A showcase of culture and heritage at the Kaul festival

MUKAH: THE colourful Kaul festival is undoubtedly the best event to showcase the richness of Melanau culture and heritage.

Celebrated annually at the Kala Dana beach here, it is one of the main events on the state’s tourism calendar.

This year’s edition kicked off with a procession led by a contingent comprising 45 Melanau community leaders carrying the “Serahang”, or decorated baskets on poles traditionally used to offer food to the spirits.

The 14 groups participating in the parade were Anak Melanau from Tabika Kemas Mukah, Pencak Silat group from Kampung Judan and Kampung Tutus, Sarawak Dayak National Union Mukah Branch, Dayak Bidayuh National Association, Sri Wangsa group from Sibu, Sri Ritma group from Mukah, Legend of Srimona from Kampung Tanam Dalat, Matu and Daro district contingent, Warismu from Mukah, Kampung Medong, Mukah Melanau Association and Miri Melanau Association.

During the parade every contingent showed their own performances to about 15,000 visitors from all over the state as well as foreign tourists.

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Rains bring welcome relief as Sabah kicks off fest

PAPAR: After weeks of scorching heat, Sabah was blessed with pre-dawn showers as the state kicked off the month-long Pesta Kaamatan harvest celebrations.

The rains yesterday were seen by celebrants as a good start to the cultural festival of the indigenous people as they give thanks to God for a bountiful rice harvest.

Pesta Kaamatan was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman, who beat the gong seven times together with Kadazandusun Hu­­guan Siou (paramount leader) Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

That set the tone for the celebrations in other districts over the next 30 days.

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Purchase Sabah Fest tickets early

Tickets for the Sabah Fest this May 2-3 are selling fast and the organisers have urged the public to purchase theirs early to avoid disappointment.

Sitti Damsal, general manager of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd said tickets can be purchased at the Sabah Tourism Board as well as Sri Pelancongan, adding that a limited number of tickets will be sold at the entrance to the venue at Magellan Grand Ballroom, Sutera Harbour Resort.

With the theme "Mystical Sabah", the one-hour show on both nights will highlight the various ethnic groups of Sabah through a presentation of traditional song and dance combined with rarely-seen rituals and scenes.

Among the rituals is the Mamahui Pogun (Cleansing of the Universe) by the Tantagas (High Priestess of the Lotud people of Tuaran).

A special segment on "Tamu Culture of Sabah" will also be presented highlighting the sacrificial offering made in the olden days before a 'tamu' commences.

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1Borneo joins Vote Sipadan campaign

Kota Kinabalu: The 1Borneo Hypermall has joined the Vote Sipadan campaign, opening a kiosk at its concierge desk for the public to cast their votes.

Wanting to be involved in making Sipadan Island as one of the new seven wonders of nature, the hypermall opened the kiosk to encourage shoppers and tourists to support the campaign by voting online.

"Sipadan is not just our nation's treasure but also the world's and we fully support this campaign," said 1Borneo Hypermall assistant general manager Jefvleon Rengga.

"With an average of 12, 000 mall visitors per day, we are confident this would further boost the island's position to the top 10 ranking."

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Free shuttle service to Gayana Eco Resort

Kota Kinabalu: Alu Alu, located at Gayana Eco Resort, announced the launch of its new complimentary shuttle service for restaurant guests between Jesselton Point Wharf and the resort's private dock.

This fully enclosed and air-conditioned 40ft catamaran can accommodate up to 42 passengers during the short 15-minute trip to and from Malohom Bay.

"We are delighted to begin this new luxury service at our resort," said Jonathan Wise, General Manager for both Gayana and their soon-to-be-open sister property, Bunga Raya Island Resort.

Continue reading at: Free shuttle service to Gayana Eco Resort
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