The Pua Kumbu is a popular native handicraft

The Pua Kumbu is a popular native handicraft of the Ibans, one of the indigenous group of Sarawak, Malaysia. Translated literally pua kumbu means a blanket or a coverlet.This colourful cloth, woven with intricate combinations of various designs and colours, however, serves, more significant functions other than that of providing cover. In the olden days, the pua kumbu was very much an integral part of the day affair and special rituals of the Iban society. One or more pieces of pua kumbu were hung prominently in the midst of joyous gatherings such as harvest or weddings. The art of making pua kumbu is a much-valued tradition passed on from mothers to daughters.
Lagend has it that about 24 generations ago, Singgalang Burong, the God Of War, taught his grandson, Surong Gunting, how to use the most sacred of all the pua, the Lebur Api, at the end of a war. The heads of their fallen enemies were received ceremonially on this cloth, which had been dyed a deep red colour. This pua was woven at Batu Gelong, the longhouse which was home to the goddesses of weaving, namely Kuman, Indai Abang, and Lullong.
The pua kumbu has come a long way since its magical and mythical beginnings. This beautiful textile is often seen at major fashion shows regionally and internationally. A true taste of Sarawak, the pua kumbu has stood steadfastly and proudly in the face of modernization.

ENJOY KUCHING FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

BOULEVARD

WATERFRONT

SPRING

Kuching is an excellent place to buy Borneo arts, crafts and curios. Particular items to look out for are Iban Pua Kumbu(hand-woven rugs), wooden hornbill carvings used in rituals, and silver jewellery, Bidayuh basket weaving, Orang Ulu beadwork and woodcarving, and Penan blowpipes and mats. Most of the antique and curio shops are scattered along Main Bazaar, with a few in the Padungan area. Whilst a few are laid out like elegant galleries, most are crammed full with every possible variety of Sarawakian bric-a-brac, and items from Brunei, Kalimantan and Sabah. Fabriko, set in a lovingly restored Chinese shophouse on Main Bazaar, has interesting souvenirs, exclusive textiles and fashion items downstairs whilst the upper two floors house a gallery and showroom. Other well-established outlets on Main Bazaar include Native Arts. Nelson's Gallery, Rainforest, Sarawak House and Arts of Asia, all offering quality antiques and handicrafts at reasonable prices. The Telang Usan hotel has a small outlet specialising in Orang Ulu and Penan crafts, including some excellent modern beadwork and traditional headgear.

Prices of handicrafts are not always fixed so you may have to bargain. If you have the time it's best to shop around and get a rough idea before buying. Certain antiques require an export permit from Sarawak Museum. The more established shops can assist with this and with shipping arrangements(if required). Most art and craft shops close on Sundays.

For more general shopping, the main malls are Riverside Shopping Centre(next to the Crown Plaza), with includes a Parkson department store, Sarawak Plaza(next to the Holiday Inn) and Tun Jugah(opposite Sarawak Plaza) which has a good range of outlets selling men's and women's fashions. Other good places to go bargain hunting are Electra House(next to the Covered Market), Wisma Hopoh(Jln P.Ramlee) and Wisma Satok(Jln Satok), Wisma Seberkas and new shopping centre Spring and Boulevard.

20,000 take part in state-level National Day celebration

By Leyana Talif
KUCHING: The State Stadium at Petra Jaya reverberated with shouts of “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” yesterday when about 20,000 people took part in the state-level National Day (the 51st) celebration.
DARING MALAYSIANS: Two of the jumpers steer their way towards the middle of the stadium.
People from all walks of life congregated in the stadium where they were entertained with songs, dances, and instrumental music involving 300 students of Kuching Polytechnic, a 250-member marching band and 50 children from Tabika Kemas Kuching.
The celebration was made more memorable by the setting of a new record by three Base (Building, Antenna, Span and Earth) jumpers from the KL Tower Base and Parachute Jumpers.
The parachutists leapt from a Hornbill Skyways helicopter from the lowest height ever which was 1,500 feet.
These dare-devil were Mohd Idros Mohd Yusop, 42, Zainal Chik, 45 and Nik Khairul Fahmi Nik Bolia, 33.
Another interesting feature of the feat was three jumpers clad in Sarawak traditional attire including a ‘baju Melayu’, full Iban warrior regalia, and Chinese costume.
The jumpers wowed the crowd with their bull’s-eye landing in the centre of the stadium.
Once they were back on terra firma, they joined a group of seven ‘little astronauts’ from Lodge Primary School to present Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud with the Jalur Gemilang.
They were here on Aug 3 together with seven fellow jumpers who were involved in Menara Pelita Base jump event which was part of the annual ‘KL Tower International Jump Malaysia 2008’.
A total of 85 contingents comprising government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and higher learning institutions participated in the National Day parade.
Among them were contingents from Human Resource Ministry, Chief Minister’s Department, Sarawak Federal Secretary Office, Inland Revenue Board, National Registration Department and Universiti Teknologi Mara Sarawak Campus.
Also present at the event were Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Norkiah and wife of Chief Minister Datuk Amar Puan Sri Laila Taib. Borneo Post.

