Kite flyers from 25 countries coming for Borneo International Kite Festival

BINTULU: The 13th Borneo International Kite Festival 2017 will be held at Bintulu Old Airport site from Sept 27 to Oct 1.

About 121 kite flyers from 25 countries throughout the world will be participating in this year’s edition, said Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) general manager Rodziah Morshidi.

The opening ceremony at 9.30am on Sept 30 is expected to be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The highlight of the event is the record breaking attempt for the ‘Longest wind garden street’ in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) with 1,200 wind kites of all shapes and sizes.

“This is an iconic event for Bintulu and we have been organising this for 13 years. It is an annual event which is popular in Bintulu and I am proud to say that Bintulu is the only place in the state organising the international kite flying event,” Rodziah said during a press conference at Wisma Bintulu yesterday.

She reported that for the past 13 years, the kite flying event has created four MBR records: flying 1,6555 kites simultaneously for 20 minutes in 2008, flying 92 train kites for 20 minutes in 2010; flying 2,550 kites in 2013, and longest arch kite tunnel of about 500m long with 2,500 kites in 2014.

She hoped this year’s kite flying festival will be better with the support of the people.

“I urge people from all walks of life to join us in making this kite flying event a greater success,” she said.

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Sarawak’s diverse culture, nature can become tourism magnet for global travellers

BINTULU: The multicultural society and natural environment can become major attractions to visitors, especially foreigners, to the state.

According to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, many tourism-related activities involving nature exploration are available in the state and the state government is looking seriously into developing this sector.

He said the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) could play a key role in the state’s tourism industry by introducing the potential of this division, including Tatau and Sebauh which have beautiful beaches, as well as the Similajau National Park that could be used as a venue for outdoor activities.

“Sebauh and Tatau also have a diversity of local cultures,” he said after having officiated at the opening of the 12th Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) 2016 at the old airport here yesterday.

His text of speech was read by Assistant Minister for Arts and Culture Datuk John Sikie Tayai.

The chief minister said to implement tourism development in the division including the two districts (Tatau and Sebauh), the homestay programme should be introduced – similar to what that had been done in other places across the state.

“I believe that the racial diversity in the two districts can be of interest to visitors and at the same time, homestay can offer lucrative incomes to the operators if promoted properly,” said Adenan.

He noted that there were a total of 31 villages with 500 operators that had signed up for the homestay programme in the state.

“We hope the villages and longhouses in this division will come up with their plans and sign up for the homestay programme in their respective areas,” he said, adding that developing tourism sector was not the sole responsibility of the government, but it also depended on the participation and cooperation of the private sector as well as the creativity of the local authorities and the local communities.

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Borneo International Kite Festival attracts participants from 20 nations

BINTULU: The 12th Borneo International Kite Festival this year attracted participants from 20 countries with over 170 participants from around the world gathering at the old Bintulu Airport site to fly kites since Sept 28.

The participating countries are China, England, Japan, Vietnam, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Turkey, India, France, Kuwait, Taiwan, Singapore, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Brunei and Colombia.

The festival is also participated by kite flyers from from Johor, Sarawak, Pulau Pinang, Terengganu, Putrajaya, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Perlis and Kedah.

Participating teams include Team Impian (Malacca), Kelab Pelayang Pasir Gudang (Johor), Windancer Kuala Lumpur, Layang King KL, De Junction Kite (Malacca) and Fly N Smile (Kuala Lumpur).

Several kite flyers interviewed at the site yesterday said they were satisfied with this year’s festival.

Roger Tessa-Gambassi, a kite maker from France, said he organised kite festivals in France.

“I come here because this is one of the best kite flying festivals in the world, and I have been joining many festivals in the world,” he said.

He commented thatthe wind here is good and the food awesome even if the weather was a bit hot for him. He enjoys his third time in Bintulu.

“This festival is just like other festivals as it gathered kite flyers from across the globe. I love everything here, the people and the food, that is why I come here every year.

“It was good to meet other kite flyers from around the world and foster closer relationship with locals,” he said. He was accompanied by four friends.

According to him, Bintulu looked so different this year with new big commercial buildings and he congratulated the local authority for its efforts to improve the city, bringing development to attract more people here.

Ferhan Bozbey who was accompanied by her husband Emin Bozbey from Istanbul, Turkey said they had been to many kite-flying festivals together, with Bintulu a place they didn’t want to miss.

The couple have been participating in similar festivals in France, Italy, Lebanon, India and Turkmenistan besides local events in Turkey.

