Friday, May 11, 2012

Lun Bawang Festival targets 10,000 visitors this year


MIRI: The 25th edition of the Irau Aco Lun Bawang (Lun Bawang Day Festival) from May 31 to June 3 in Lawas promises to be grander, expecting to attract 10,000 people within Malaysia and from neighbouring Brunei and Kalimantan.

The annual festival to be centred at the Lawas Public Park is organised by the Lun Bawang Sarawak Association (PLBS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and the Resident Office Limbang.

Organising chairman, Robert Asut Braok said the four-day festival aims at providing an avenue for the Lun Bawang community not just in Sarawak or Malaysia but also from Indonesia to gather in a festive mood, to enhance cooperation and understanding.

It is also to showcase the cultures and traditions of the Lun Bawang to both local and international communities.

“This year’s Irau Aco is very special, held in conjunction with our Jubilee celebration and the Gawai Dayak Festival as well as being a continuation of the Lawas Festival,” said Robert who added that the festival had been included in the state’s Tourism Calendar.

Also present were press conference were the association’s secretary, Yuhanis Rugu, publicity chairman, Petrus Abai and committee members, Angela Mikie and Ramina Tadam.

Robert said they expect to attract some 10,000 people to the festival, an increase from about 7,000 people who came for the festival last year.

“Last year, although we held it in a rush right after the state elections, about 7,000 people came. This year, with many activities lined up, we are confident of reaching the target of 10,000 visitors,” he said.

The activities to be held include traditional games, craft exhibition, and band performances, as well as dances, musical and cultural presentations.

He said the highlight of the festival would be the beauty contests, “Padan Liu Burung” (Keling) and “Ruran Ulung” (Kumang) which will be held at the final night of the festival.

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