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The Bisaya, also spelled Bisayah, indigenous people of northwestern Borneo, in Malaysia, concentrated above the Padas River and below Beaufort in Sabah state, and in northern Sarawak state. They are of Malay stock and possibly related to the Visayan of the Philippines.
What Are Their Lives Like?

Primarily farmers, with rice being their staple crop. Chilies, maize, cucumbers, pumpkins, eggplant, and other vegetables are also grown. Fruit trees provide bananas, coconuts, and breadfruit. Fish is another important part of the Bisaya diet, as is the meat from wild pigs, deer, and pheasants.

Religions: Islam

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Malaysia's largest state is known to be Sarawak and among the people that inhabit such territory is the Melanau tribe. Living along the famous river in Sarawak, Sungai Rajang to Bintulu, the Melanau tribe is one of the earliest indigenous community that settles in Sarawak and even have the same origins with the Orang Hulu.
What Are Their Lives Like?

Mostly farmers, fishermen, sago producers, and traders. Cultivation of sago palm, wet rice, coconut, and rubber supplements their economy. They consider education a priority, and some of the Melanau has thrived in politics, business, and public life.

Religions: Islam, Christian

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Video: Pesta Babulang & Lumba Kerbau 2019 Bisaya Sarawak.

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Video: Pesta Babulang & Lumba Kerbau 2019 Bisaya Sarawak.

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This video shows the environment and unique activities during Babulang Festivals and Buffalo Racing in Sarawak.

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PESTA BABULANG & LUMBA KERBAU 2019_BISAYA SARAWAK

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News Article: Pesta Babulang of the Bisayas

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News Article: Pesta Babulang of the Bisayas

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Key points from the article:

1.  Pesta Babulang is a festival significant to the Bisaya community in Batu Danu and Limbang, Sarawak that usually held in June.

2.  The festival marks the end of the harvesting season and bountiful harvest and welcomes a new farming cycle.

3.  The Bisaya community celebrate by donning their intricately-woven traditional costumes. Many of the women put on their traditional attire called baju masuk, comprising a sarong and a black jacket with embroidered motifs, while the men wear jackets and singan during the three-day celebration.

4.  The highlight of the festival is the buffalo race involving teams from Sarawak itself, Sabah and Brunei trying to outrace each other, riding on bare buffalo back.

5.  For something more feminine, there’s the ‘Ratu Babulang’ festival that draws many the Bisaya lasses to vie for this annual beauty crown.

6.  There is also an array of traditional activities such as singing, games, the beating of gongs, cultural performances, dances, displays of handicrafts, beadworks and embroideries, traditional food competitions as well as boat decorations (perahu berhias).

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PESTA BABULANG means Harvest Festival in the language of the Bisayas, an Orang Ulu ethnic group found in Limbang, (northern Sarawak), Sabah and Brunei.

The Festival marks the end of the harvesting season and a bountiful harvest and welcomes a new farming cycle.

The Bisayas celebrate by donning their intricately-woven traditional costumes. Many of the women put on their traditional attire called baju masuk, comprising a sarong and a black jacket with embroidered motifs, while the men wear jackets and singan during the three-day celebration.

There is also an array of traditional activities such as singing, games, beating of gongs, cultural performances, dances, displays of handicrafts, beadworks and embroideries,traditional food competitions as well as boat decorations (perahu berhias).

The celebration will, of course, not be complete without the buffalo race and the much-awaited Ratu Babulang (Festival Queen) for which the community is known.

According to Sarawak Bisaya Association president Antonio Kahti Galis, Pesta Babulang is the most significant among all the festivals of the community and celebrated on a grand scale.

"It's a joyous occasion as well as a thanks-giving ceremony for the bountiful harvest of padi and other crops," he told thesundaypost.

Anotonia said in the old days, Pesta Babulang was celebrated on a small scale among family members and close relatives.

It evolved gradually, and in 2004, the Association mooted the idea of working with the relevant authorities in the state, including the Sarawak Tourism Board, to help promote the Festival, the community and their traditions and culture to the outside world.

"Now, our Festival is well-known not only in the state but in the country as well - thanks to the strong support and good cooperation from all involved. The Bisaya community owe them a hearty thank," Antonio acknowledged.

The Festival is usually celebrated for three days.

The symbolic Tapi Manok kicks off the Nakod Babulang, followed by the traditional alai gandang parang and ancayau at the doorstep of the Batu Danau community hall where the Festival is launched before guests enter for servings of Babulang food.

Antonio said success of the Festival this year was a testimony to the solidarity and commitment of the community and Association to preserve their rich cultural heritage for the generations to come.