Full Text Of Prime Minister's National Day Message

August 30, 2008 21:40 PM Full Text Of Prime Minister's National Day Message By: Ramjit--> Following is the full text of the 51st National Day message by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to be delivered over the main national television channels Saturday night:Fellow Malaysians, let us thank God for it is with His blessings that we will be celebrating tomorrow the 51st anniversary of our nation's independence.Our nation has been witness to various events in the one year since we celebrated the country's 50th anniversary of independence.After the 12th general election on March 8, the nation had to put up with a food supply crisis and an increase in fuel prices which led to a rise in the prices of goods and the rate of inflation. All these proved to be major challenges for us and raised many questions and caused worry among the people. Are we capable of handling the situation?We will continue to tackle the problem of the higher prices of goods and inflation as best we can. The government is always sensitive to the burden that has to be borne by the people, particularly the poor and low-income group as well as the needy. With this in mind, the government will always take the necessary measures. In fact, it has begun to implement various initiatives to help the people adjust themselves to the situation and ease the burden they have had to bear.As I had announced during my Budget 2009 speech yesterday, the social safety net will be improved and extended. The eligibility criteria for welfare assistance under the Welfare Department will be raised according to the regions, in accordance with the current level of poverty line income. With this rise, the number of eligible recipients will double, from 54,000 households to 110,000.At the same time, the social safety net programme mechanism will be strengthened so that the eligible recipients will be able to get their aid without having to go through the hassle of administrative red tape.The government will also implement various initiatives to ensure adequate supply of food at reasonable prices. In line with food security policy, the measures being implemented include establishing a food stockpile, giving incentives to farmers and fishermen to encourage higher output as well as utilising idle land for cultivation of food crops.Besides, the government will continue to provide subsidies for food items such as rice, flour, cooking oil and bread. The government will strive hard to ensure that the people's quality of life is maintained as best as possible in face of the diverse challenges of the global economic situation.In the long term, I am convinced that our country is on the right track to becoming a developed nation which can compete with and be on par with or even higher than the other developed countries of the world.In the economic aspect, the fundamentals would continue to be strengthened so that the objective of developing a country with a higher economic standard and efficiency based on knowledge will be achieved.In the socio-economic context, we should rightly take pride in the fact that the emphasis and focus of the government on efforts to eradicate poverty have borne fruit. From year to year, there has been an encouraging drop in the rate of poverty and hardcore poverty. In the period from 2004 to 2007, the level of income of the people in the rural and urban areas had also risen, with the percentage rise in the rural areas double that in the urban areas.With this development, there has been a successful reduction in the gap in income level between the urban and rural areas. The gap in income level among the ethnic communities has also narrowed. With the continuing efforts, I am determined to ensure that the government's objective under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) to eliminate hardcore poverty and reduce overall poverty to three per cent by 2010 is achieved.In terms of community values and way of life, the government will continue to take the necessary steps and redouble efforts so that the desired physical development is realised by a Malaysian community that is more matured and of integrity. As such, the focus will be on developmental aspects based more on knowledge, culture and the mind.More attention has been and will be given to measures to improve the education system, assimilation of noble values such as integrity, media openness and strengthening of national institutions such as parliament, the judicial system, the anti-corruption agency, the Royal Malaysia Police and so on. The public service institution will continue to be strengthened so that it can always give world-class service to Malaysians.Nevertheless, the government would not be able to realise these aspirations and objectives on its own. The government needs the support of all quarters, from the private sector to the NGOs and, most of all, the people themselves.The real test for a nation and its people comes when the nation is faced with a grave situation and how the people act to tackle it. Malaysia has never been free of all kinds of challenges and obstacles. Nevertheless, praise be to God, we have been able to successfully tackle every one of these challenges and obstacles.We have not only successfully faced these obstacles but have gone beyond that. We have successfully developed this country to a level which we can all be proud of.I am convinced and I believe that all the trials which we are facing today can be overcome if we continue to remain united and work together with firm determination and fulfill our responsibilities, respectively.It is my hope that every Malaysian will be able to appreciate and realise the importance of solidarity amongst us. A united people is a strong national bulwark against any threat, whether from within or outside the country.Solidarity is the cornerstone of the nation's political stability, social harmony and economic competitiveness.In fact, the world has great respect for and is impressed with Malaysia because not many countries with a multiracial population exist with tolerance, peace and harmony.Talking of peace, I wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the government and all Malaysians, to record our greatest appreciation and gratitude to the country's armed forces, soldiers and policemen who have discharged their duties with full commitment and dedication based on undivided loyalty to the nation in safeguarding peace and security for the sake of us Malaysians.Our struggle has a long way to go. Much remains to be done. Our objective is to create a developed nation in our own mould, a developed nation which promises a glorious life and future for every citizen regardless of race, religion and ethnicity. I am confident and believe that it is not impossible to achieve this objective so long as we Malaysians remain united and work together by discarding all differences and prejudices and rise as one people with the resolve to face all foes and challenges.No one citizen is recognised as being of a higher position than another in this nation. This nation belongs to all of us. Whether we rise or fall as a nation, depends on all of us.Here's wishing you all a happy 51st National Day.-- BERNAMA

CANADA HILL, THE PETROLEUM MUSEUM AND OIL WELL NO.1

Canada Hill is a limestone ridge overlooking the town and offering excellent views of Miri and the surrounding area. Oil Well No.1, known as the "grand old lady", is situated on top of Canada Hill. The well has an important place in Miri's history, as it was here that oil was first struck by Sarawak shell in 1910. Nowadays the site also houses a very well designed and interesting Petroleum Museum(open daily, 9am-5 pm, admission free), which traces the history and technological development of the oil and gas industries in Malaysia take a taxi (RM7).