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Borneo International Kite Festival 2016: Kite flyers from 21 countries to lift the sky of Bintulu

BINTULU: The sky here will be a collage of colourful kites of all sizes and shapes during the 12th Borneo International Kite Festival 2016 from Sept 28-Oct 2.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem is scheduled to declare open this spectacular event at the old Bintulu airport site.

Yesterday, several kite flyers took their giant and colourful kites for wind test.

This year’s edition has attracted participants from 21 countries: China, England, Japan, Vietnam, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Turkey, India, France, Kuwait, Taiwan, Singapore, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Brunei, Colombia and Malaysia.

Local participants include those from Johor, Sarawak, Pulau Pinang, Terengganu, Putrajaya, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Perlis and Kedah.

Participating teams include Team Impian and De Junction Kite from Malacca, Kelab Pelayang Pasir Gudang (Johor), and also Windancer, Layang King, and Fly N Smile from Kuala Lumpur.

Planned activities include the 3rd Asia Pacific Sport Kite Championship, modern and traditional kite-flying performances, kite-flying performances by international kite flyers, a kite-making workshop, stunt kite performances, synchronised revolution kite performance, a cooking contest, a drawing and colouring contest for children, karaoke, cultural performances and more.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo International Kite Festival 2016: Kite flyers from 21 countries to lift the sky of Bintulu

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172 local and international kite flyers expected for 12th Borneo International Kite Festival

BINTULU: Colourful kites of different sizes and shapes will fill the skies over this town thanks to more than 172 kite flyers from 21 countries including Malaysia who are expected to participate in the 12th Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) 2016.

“This kite-flying event will continue to be the major tourism attraction for Bintulu to the world,” said Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) general manager Rodziah Morshidi.

Speaking to the media after chairing the festival’s organising committee meeting at Wisma Bintulu yesterday, she said BIKF 2016 and the trade and expo will be held from Sept 28-Oct 2 at the Bintulu Old Airport site.

Rodziah said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu are expected to officiate at the opening ceremony on Oct 1.

“We welcome all visitors especially kite flyers to join us at this event,” she said.

Rodziah also reminded the public to prioritise cleanliness by keeping the venue of the festival clean during and after the event.

This year’s edition has attracted participants from 20 countries namely China, England, Japan, Vietnam, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Turkey, India, France, Kuwait, Taiwan, Singapore, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Brunei and Colombia.

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French team champion of Borneo International Kite Festival 2015

BINTULU: Cerf Volant Folie (CVF) of France clinched the Borneo Sport Kite Championship title in this year’s Borneo International Kite Festival at Bintulu Old Airport site.

The winning team comprised Jeremie Maton, Lucie Dolbecq, Nicolas Lormean, Christopher Gobin, Xavier Lecluse and Nicolas Hagron.

They received a trophy and medals from Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

The tournament, which kicked of Sept 23 and ended on Sunday, also saw a local team Silat from Bintulu Kite Flyer, which has been representing Malaysia at the international competitions, finishing second.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: French team champion of Borneo International Kite Festival 2015

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Borneo International Kite Festival 2014

It was Friday, I knew it was Friday, it was Friday the 26th, September. It was a sleepless night, though I knew exactly why it was a sleepless night. Bed seems to be a roll-all-over place instead of a sleeping crib.

Arghh! I knew I shouldn’t have drank before sleep. Too much drinking makes me heaty and sleepless. Woke up and I looked at the clock, it was 4am.

From the small opening under my rooms’ door, I can see a throbbing light coming in from the kitchen. Damn! My mom is up early. Owh! Today is the day, it is that one day that I have to travel early to the airport and catch an early flight.

Today is the day that I’m flying to Bintulu, Sarawak for the Borneo International Kite Festival 2014.

Woohoo~

I have to bug my dad to drive me to the airport that morning. Accompanied by my mom, we reached the airport about 15min before 6am. I didn’t wait long to check-in myself because my flight is scheduled to depart at 7.10am.

Checking in early gave me enough time to roam the airport and make my final check on my luggage. For this trip, I packed both my Stylus 1 and 60D. Hopefully they are sufficient to cover for the assignment.

Reaching at Bintulu around 8am, I met with the other team members from Sarawak Tourism Board which will assist and guide me to cover the BIKF event.

During the entire trip, we were staying in Kemena Plaza Hotel, one of the biggest hotel in Bintulu town, and is also the official hotel for the participants and media for BIKF 2014.

While having our breakfast, we discussed and planned the activities for the day. We decided to check out the festival ground and events in the afternoon.

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Borneo kite festival brings windfall, flying colours

BINTULU: The five-day 10th Borneo International Kite Festival 2014 has ended with a thundering success for the organisers, and local traders, said Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari.