He added that the Pesta attracted visitors from Limbang and other parts of Sarawak as well as Brunei and Sabah.

This Festival this year was officiated at by Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

Also present were Assistant Minister of Water Supply and Farmers Organisation Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran, MP for Lawas, Datuk Henry Sum Agong, state assemblyman for Bukit Kota, Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, state asssemblyman for Batu Danau, Paulus Palu Gumbang and state assemblyman for Lambir Ripin Lamat.

Pesta Babulang has been organised annually over the past decade and will continue to be held to preserve their culture for the younger generation.

The community elders - with the support of the state government - are strongly committed to perpetuating the community's culture and way of life.

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Pesta Babulang of the Bisayas - Borneo Post Online

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PESTA BABULANG means Harvest Festival in the language of the Bisayas, an Orang Ulu ethnic group found in Limbang, (northern Sarawak), Sabah and Brunei. The Festival marks the end of the harvesting season and a bountiful harvest and welcomes a new farming cycle. The Bisayas celebrate by donning their intricately-woven traditional costumes.

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A short clips of how the Melanau community celebrates Kaul Festivals in April every year.

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News Article: The workings of Kaul as practised by the Melanaus

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News Article: The workings of Kaul as practised by the Melanaus

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Key points from the article:
1. Kaul is believed to have been practised for more than 300 years.

2. It was a practice of the Melanaus before the advent of Islam and Christianity. It signifies the identity and culture of the Melanaus.

3. Nowadays, it is not only celebrated by those who hold on to traditional beliefs, but also by Muslim and Christian Melanaus.

4. The Kaul ceremony is believed to have been first practised when measles and diarrhoea epidemics hit several villages and many people, regardless of age, died.

5.  Until one day a man from a “berimopo” village was given a sign in a dream that to prevent the spread of the disease, “ipok” (the spirit which caused the disease) needed to be appeased and fed.

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Kaul is essentially a presentation of offerings in the form of food and other items put in "serahang", a woven receptacle on stilt, and placed at a certain spot on a beach. The ceremony is held in the belief that it can appease the spirits of the sea, rivers and forests. In turn, the appeased spirits are expected to provide the people with security, prosperity and well-being in the months ahead until the next ceremony.

Kaul is believed to have been practised for more than 300 years. It was a practice of the Melanaus before the advent of Islam and Christianity. It signifies the identity and culture of the Melanaus. Nowadays, it is not only celebrated by those who hold on to traditional beliefs, but also by Muslim and Christian Melanaus.

The Kaul ceremony is believed to have been first practised when measles and diarrhoea epidemics hit several villages and many people, regardless of age, died. The epidemic caused panic among the Melanaus. All efforts to stop the disease from claiming more lives failed until one day a man from a "berimopo" village was given a sign in a dream.

In his dream, this man was told that to prevent the spread of the disease, "ipok" (the spirit which caused the disease) needed to be appeased and fed. As appeasement, the first Kaul ceremony was held, after which the disease stopped spreading. Kaul has been held since then.

The ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea is, in fact, not only held by the Melanaus. The same ceremony, called by different names, had been conducted by many of the world's farming and fishing communities along the coastal regions, particularly in the Malay Archipelago.

The worship of the spirits of the sea had been practised by the Malays in Singapore, Kelantan, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu, and Patani, Thailand.

According to an informant in Mukah, Kaul is celebrated to protect and save the world from the threat of diseases and epidemics. It is also a time for people to pray to the spirits for a good livelihood for the whole year, regardless of whether it is to make a living from the land, river, sea or jungle.

The role of Kaul is no less important as a ceremony to repel bad spirits, accidents, disasters and other elements which damage the earth and people. Livelihood, disasters and misfortunes are believed to come from the sea, rivers and jungles.

This concurs with Morris' (1967) opinion that traditionally, the New Year begins with the March moon when the Kaul, the annual ceremony for cleansing the village, is performed. Kaul is also a way for people to ask for a good livelihood, harmony and prosperity for the future. Kaul was looked upon as a religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm, making it the most important festival of the Melanau year.

It is a ritual of purification and thanksgiving as well as one of propitiation for good fortune. Hence, Kaul in the past was an appeasing ritual directed at the spirits of the sea, the land, the forest and the farm to ward off evil, misfortunes and sickness and to obtain the protection of the good spirits of health, harmony and prosperity.

As a majority of the Melanaus live along the coastline and swampy areas, and many are farmers, having good weather is important for them to make a livelihood. The Kaul ceremony gives confidence to the community that they will receive protection and they need not feel afraid to do something, particularly economic activities.

Psychologically, the confidence comes from the belief that the spirits would protect them from diseases, disasters and the like. With this confidence, they feel brave to go out to sea, venture into the jungle to obtain jungle produce, and so on.