No stopping Pusaka Dua paddlers in Sarawak River

King of the Sarawak River ... PUSAKA DUA team receiving their coveted trophy from the chairman of the organising committee, Rodziah Haji Morshidi who is also the Resident of Kuching Division at the podium near the mainstage of the Kuching Waterfront. By Jeremy Veno KUCHING: Pusaka Dua emerged the King of the Sarawak River when their team who led the pack for the majority of the races finished the race in style yesterday in the finals of the 30 paddlers men's (King of the River) category. The most anticipated Sarawak Regatta was flagged off by the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, His Highness Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah together with Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Muhammad Salahuddin and accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Norkiah and the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife, Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr Hajjah Laila Taib on the "Datu" boat at the starting point near the Petanak area.Under their manager Hashim Haji Bojet, the team with much persistance and willpower managed to overcome the 'never-say-die' Landas 3 and Landas 9 teams who closed in second and third placings respectively.The third day of the Regatta saw most of the finals which can be considered as D-Day for champions in each category who will etch their names in the history book of the long Sarawak Regatta tradition for generations to come.Although the second day of the event faced a hiccup due to a heavy downpour on Saturday afternoon, the spirits of the paddlers, spaectators and all those involved in the success of the event was not dampened by the rain.The Sarawak Regatta this year saw a total of 321 teams with a total of 6,259 participants giving their dire best to vie for the promising cash prizes.This year also saw the prize list until the fifth placing for the 15 categories, including the seven paddlers (men), 10 paddlers (women), 15 paddlers mix (8 men + 7 women), 15 paddlers (men), 20 paddlers (men), 30 paddlers men (trophy TYT Yang Di-pertua Negeri), 20 paddlers Inter-Division (men), 30 paddlers VIP (men), 30 paddlers hotels and tour agencies (25 men + 5 women), 20 paddlers International (Open), 15 paddlers tourist, Perahu Tambang, Kayak, Jet Ski Open Below 800cc and Jet Ski Open Class Unlimited.New categories also made their debut this year, including the 20 paddlers Inter-State, 20 paddlers Inter-Varsity, 20 paddlers government and corporate agencies (men) and 30 paddlers VIP special.Traditional games were also held alongside the river bank where events such as the "Meniti Sulong", duck catching, pillow fight and boating tug-of-war was held everyday, drawing crowds by the thousands to the Kuching Waterfront.Stalls doing soft selling were also set up along the stretch of the Waterfront and the Main Bazaar roadside where several stalls in the vicinity can be seen selling drinks, food, clothing, handicrafts and traditional cakes for the Regatta spectators and tourists.The Sarawak Regatta committee todate had collected a total of RM685,000 and grants from various sponsors.Grants received for the Sarawak Regatta 2008 summed up to a total of RM370,000 coming from the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism Malaysia where Minister, Dato' Sri Wong Soon Koh was also the chairman of the Sarawak Regatta Permanant Committee.Also among the sponsors were Shell Berhad, Petronas Malaysia Berhad, Telekom Malaysia, Ta Ann Holding Sdn Bhd, Global Upline Sdn Bhd, Murphy Sarawak Oil and Cahya Mata Sarawak Sdn Bhd. Sponsorships included apparels for committee members from STIDC and in kind from Telekom Malaysia, Water Genesis and Nestle. Eastern times