“I think we are getting back the returns from this festival in terms of vibrant business activities for the past five days,” he said during the appreciation dinner for kite flyers at Kemena Plaza Hotel on Sunday night.

He said it was a noteworthy windfall for all coffee shops and restaurants here, which should have generated lucrative income during the five-day extravaganza.

Yakup, who is the co-chairman for the festival, pointed out that the most important and meaningful thing was to see the smiling faces of all participants, foreigners included.

“Please do come back next year and the organiser will assist you in order to ensure you will stay longer here,” he said.

He also hoped all participants will give their feedback on the festival, to ensure smooth sailing with improvements made to the next edition of the kite festival.

Meanwhile, a kite flyers representative Ron Des Pojado of USA said it was a “wonderful five days experience” participating in the festival.

“We all fly with heart and the passion that we all shared in this kite flying event, besides making new friends and strengthening friendship among kite flyers,” he said.

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Borneo International Kite Festival sends entry No. 4 into Book of Records

BINTULU: Another feat entered the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) during the last day of the 10th Borneo International Kite Festival 2014 at the Bintulu Old Airport site yesterday for the ‘Longest arch kite’.

The new record was announced and certified by MBR officer Nurul Huda Zakaria in a ceremony witnessed by Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip and Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari.

“This is the fourth record achieved in this kite flying festival,” said Datu Mohidin Ishak, the co-organising chairman and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) general manager.

The first record was achieved in 2008 for the most number of kites flying, totalling 1,655, simultaneously in a span of 20 minutes. The second record was for the most number of train-kites flying simultaneously in a single location in 20 minutes in 2010.

The third entry into the MBR was for the most number of kites flying simultaneously in 20 minutes, when 2,250 kites were flown in the ‘let’s fly together’ event during the Sarawak Gudi Festival 2013.

Yesterday, a total of 2,500 diamond kites were flown, forming the longest arch kite tunnel of 500 metres along the old airport site.

Thousands of people were present to witness the beautiful and record-breaking event during the last day of the festival.

“I am pleased to note that this year’s festival is much better than the previous edition and I want to thank all parties involved in organising the event.

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Bintulu kite festival to be national event

BINTULU: Next year will be a ‘Festival Year’ for Malaysia and the Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) will be made a national event, disclosed Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said in order to attract more tourists to Sarawak, a special exhibition will be held and BIKF will be an anchor event in the national tourism calendar.

This idea, he said, would be further discussed with federal Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz.

He announced this when officiating at the opening of the 10th BIKF at the site of Bintulu

Old Airport yesterday.

“This is a very interesting event for our tourism industry and we have been promoting it in websites and overseas and this year looks better than last year,” he said.

He noted that kite making now is different from the old days as it tests the skills of the kite makers.

“Now we have to consider climate change, the wind and the weight of the kite,” he said, adding that what was important was to make sure it could fly.

On the event, he said it should be further promoted as it has a spill-over effect on local economic activities.

“From this event the people are interacting with each other and this can promote greater understanding among the multiracial ethnics,” he pointed out.

On Bintulu, he said apart from being known as an industrial town, it also has an attractive setting.

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Borneo International Kite Festival 2013 in September

BINTULU: The 9th edition of Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) 2013 in Bintulu will be held from Sept 5 to 8.

Co-organising chairman who is also general manager of Bintulu Development Authority, Datu Mohidin Ishak said they had been organising it for eight consecutive years.

However this year, its venue will be moved to a site nearer the sea.

The programmes and activities are almost similar except for some events to be deferred.

“This year we will have about 89 national participants from 11 states including MAS Club.

“There will be 34 groups from 32 countries to give a total of 121 participants.

“There will be nine new international participants this year,” Mohidin said at a press conference held at Wisma Bintulu yesterday.

The opening ceremony at 10am on Sept 5 will be officiated by the state tourism minister with the Head of State and wife to witness the kite flying event around 3pm on Sept 7.

The chief minister and wife are expected to attend the event at 3pm on Sept 8.

Traders interested to open up booths at the trade and expo (Sept 5-8) can get the application forms from the festival secretariat (BDA Office) before Aug 27 at 12.30pm. About 140 booths are available. For details call 086-332011.

The 8th edition festival attracted over 120,000 visitors and he hoped for a similar response this year.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo International Kite Festival 2013 in September

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Borneo International Kite Festival, Sarawak

Sarawak is a strange pick and mix of contradictions, from its massively industrialised coastal cities to its sparsely populated rural villages with barely any electricity. Therefore, it should not be entirely surprising that Sarawak hosts the Borneo International Kite Festival despite there being almost no kite-flying culture in Sarawak or even in the rest of Borneo.