Syncretism and modernisation of Kaul

In addition to its main role as a ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, Kaul also has social significance for the Melanaus. It is not only for averting misfortunes, asking for a good livelihood, feeding the spirits which have magical powers, welcoming the New Year, but also a time for friends, families and villagers to meet and celebrate.

In the past, there were no other gatherings as big as the Kaul. It was considered the merriest and most jubilant traditional ceremony which brought together friends, relatives and people from neighbouring villages. The ceremony was an opportunity for them to mingle with one another and establish social relationships.

This year's Kaul will be celebrated on April 27 and 28. It will maintain the traditional elements. Although today's communication system is more sophisticated than before, the announcement on the date of Kaul is still bone by the beating of drums throughout a village.

The father of Kaul or "Bapa Kaul" in a village is chosen from among those who are experienced and respected in the matter of culture. Responsible for ensuring that the ceremony complies with customs and rules that were set many generations ago, he is the medium connecting people in the physical world and the spirit world.

As the pillar and leader in the ceremony, he is responsible for persuading and appeasing the spirits, chasing away the bad elements, diseases and disasters, and also ensures that all taboos are obeyed.

From the angle of traditional practices, all offerings to the spirits are placed in the "serahang", without which the Kaul is not valid. A "serahang" is made from young nipah palm leaves, "tegoh" leaves and yogi leaves ("daun iseng").

"Serahang" must be made based on suitable motifs such as those that show the cosmology of the Melanaus. It represents the seven layers of the world that is on top and seven layers of the world that is below the middle layer. Thus, specific expertise is needed to weave the "serahang" whose main structure is a bamboo stick. The other parts include the "paka", "tepasik", "tetilip", "berburung" and "patik", the total number of which reflects the spirit and the layers of the earth.

There are seven "batang tetilip" and seven flag poles of various colours placed on top, with seven birds. Seven types of offerings are put in the plate - yellow rice, glutinous rice, roasted fish wrapped in leaves, traditional cake (penyaram), cigarettes, betel nut, and lime (locally known as "kapur"). When these things are offered, it is a way of feeding the spirit so that it would not be angry and cause disaster and diseases, and the offerings would also avert poor catch of fish and bad harvest of fruits.

The syncretism has resulted in Kaul being celebrated by every Melanau regardless of their religion and beliefs because they see the ceremony from their own perspectives.

Muslims and Christians are inclined to view Kaul from the respective lenses of their own religions while the traditional elements of Kaul are maintained to ensure harmony in the community. During the Kaul ceremony, the practices which go against Islamic and Christian beliefs are handled by those who still hold on to old beliefs.

The modernised Kaul is celebrated by having a variety of activities although the "tibow" ceremony is compulsory.

After the ceremony ends, taboos are imposed on the people and the participants. They are not allowed to enter a jungle for fear of being possessed by spirits. Fishermen are also not allowed to catch fish for a day.

The main taboo is they are forbidden from going out to sea. In the past, boats were not allowed to leave the river mouth for three days.

Another taboo which must be adhered to is the Kaul participants are not allowed to take away food which has been served during the ceremony.

Eventually, all traditional customs which are considered important are preserved to ensure that the meaning and purpose of Kaul is not adversely affected. To ensure that it is effective, all customs, ceremonies, instruments, food and taboos related to it are continued.

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The workings of Kaul as practised by the Melanaus

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Kaul is essentially a presentation of offerings in the form of food and other items put in "serahang", a woven receptacle on stilt, and placed at a certain spot on a beach. The ceremony is held in the belief that it can appease the spirits of the sea, rivers and forests.

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The Bidayuh are the third largest indigenous community in Sarawak after the Iban and the Malay. They include six main dialectical subgroups: Bau-Bidayuh, Biatah-Penrissen, Bukar-Sadung, Padawan-Sembaan, Rara and Salako. All the subgroups were collectively called Land Dayak in the past but were officially named Bidayuh by government action in 2002.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Were traditionally longhouse dwellers who made their living by subsistence farming.
Religions: Christian

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The Kadazan-Dusun is known to be the largest tribe of indigenous people who lives in the State of Sabah, Malaysia. The community prefer themselves to be called Kadazan as it is more appropriate and also because Dusun is the name that the foreigners gave them.

What Are Their Lives Like?

All primary agriculturalists with rice-growing supplemented by vegetable gardening and animal husbandry.