Pasukan Satu is champion for the Sarawak Regatta

The winners of the International Open catagory posing with their prizes with team “Pasukan Satu” represented by Roshidi (centre) and Said (1st right) and Rodziah Haji Morshidi (1st left), Resident of Kuching Division and Chairman of the organising committee. By Jeremy Veno KUCHING: Team “Pasukan Satu” from Brunei Darussalam emerged the champion in the International (Open) category when twenty of their paddlers fuelled with willpower crossed the finish line of the choppy Sarawak river due to the heavy downpour.It is their second win in the tenth year of participation in the Sarawak Regatta under the leadership of the team manager Roshidi Abdul Latif. He was relieved as they had been battling neck to neck with the other teams till the finishing line.“I am very happy for the win, we have been training very hard for the past six months,” he said jubilantly after the prize giving ceremony by Said Dolah, the Director of Ta Ann Holding Sdn Bhd. Coming under the “Persatuan Lumba Perahu Kebangsaan Brunei Darussalam”, Roshidi stated that this is the second time they had emerged the champion after their first in 1998.Second place was Lams from Indonesia and third was Todak Murphy from Sarawak, the fourth placing however went to Pusaka Satu and fifth placing was also another team from Lams Murphy.In other final which is the women kayak singles, Hazalina Wati from PERKESA emerged the champion while second place went to Ester Pius from UNIMAS, third place however went to Noraida Abdul Kassim also from PERKESA.In the Jet Ski open class below 800cc finals, Lukman Budin from Brunei Darussalam won the champion, while second place went to Bahar Zainuddin also from Brunei, the third place however went to Zainuddin Dino from Kuala Lumpur. The Open Class Unlimited category however was an all-Mirian affair when all the top three positions were won by their riders.First place was won by Mohd Shafiee, second placing went to Mohd Hidair and third placing went to Louis Ling.New categories also made its debut this year which includes the 20 paddlers Inter State, 20 paddlers Inter Varsity, 20 paddlers government and corporate agencies (men) and 30paddlers VIP special. REGATTA RESULTS Open Class Below 800cc -Finals 1.Lukman Budin - Brunei 2.Bahar Zainuddin - Brunei 3.Zainuddin Dino - Kuala Lumpur Open Class Unlimited -Finals 1.Mohd Shafiee - Miri 2.Mohd Hidair - Miri 3.Louis Ling - Miri 20 paddlers Men Government and Corporate Agencies -Finals 1.PUSAKA satu 2.Tekasa Abok Sekalai Foundation 15 Tourist paddlers -Finals 1.Team “Waktu A” - Brunei 2.Istana Sambas 2 3.Istana Sambas 1 20 paddlers men -Preliminary C 1.Landas 20 2.PUSAKA 2 3.Landas 22 20 paddlers men -Preliminary D 1.KOPUSAKA 2 2.Landas 24 3.Dayang Puteri Layang Layang Men Double Kayak -2nd Preliminary 1.Hardi Suntol/ Ronny Friday -UNIMAS 2.Mohd Azri Jaludin/Harol Mamat -UNIMAS 3.Mohd Khairul Jawan/Omar Alias Mazlan -PERKESA 15 paddlers men -Preliminary C 1.Landas 30 2.PUSAKA 2 3.SHOZEE 15 paddlers men -Preliminary D 1.KOPERKASA 2 2.Bujang Malaysia Abuk Sekalai Foundation 3.Cahaya Intan III Mixed Kayak Doubles -Preliminary 2 1.Jury Amrullah Ibrahim/Hazalina Wati Oman -PERKASA 2.Harold Mamat / Elsie Theresna-UNIMAS 3.Hardy Sutol / Ester Pius - UNIMAS 7 paddlers men -Preliminary C 1.Keris Terbang 2.Dayang Puteri Layang Layang 3.Brooke Dockyard 7 paddlers men -Preliminary D 1.Seri Sarawak 7 2.Keris Terbang 4 3.Puteri Berkaya Women Single Kayak -Finals 1.Hazalina Wati -PERKESA 2.Ester Pius -UNIMAS 3.Noraida Abdul Kassim -PERKESA 20 paddlers International (Open) -Finals 1. Pasukan Satu -Brunei 2.Lams Indonesia 3.Todak Murphy Women Doubles Kayak -Preliminary 1 1.Hazalina Osman/ Noraida Abd Kassim -PERKESA 2.Chong Min Yen/ Nor Juliana Rabee -PERKESA 3.Floria Lumat/Shirley -UNIMAS Women Doubles Kayak -Preliminary 2 1.Nangku Ngedang -UNIMAS 2.Nasyitah Ahmad/ Elsie Theresna -UNIMAS 3.Siti Asmah Mos/ Syazanah Sahari -UNIMAS

Sarawak "Kek Lapis' enters Malaysia Book of Records

Sarawak News

Sarawak Kek Lapis Enters Malaysia Book Of Records
KUCHING, July 26 (Bernama) -- A kek lapis (layer cake) measuring 14 metres has been acknowledged by the Malaysian Book of Records as the longest cake of its kind in the country.It was made as part of the celebration to commemorate the Sarawak's 45th anniversary of development in Malaysia.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud inspected the completed cake at the Kuching Waterfront here Saturday before the record was endorsed by Yap Chee Kong of the Malaysian Book of Records.

Sarawak Assistant Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Minister Naroden Majais said the cake was the creative efforts of five local bakeries - Resipi Warisan, Mariam Cakes, Rabiah Amit Enterprise, Ambrosia de Cake and S.A Enterprise.

"The cake took eight days to make and was completed by 20 bakers on Friday at the cost of RM10,000," he said when launching the Entrepreneur Movement programme here today.

The cake is made up of various layers in yellow, red and black - the colours of the state flag.It was cut and sold at RM20 per piece with the proceeds going to charity.At the function a teh tarik made by Taib fetched RM500 and the money was also raised for charity.-- BERNAMA

Producing the longest 'kek lapis' in Malaysia

KUCHING: Sarawak bakers turned out longest 'kek lapis' or layered cake in the nation according to the Malaysia Book of Records(MBR). More than 20 skilled and semi-skilled bakers took eight days-July 18 to 25 - to bake the 14-metre long 'kek lapis' measuring 0.19 metres wide and 0.40 metres high. The layered cake,worth approximately RM 16,000,was produced in conjunction with the celebration of the 45 years of Sarawak's independence in Malaysia. The longest layered cake was made from 5,200 eggs,170kg flour,100kg butter,336 tins condensed milk,21kg fruits jam and 170kg sugar.Other ingredients were chocolate powder,cooking chocolate and chocolate chips. Divided into 1,570 pieces, they were open for sale at RM20 each. The collected amount will be channelled to three charitable organisations including the Sarawak Orphans Welfare Association(Peryatim), Rumah Seri Kenangan and an old folks home in Sri Aman. The bakers came from five established layered cake entrepreneurs here namely Resipi Warisan, Mariam Cakes, Rabiah Amit Enterprise, Ambrosia de Cake and S.A Enterprise. Maestro Swiss Trading Sdn Bhd, the dealer for products such as Vico, Vochelle and Darry's was the main sponsor of the event. Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud officially 'launched' the longest layered cake during a simple caremony held at the Kuching Waterfront here yesterday. Taib received a certificate for the feat from MBR official Yap Chee Kong. Among those present were Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Mohd Naroden Majais and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department (Human Resource and Training) Datin Fatimah Abdullah. -July 26(The Sunday Post-BORNEO POST)

RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

Come to join us at our Rainforest World Music Festival 2008 FREE preview at:
8th July 2008Venue: Amphitheater KuchingTime: 7pm until 9pm 9th July 2008Venue: The SpringTime: 7pm Until 9pm 9th July 2008Venue: Boulevard Shopping Mall, KuchingTime: 7pm until 9pm

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that bringstogether on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo. Its formula of afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by eveningperformances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with the audience, who come from near and far. The festival site also sets up 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 artists, all this contributing to a fun filled, wholesome festival experience. World Music plus a country fair atmosphere in the midst of lush greenery. The Rainforest World Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed occasion, guarantees a smashing time in the heart of the Borneo Jungle ! (scv)

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE FOR RWMF 2008

FRIDAY
THEATRE IBAN LONGHOUSE DEWAN LAGENDA 2.00 – 2.45 pmFiddling A RoundBowed Instruments 2.00 – 2.45 pm Accordion to WhomAccordions around the world 2.00 – 2.45 pmNot Your Average Instrument 3.15– 4.00 pm Tal OrderDrums of South Asia 3.15 – 4.00 pm Heavy MetalMelodic Metal Instruments 3.15 – 4.00 pmString Things 4.30 – 5.15 pmHarpers Bazaar Harps meet the harp -lute 4.30 – 5.15 pmFusion ReactorsFusing musical cultures 4.30 – 5.15 pmGong DrummingMalaysian gongs meet world drums

SATURDAY
THEATRE IBAN LONGHOUSE DEWAN LAGENDA 2.00 – 2.45 pm.Great Reeding Bagpipes to sax, and in between 2.00 – 2.45 pm.New Ulu New Directions for Boat lutes 2.00 – 2.45 pm African Voice, African RootsSongs from Africa and the African Diaspora 3.15 – 4.00 pm. Musical Theatricks 3.15 – 4.00 pm. Framed Lizards Pyrotechnics on frame drums and tambourines 3.15 – 4.00 pm. Nxt Gen The next generation of Sarawakian World Music 4.30 – 5.15 pm. Alap or twoThe high art of imrpovisation 4.30 – 5.15 pm. Where can I plug in? Many voices of the electric guitar 4.30 – 5.15 pm. Djembe WorldThe African drum that conquered the world

SUNDAY
THEATRE IBAN LONGHOUSE DEWAN LAGENDA 2.00 – 2.45 pm. Oudly Enough Variations of the ancient oud / lute 2.00 – 2.45 pm. Women’s Voices 2.00 – 2.45 pmAcoustic Guitar Heroes 3.15 – 4.00 pm. Magical Bamboo 3.15 – 4.00 pm. Tickling the IvoriesWorldly Piano 3.15 – 4.00 pm. Mixing it Mixing instruments and cultures 4.30 – 5.15 pm. Drum Dance When Drummers and Dancers meet 4.30 – 5.15 pm.Voice of our People An acapella choir from around the world 4.30 – 5.15 pm. Hot Air Flutes and stylings from many cultures

RWMF - EVENING PROGRAMS 2008

FRIDAY
Time Stage 1 Stage 2 7.15 - 8:00 SENIDA (Sarawak) 8:00 - 8:30 AKASHA (Malaysia) 8:30 - 9:15 CHOLO VALDERAMMA (Colombia) 9:15 - 9:45 NEW ROPE STRING BAND (United Kingdom) 9:45 - 10:30 FADOMORSE (Portugal) 10:30 - 11:15 ADEL SALAMEH (Palestine) 11:15 - 12:00 PINIKPIKAN (Philippines)

SATURDAY
Time Stage 1 Stage 2 7:30 - 8:00 KANI’D (Sarawak, Malaysia) 8:00 - 8:30 TUKU KAME (Sarawak) 8:30 - 9:15 BELTAINE (Poland) 9:15 - 10:00 ADEL SALAMEH (Palestine) 10:00 - 10:45 YAKANDE (Gambia/Guinea) 10:45 - 11:15 HIROSHI MOTOFUJI (Japan) 11:15 - 12:00 SHELDON BLACKMAN (Trinidad & Tobago)

SUNDAY
Time Stage 1 Stage 2 7:30 - 8:00 NEW ROPE STRING BAND (United Kingdom) 8:00 - 8:30 ORCHESTRA ANAK JATI BISAYA (Sarawak) 8:30 - 9:00 HIROSHI MOTOFUJI (Japan) 9:00 - 9:45 OIKYOTAAN (India) 9:45 - 10:30 ROSS DALY (Greece) 10:30 - 11:15 KASAI MASAI (Congo/UK) 11:15 - 12:00 FINALE

All sales for the 3-day tickets, both online and at all Visitors’ Information Centre counter’s has stopped from June 30, 2008. Kindly note that with immediate effect only daily tickets are available online and at the counters. For more info, please contact our Visitor Information Centre Kuching at +60 (0)82 410944

Colors Gawai Dayak 2008-galery

SHOW

SING(ZAINAL ABIDIN)