The festival is located on a rare patch of green space in the industrial behemoth of a town that is Bintulu, known for its natural gas factories rather than its leisurely love of kites. Still, every year since 2005, competitive kite flyers have come here to showcase their tremendous skill in return for a chance at winning over-sized shiny trophies and the respect of their peers.

Yet the festival is not just about the cut-throat world of stunt flying — it’s also about the aesthetics of the kites. All along the side of the flying arena fly ornamental kites in all shapes, colours and sizes. If you arrive at the festival with a good wind, you’ll be blown away (ed: boomtish!) by the sheer number of kites flying, their tethers hidden so it looks as if they’re levitating.

The whole thing is free and is usually held on the last weekend of September over two days. It doesn’t really matter what time you arrive, as long as you have some daylight left. There are stunt kite demos all throughout the day and if you miss these, there are always the massive show kites to admire. Try not to get in the way of the lines!

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Borneo International Kite Festival: More international participants next year

BINTULU: The ninth edition of Borneo International Kite Festival next year will see more participation from international kite enthusiasts namely from Europe, South and North America.

David Gomberg, the chairman of World Sport Kite Championships (WSKC) who said this explained that this year’s festival generated much excitement and expressed confidence that the festival could attract more international countries to be part of the event next year.

“This is such a wonderful festival and we are hoping to make this better than other larger festivals around the world,” he said when speaking on behalf of international participants during the appreciation dinner which was held at a hotel here on Sunday.

David who is American was also confident that all the 94 participants representing 24 countries have enjoyed the festival.

“This is one of the popular events on Facebook this week,” he joked.

As such, for the 9th edition, he said WSKC would try to get more participation from other international countries.

David thanked the organisers for their hospitality and wished everyone a safe journey back to their respective countries.

“We would spread the good news about the excitement that we had here this week,” he promised.

Meanwhile, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) public relations manager Mohamed Ansari Mohd Syed Ahmad said this year’s festival was a success.

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Efforts to make Bintulu a tourist destination

BINTULU: The state Tourism Ministry and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) are all out to make Bintulu town one of the must-go-to destinations in the state for local visitors and foreign tourists.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the town has a huge potential to be promoted due to its cultural richness besides being one of the industrial powerhouses in the country.

He also disclosed that within three years the hinterland tourism sector in Sarawak would be further explored.

“Bakun is not far from Bintulu and we have engaged a consultant to study hinterland tourism.

“One of the infrastructures that we have to consider is to zone certain areas in Bakun as an aquatic sports destination.

“There will be a concrete plan for the hinterland tourism sector in three years’ time to develop Bakun area,” he said.

Bintulu, he said, would be developed through its industrial sector, and its recreational facilities would be further boosted to attract more tourists and investors.

He also said the town was capable of organising world class events that could be promoted to the outside world.

He made these remarks when officiating at the opening ceremony of the 8th Borneo International Kite Festival 2012 (BIKF) at the old Bintulu Airport here yesterday.

“Kite flying is a unique and meaningful event in Sarawak as it promotes tourism industry in the state,” he said.

This year, 94 participants from 20 over countries took part in the event.

Abang Johari believed with more aggressive promotion, the event would attract more participants from overseas.

“In this regard, the STB will allocate RM100, 000 every year for promotional activities, just to promote Bintulu as a destination for kite flying,” he said, adding the intention was to make it a world class event like the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching.

Continue reading (Incl.Pic) at: Efforts to make Bintulu a tourist destination
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Reach for the sky at 2012 Borneo International Kite Festival

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

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Seven Festivals in Borneo Not to Be Missed

Borneo's sunshine, vivid rainforests, and laid-back attitude are the perfect ingredients for outdoor festivals. The friendly people certainly know how to throw a party; festivals in Borneo are usually vibrant events with food, music, and good times for both locals and visitors!

You can find festivals in Borneo practically any time of year. With such a mix of indigenous cultures and religions there is always something to celebrate.

1. Rainforest Music Festival

The Rainforest World Music Festival is one of the largest music festivals in Southeast Asia. Held every year just outside of Kuching, the three-day concert features bands from nearly every continent. Musicians from all over the world showcase their traditional instruments in workshops throughout the day before the headlining bands take to the two main stages in the evening.

The Rainforest Music Festival takes place annually in July. The festival draws thousands to dance in the mud – make plans to attend early. Tickets can be purchased in Kuching or at the gate.

2. Miri Jazz Festival

Every May thousands of jazz enthusiasts flock to the city of Miri in northern Sarawak for two nights of world-class jazz performances. Well-known musicians from the US, Europe, and Asia get the crowd dancing rain or shine!

