Kampung simpok: Thousands of visitors converged on Kampung Simpok today for the River and Rami Gawai Festival, where a colourful parade of six decorated rafts showcasing the culture and heritage of the Bisapug Bidayuh community stole the spotlight ahead of Gawai Dayak celebrations on Monday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the rafts, adorned with traditional Bidayuh motifs, were accompanied by participants dressed in Dayak traditional attire who performed cultural dances during an approximately 45-minute journey along the river before concluding at the Simpok Mini Waterfront.
The annual event, organised by residents of the village located about 40 kilometres from Kuching city centre, attracted local and foreign tourists as well as residents from surrounding areas, turning the riverside settlement into a vibrant showcase of Sarawak's cultural diversity.
A tourist from the Netherlands, Eric De Bruijn, 57, described the experience as memorable, saying it was his first opportunity to witness such a lively celebration rooted in tradition. 'This opportunity has helped me gain a closer understanding of Bidayuh culture. I am impressed by how they preserve their traditions while sharing the uniqueness of their culture with visitors,' he told Bernama.
De Bruijn, a government employee in his home country, said Sarawak's cultural diversity was unique and expressed hope of returning to witness more ethnic celebrations and cultural festivals highlighting the heritage of the state's various communities. 'I hope more events like this will continue to be promoted internationally because they not only attract tourists but also help introduce Sarawak's identity and cultural richness to the world,' he said.
Meanwhile, local radio presenter Elya Nabila said events such as the festival reflected the richness of Sarawak's multicultural identity and offered visitors an opportunity to experience traditions firsthand. 'Every time I attend an event like this, I would always be excited because there is always something new to learn and experience. This is my second visit to Kampung Simpok to join friends and local residents in witnessing their cultural celebrations. The community spirit and efforts to preserve their heritage always capture my attention,' she said.
Meanwhile, organising committee member Peter Apit, 45, said this year's edition was the eighth since the festival was introduced to strengthen ties among residents of Kampung Simpok while promoting the community's cultural heritage. He said the organisers hoped the event would eventually be included in Sarawak's official tourism calendar and receive greater funding to enable a larger-scale celebration in future.
The organisers are targeting attendance of more than 5,000 visitors in coming years, compared with about 2,000 recorded last year, reflecting growing public interest in community-based cultural tourism. Kampung Simpok is the largest settlement of the Bisapug Bidayuh ethnic group and is divided into six zones, namely Kandis, Serui, Pedat, Regu, Tengah and Tedontiang, with each zone participating in various activities, including the decorated raft parade.
Earlier, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who is also Tarat State Assemblyman, officiated the event as a symbolic Gawai Dayak celebration for the area.