DAYUNG

KUMANG

LAUNCH

Famous kek lapis sarawak

Kek Lapis Sarawak (Sarawak Layer Cake) is one of the handcraft introduced by the old generation of Sarawak. With the patients and concentration, Kek Lapis Sarawak nowadays is offered with unique patterns and various flavours. It is a tradition in Sarawak, Malaysia to serve Sarawak Layered Cakeson special occasions. In the Malay language they known as Kek Lapis Sarawak, Kek Lapis Moden Sarawak, Kek Sarawak or Kek Lapis. They are often baked for religious or cultural celebrations such as birthdays and weddings.
People in Malaysia practice an open house on festival day. A unique feature ofSarawak's open houses is the modern layered cakes.Modern Sarawakian layered cakes were introduced to the people of Sarawak from Indonesia officially around 1988. The Indonesian version has been known since the Dutch colonial era; its most famous varieties are the Lapis Legit, a spice-flavored multilayered cake, and Lapis Surabaya.
(ex)Puan Rabiah Amit is well-known in Malaysia as an expert in making modern Sarawakian layered cakes. Around the year 2000, Puan Rabiah Amit introduced this cake to the whole of Malaysia. She also wrote her own recipe book, Kek Lapis Sarawak, which was published in the year 2003 . Her journey in introducing this modern layered cakes in Bintulu, Sarawak began in 1989. She became a teacher (guru) to her neighbors, teaching them how to make these beautiful cakes.

Famous kek lapis sarawak

Bunga Matahari, Berlian, Strawberry, Bunga Mawar/Keronsang , Ketupat Sate, Rempah, Peppermint, Perisai, Masam Manis, Pesline, Cheese, Pua Kumbu, Domino, Mutiara, Coklat Kandos, Bunga Tulip, Evergreen, Songket, Lady Diana, Buluh Perindu, Songket Sarawak, Tembikai, Roda Impian, Tikar Rotan, Kelasah Sarawak, Bumi Kenyalang, Sri Santubong, Tikar Mozek, Sehati Serasa, Bebola Cinta and....many...you can test, try...see me!

TODAY...THE GAWAI FESTIVAL

Types of Gawai

The Ibans has many festivals called 'Gawai'. These different 'Gawai's are known as 'Gawai Kenyalang' (hornbill festival), 'Gawai Antu' (festival for the dead) and 'Gawai Dayak' (harvesting festival).During such festivals, besides the customary observance of ritual, there is usually a lot of drinking of the locally brewed rice wine called tuak, much merriment and dancing called ngajat and displays of elaborate traditional costumes.

Gawai Festival

A harvest festival celebrated by the state's indigenous people,particularly the Ibans and Dayaks, in their traditional costumes.It features ceremonial offerings of various local traditional delicacies and tuak - home made rice wine, to the gods of rice and prosperity. This unique festivity is a must see for local and foreign tourists alike.

First celebrated on 1st June 1965, it is the feast for the eyes with its colourful rituals, traditional music, cock fighting, feasting and games. It is simply a time for merrymaking.

The Gawai festival has always been one of the celebrated festivals in Sarawak. Its origins goes back to the folklore that tells of the adventure of men travelling to the world of the gods and spirits with an invitation to join in a feast, then oftheir subsequent journey to the world of mortals. It is generally believed thatGawai is being held when one is persuaded by the gods to do so in his dream. After performing this Gawai ceremony, one's life and the lives of all those who have been touched by the celebration will be blessed - so it is believed!

First celebrated on 1st June 1965, it is the feast for the eyes with its colourful rituals,traditional music, cock fighting, feasting and games. It is simply a time for merrymaking

That is the origin of Gawai from a mystical point of view. But on a more down-to-earth way of seeing it, Gawai festival is the celebration of the end of harvesting season andthe start of a new farming season. Today, throughout Sarawak, the Dayak community celebrate Gawai in their villages and urban homes with open invitation, sharing the finest of their hospitality with the other communities.

Tuak (rice wine) and an array of traditional food are generously served. Widespread celebrations are held not only in the main cities and towns but also in the interior settlements. Gawai is an occasion for parties, fun and games, processions and open houses. In remote villages, guests are expectedto taste tuak and eat at each household. Music and dancing usually follow suit.
As another highlight of the night, an ethnic beauty pageant will also be held as a sign of recognition to beautiful and intellectual women. With the gracious sponsorship from Unilever who has the Fair & Lovely whitening facial cream under its wing, the organizers are looking for a maiden who possess grace, pose and charm, articulate witha good knowledge of Sarawak's beautiful culture and heritage. She must be, in short, a woman of substance.

Tuak

Tuak is a special rice wine. It is a drink for all occasions, be it Gawai,weddings or entertaining visitors. It is generally served during any sort of entertainment or festivities. When you arrive at any longhouse during the festival,the occupants will offer you tuak as a welcoming drink. It used to offend the occupantsif visitors refuse the offering but now the host is more understanding as some religion like Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol of any sort.

Where to go

-The Skrang River (Iban Longhouse)

-The Lemanak River (Iban Longhouse)

-Batang Ai (Iban Longhouse)

-Annah Rais (Bidayuh Longhouse)

ALL YOUR TRAVEL AND SHOPPING NEEDS IN BORNEO

BARIO RICE

Bario Rice is regarded by the 'Orang Ulu' and natives as the finest and best rice from the highlands of Sarawak. It is grown on cool climates at an elevation above 1,200 metres. According to the natives, the rice is only eaten by the longhouse chief on special occasion. It is long been regarded as one of the finest rice grains of the world. It is famous for its soft texture, fine and elongated grains with mild aromas and splendid taste. The rice is a home-grown, laboriously planted and harvested by hands using age-old traditional methods. In the planting of the Bario rice, there is no usage of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. It has all the attributes of organic rice with an added flavour and unique taste as a result of the cool, pristine and unpolluted environments where it is grown. It is perfect for health conscious consumers. Bario Rice is specially air-flown out of Bario and Ba'kelalan highlands to enable the rest of Malaysians to sample the finest rice derived from the Land of the Hornbills.