The $20 entrance ticket is a small price to pay for a great night of fun. Only a limited number of tickets are available at the gate, however tickets can be purchased online in advance.

3. Borneo International Kite Festival

The Borneo International Kite Festival began in 2005 as a small, local celebration and has quickly grown into one of the most pleasant festivals in Borneo. Hundreds of people gather in late September or early October to fly colorful and intriguing kites. Some kites are complex enough to require handling teams!

The festival is held annually at the Old Bintulu Airport in Bintulu, Sarawak; entrance is free. A week-long trade expo adds to the excitement.

4. Gawai Dayak

Gawai Dayak - also known as the Harvest Festival - is one of the most important celebrations for the Iban and other indigenous cultures in Sarawak. Traditional costumes, ritual music, a chicken sacrifice, and lots of locally-brewed rice wine make this event one of the most educational and entertaining in Sarawak.

Gawai Dayak is celebrated across Sarawak annually, beginning at sundown on May 31. The Sarawak Cultural Village outside of Kuching - the same venue as the Rainforest Music Festival - is just one of many places to witness the celebration of a good harvest. Sampling some of the traditional food in Kuching is half the fun.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Seven Festivals in Borneo Not to Be Missed
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7th Borneo International Kite Festival: Foreign kite enthusiasts set to wow

BINTULU: The 7th Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF), which will be held from Sept 22-25, will see 84 kite enthusiasts from 22 countries converging at the Bintulu Old Airport site.

BIKF, which was first held in 2005, is jointly organised by Bintulu Kite Flyers and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) in collaboration with the Tourism and Heritage Ministry and Tourism Ministry with support from Sarawak Economic Development Corporation.

BDA, in its effort to cement its relationship with members of the public and the participants, has created a mascot aptly named ‘Sanai Vaie’.

Sanai is a Bintulu boy who loves kite flying.

He wears a green overall and a stripped green cap, representing the freshness of nature.

He sometimes carries his Sarawak flag-inspired kite to show off to his friends and family.

This year he will be the ambassador for BIKF.

Sanai Vaie will be making a few appearances in and around town and will be looking for friends to come join him at the festival this week.

The introduction of this mascot is just another step in making the BIKF well received and fresh every year.

The idea of organising BIKF was first mooted by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Bintulu was chosen as a venue after considering its great potential after the old airport was closed down, making the basic infrastructure left behind an ideal and perfect site for such an event.

Continue reading at: 7th Borneo International Kite Festival: Foreign kite enthusiasts set to wow

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Borneo International Kite Festival a great success

BINTULU: The Borneo International Kite Festival jointly orgnaised by Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Bintulu Resident's Office has been described as a great success.

Jepak State Assemblyman, Datuk Haji Talip Zulpilip, said the participation from various foreign countries in this annual event demonstrated the attraction of this festival which had special appeal to kite flyers throughout the world.

He said the different kinds of kites in terms of motifs, shapes and designs also reflected the rich culture of the countries represented by the respective participants from each country.

There were 34 international participants from 14 countries taking part in the festival held at Old Bintulu Airport from August 2-9.

Talip, who was representing Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, at the prize presentation ceremony cum dinner at Park City Everly Hotel last Sunday said participants of the foreign countries could play their role as 'ambassadors' to help promote Sarawak, particularly Bintulu when they went back to their own country.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Borneo International Kite Festival a great success
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Borneo International Kite Festival platform to promote world peace

BINTULU: Borneo International Kite Festival 2009 is the best platform to promote peace and understanding among various communities in the world, said Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip.

Although the world is not that safe this event can play a little role to get the people together in peace and harmony, said Talib.

With theme ‘Kite for Peace’, the festival was held for the fifth consecutive year at the Bintulu Old Airport and it reflected the 1Malaysia concept.

“Malaysians exist in a multi-racial society and live together harmoniously. In Sarawak, the 1Malaysia concept is synonymous with our way of life,” he said.

Continue reading at: Borneo International Kite Festival platform to promote world peace
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Borneo International Kite Fest

By Anthony Tong

BINTULU - The 5th Borneo International Kite Festival is currently being held at Bintulu old airport until Aug 9 this year. The big event is expected to attract at least 3,000 guests and visitors.

It is jointly organised by Bintulu Development Authority, Malaysia Kites Union, Sarawak Kites Union, tourism organisations and various government departments. More than 200 kite participants have enrolled their names from 15 foreign countries, as well as West and East Malaysia.

The overseas countries include Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Brunei, China and Germany.

The kite festival includes a kite-flying competition, a kite-making contest and many more activities. This also marks the festival's fifth year.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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