sarawak on June 1 every year, is both a religious and social occasion.

It has become part of the events under the Sarawak Tourism Board to promote tourism. It has an “Open House” concept to receive guests in our multi -acial society. Such visit is commonly known as “ngabang” in the Iban language.

Background

During the British colonial rule, the government refused to give recognition to the Dayak Day. This disappointed the Dayak community because the festival was their source of national pride and a way to reciprocate social hospitality extended by other races during their festivals.

After numerous requests, the first Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan and his Cabinet, our present Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Tun Abang Haji Openg, who was a member of the Council Negeri, at that time, persistently pushed through the proposal to recognise Gawai as a festival.

Gawai Dayak was formally gazetted on September 25, 1964 as a public holiday in place of Sarawak Day. It was first celebrated on June 1, 1965 and became a symbol of unity, aspiration and hope for the Dayak community.

Since then, the Dayak community have been celebrating June 1 as a thanksgiving day to mark a good harvest and a time to plan for the new farming season.

Meaning of Gawai Dayak

“Gawai” means a ritual or festival while “Dayak” is a collective name for the native races in Sarawak namely the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut and other ethnic group. A combination of the word “Gawai Dayak” means Dayak Festival.

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