POTTERY

Pottery made in Sarawak is of two distinctive types - one done by the Iban, Murut and Kelabit potters and the other by Chinese potters. Today, the range of Sarawak's potters have improved vastly as they create ceramic stools, drinking water cisterns, decorative jars and vases, lamps, candle holders, ashtrays, teapots, mugs and even photo frames. Attractive souvenir items are also produced, ideal for tourists and visitors. Even the locals use Sarawak pottery as gifts during official functions and special occasions. Kuching's potteries are grouped together at 8th Mile on the Penrissen Road, just outside the state capital.

Where to get:
* Yong Huat Heng Brick & Earthenware Factory , 5th Mile Penrissen Rd, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel : +6082 451540 or H/P: +6019 8166266
* Borneo Clay Craft, 219 Jln. Parit Lama, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak. H/P: +6019 877 8705
* Bricks & Earthenware Factory, 5th Mile Jln. Penrissen, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: +6082 451540
* Earthenware Factory Sdn. Bhd. , 18 Lrg. Teng Kung, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak. Tel: +6084 213633
* Sarawak Pottery Centre, SP 313, Kuching By-Pass, P.O. Box 1143, 1421, 93728 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: +6082 451709
* Nanga Sumpa Longhouse , Batang Ai 95900 Lubuk Antu, Sarawak. Tel: +6083 584108
+ Toh Brothers Pottery, 8 ½ Mile Jln. Oya, P.O. Box 32, 96007 Sibu, Sarawak. Tel: +6084 344151

PUA KUMBU

Pua Kumbu is without a doubt an outstanding material culture of Sarawak. This woven art by the Ibans is well known for its exquisite patterns where designs are tied-and-dyed on vertical threads. Today, Pua Kumbu is not only woven as sarongs, carpets and decoration but even as clothes and overthrows. Other magnificent woven cloth of textile art in Sarawak is kain songket of the Malays. They are hand-woven textiles of gold and silver threads combined with fine cotton or silk yarn. It is very similar to the gold threaded kain songket of Kelantan and Indonesia. However, in Sarawak they were regarded as a legacy from the Brunei Sultanate days. The kain songket is made to a size of a two-and a half yard sarong or skirt length.

Where to get:

* Buyau ak Ringgit, Kpg. Udam, 96700 Kanowit, Sarawak. Tel: +6084 808055
* Girek ak Ngebong, Kg. Balen, Sg. Among Kapit, 96807 Kapit, Sarawak. Tel: +6084 799218
* Murin ak Gawing, c/o PKKM Caw. Sarawak, Desa Pengeluaran Kraf Betong, 95700 Betong, Sarawak. Tel: +6083 472434
* Rajang Songket Centre, Kpg. Rajang, 96100 Sarikei. Tel: +6084 612322

WOOD

Woodcarving is one of the bastions of Sarawak handicrafts, and you can find anything from stylishly crafted Kayan and Kenyah wooden spoons to ten-foot-tall guardian figures crafted from solid belian (ironwood). Amongst the more popular items are elaborately decorated wooden bowls; Iban hunting and trapping charms with small hunched figures carved on the end of a long spike; all kinds of ritual masks; Melanau sickness figures (blum) used to cast away illnesses in healing ceremonies; entire longhouse doors carved from a slab of hardwood; blowpipes that can kill a wild pig (or a person) at 100 m; and the ornately carved and painted hornbill figures used by the Ibans for celebrating Gawai Kenyalang, the hornbill festival.

Where to get:
* Abau Regong , Karittadam, c/o URA Lg. Napir, 98700 Limbang, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 202105

*Asas Mahir Sdn. Bhd, 359 Jln. Sibiew, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak. Tel: +6083 337621
* Saging Anyi Taman Delight, Jln. 1B, Lot 3400, 98000 Miri, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 612169
* JJ & LL Family, Carving & Painting Stall, Stall No.3, Miri Heritage Centre, 98000 Miri, Sarawak. H/P: +6013 8405166
* Karya Indah , 320-323, Perkampungan Industri Perkayuan Semariang, Jln. Tan Sri Abg. Ikhwan Zaini, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: +6082 446320
* Woods Trading 4 ½ Mile, 206 Jln Kung Phin Off Penrissen Rd, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel : +6082 451322, H/P: +6016 8889928

SARAWAK TERUBOK FISH

Sarawak's all-time favourite and very unique souvenir craze is the Salted Terubok (American Shad) Fish. Visitors would normally come back from Sarawak bearing salted terubok (nicely wrapped in a box for longer preservation) for their friends and family. One of the favourite fishes in Sarawak, terubok is full of bones but tasty nevertheless. The trick of the trade is to find the biggest terubok fish as the bones are larger and easier to dispose. Also available is the terubok egg, and far more expensive. It may set you back about RM200 per kg.

Where to get:
* Jol 'Terubuk', Satok Market, Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: +6019 8499747

BEADS

BeadsThe indigenous people of Sarawak have since long ago been associated with beadwork for adornment as well as for ceremonial purposes. Here, beads tradition goes back to the very remote past. The variety of beads, the materials from which they are made , their colours and the values attributed, all make up an interesting conversation and discussion. Beads, today, are used in many different ways and one can see government officials using them as gifts and garlands for different functions and events as well.

Where to get:
* Agnes Nani Ganti, Lot 2204, Ground Floor, Saberkas Commercial Centre, Pujut-Lutong Rd., 98000 Miri, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 655194
* Aweh Handicraft, Stall No. 10, Miri Heritage Centre, 98000 Miri, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 433784

* Jenny Tingang , 36 Taman Taipei City, Kota Sentosa, Batu 7, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel : +6082 616232 or H/P: 6013 8214427
* Juliana Lawing Abdullah, 1--1, Blk CF6, Penrissen Complex, Jln Penrissen, 93677 Kuching, Sarawak. H/P: +6019 8560878
* Litad bt. Mulok Lg. Tuma, 98850 Lawas, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 284362

BAMBOO

BambooFrom containers to kitchenware, flooring to fans and pipes for water or tobacco, bamboo is used in a thousand ways in Sarawak. The variety of its uses is matched only by the diversity of the designs and carvings. The Bidayuh people are masters of bamboo carving, and produce very fine boxes and containers that may have been designed to hold betel nut or blowpipe darts, but are just as good for storing pens and pencils. The Penan tribe produces equally fine bamboo basketry.

Where to get:

* Polly ak Stang , 360, RPR Batu Kawah Phase 1, Lrg. 7, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: +6082 684795
* Rosita ak Bugget , 59 Kg. Pichin, 94700 Serian, Sarawak. Tel: +6082 879549
* Sinjan ak Ason Rh. Bidayuh, SCV Jalan Damai, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak. H/P: +6010 8279217 * Siti Hasmah Abdul Halim, Kg. Kelapa Mawar, 98700 Limbang, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 202105

RATTAN

Rattan is one of the most durable jungle products found until today. Whole longhouses can be put and hold together by a single string of rattan - a palm species, which trunk is bendable and suitable for weaving. And don't forget the ever popular Sarawak rattan mats - not only are they comfortable, they are also beautiful and of high quality. Woven rattan baskets are made of different jungle creepers, fibres, stems and leaves for the usage in the daily life of tribal people: storing paddy seeds, harvesting, gathering of jungle vegetables and fish traps.

Where to get:
* Aji @ Ismadi bin Chupak, Kg. Pahlawan, 98700 Limbang, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 202104
* Awing Crafts & Cultural Centre Workshop. Lot 1538, Piasau Jaya Phase 3, Jln. 3D, 98000 Miri, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 663462, H/P: 016 8719084
* Orah Bampa Badeng Lg. Mejawah, 96900 Belaga, Sarawak. Tel: +6086 461218
* Nuran ak Jawa, Rh.Sap Batu Lintang Undop, 95000 Sri Aman, Sarawak. Tel: +6083 418190

REED BASKET

Reed Basket For centuries, Sarawakians have been using intricately carved baskets made from bemban or reeds and reed basket-making has evolved from a craft into an art. Bemban baskets come in a variety of styles and colours and have many uses. They make chic shopping baskets, purses and handbags.

Where to get:
* Dayang Umi bt. Dris, Kg. Nangka 96000 Sibu, Sarawak. Tel: +6084 202105
* Dayang Mau , Kg. Anak Tuno, 98700 Limbang, Sarawak. Tel: +6085 324584
* Limai ak Dila Kpg. Semokoi, 94700 Serian, Sarawak. Tel: +6082 870219 or +6082 874784

TERENDAK

TerendakOne of the most popular souvenirs among visitors today is the conical-shaped terendak hat originated from the Melanaus. Melanau women are skilled at weaving them from sago palm strips and wild sang leaves, using rattan strips as binding. Intricate designs give the terendak a beauty that never goes out of style.

Where to get:
* Hashimah Bt. Narawi, 199, Kg. Baru Ismail, Ingan, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak. Tel: +6084 832530

SARAWAK PEPPER

Sarawak pepper has gained international recognition by chefs and gourmets as one of the most favourite pepper ingredients due to its distinctive flavour and taste perfected through years of government funded agro-research. Today, with the advancement of technology, there's more variance in pepper produces like pepper candies and pepper perfume (you won't sneeze). Pepper plantations can be seen along the Kuching-Serian Road.

Where to get:
* Revolution Online Marketing, No 10, Lot 3743, 2nd Flr, Liang Kee Com. Ctr, 4th Mile, Penrissen Road, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: +6082 235300
* Sarawak Produces Industries Company, Lot 697, Bintawa Industrial Estate, Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: +6082 337607, +6083 333368


SARIKEI PINEAPPLE

Sarikei is famous for its pineapple. The town is the pineapple capital of Sarawak. It lies in the centre of an agricultural area. Pineapple is the 'star' of the town where there will be a Pineapple Festival held every year. In fact, right in the middle of town, there stood the town's emblem standing at five metres tall on the waterfront. The fruit bears testament to a true 'winner' of the agricultural sector, it contains sugar content of 17 per cent, low acid and few pickles on its leaves. The fruit can be kept cool and has a long shelf life. During the festival, various classes of pineapple were judged for sweetness, shape, colour and appearance - Nanas Madu, Nanas Sawi and Nanas Paun.