Religions: Islam, Christians

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The Kelabit are an ethnic group in Malaysia with a small number living in Indonesia. The main Kelabit settlement is in northeast Sarawak, Malaysia. The Kelabit heartland, Bario lies 1,000 metres above sea level in the remote Kelabit Highlands. Bario is accessible only by air transport.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Longhouse settlements.
plant wet-paddy, producing high-quality rice commonly known as 'Bario Rice', cultivate fruits and raise buffaloes.
Religions: Islam, Christian

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Video: Pesta Nukenen Bario 2015 (10th Anniversary)

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Video: Pesta Nukenen Bario 2015 (10th Anniversary)

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In this video, the Kelabit community celebrates Nukenen or Bario Food Festivals with simple activities yet very lively.

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Pesta Nukenen Bario 2015 (10th Anniversary)

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Key points from the article:

1. The history of the Bario Food Festival dates back 10 years ago in 2005 where the main principle objective was to recover the traditional processing methods of the Kelabit highland people which includes the indigenous edible plants and wildlife.

2. This food festival is considered to be one of the world's most unique festival due to the overall culinary process and experience. Because Bario is not an easy place to reach in the highlands, this resulted in the locals have kept the centuries-old tradition and recipes safeguarded.

3. However, with modernization, many of the younger generations have moved from the highlands to the fast-moving city life and hence fewer people are getting involved in this process

4. The Kelabit food is more of a slow food which is processed from scratch using all kinds of natural ingredients. The blend of diverse ingredients used is also not found anywhere in the world making this place the main hub for the delicacy. One of the main reasons why you will not find any authentic the Kelabit restaurants anywhere.

5. Not only experience the unique and amazing food but also witness the Kelabit lifestyle, traditional dances, games and even music of the Kelabit people.

6. Traditional games were held throughout the day, such as “nepaq apo”, which requires contestants to jump up and poke a stick through rattan weaving, and “menad ulung”, a favourite among children, where they have to climb a slippery bamboo pole to grab goodies strung at the top.

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Pesta Nukenen Bario or the Bario Food and Culture Festival 2015 is being celebrated from 30 July to 1st August and this very unique and special event will showcase the stunning and amazing highland culture of Sarawak Borneo. This year also showcases the 10th anniversary of the festival celebrating the culinary and cultural heritage of the Kelabit Highlands.

At Bario, visitors can expect authentic Kelabit food prepared by the highly skillful local chef's who have carried the recipes from generation to generation. The beauty about the local dishes here is seeing how they are prepared in the traditional longhouses. On a normal day, they are prepared in the kitchen of the longhouse which also doubles at the main guest area.

The history of the Bario food Festival dates back 10 years ago in 2005 where the main principle objective was to recover the traditional processing methods of the Kelabit highland people which includes the indigenous edible plants and wildlife.

This food festival is considered to be one of the world's most unique festival due to the overall culinary process and experience. Because Bario is not an easy place to reach in the highlands, this resulted in the locals having kept the centuries old tradition and recipes safeguarded.

However, with modernization, many of the younger generation have moved from the highlands to the fast moving city life and hence less people are getting involved in this process. Overall, there are only 6000 Kelabit people found around the world where the main concentration is here in the highlands.

In the recent Miri Country and Music Festival, the Bario Food Festival 2015 was promoted by the organisers by bringing the Kelabit people down from Bario to showcase their ethnic Kelabit food. At the bazaar, there was a Kelabit Food Tent where visitors were introduced to this authentic food and also for branding awareness for the festival.

Kelabit food is more of a slow food which is processed from scratch using all kinds of natural ingredients. The blend of diverse ingredients used are also not found anywhere in the world making this place the main hub for the delicacy.

This is also one of the main reasons why you will not find any authentic Kelabit restaurants anywhere. Among the recommended food to try here is the Nuba' Laya' which is softened rice wrapped in banana leaf. Another popular dish is Labo Belatuh or smoked meat done Kelabit style.

At the Nukenen Festival, you will not only experience the unique and amazing food but also witness the Kelabit lifestyle. Moving towards a carnival like atmosphere, visitors can see traditional dances, games and even music of the Kelabits.

However, when dusk arrives, you will also see another side of the locals here where song and dance come into play. As the highland people are avid followers of the country and western lifestyle, don't be surprised to see locals in cowboy hats and boots singing along to popular country tunes.

Pesta Nukenen is organised by the Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, the Kaum Ibu and Belia Bario and supported by Alde Valley Food Adventures UK, the Sarawak Tourism Board and the Sarawak State Government.

Activities in Bario

Due to the high elevation, Bario is truly an amazing place for anyone who loves the outdoors, culture and nature. Here, you can witness the locals going about their everyday lives harvesting and planting highland paddy or rice padi. This is one of the main industries of the Kelabit people. Apart from this, smaller farming lands cater to vegetables and fruit.

Hiking and trekking is also on top of the activity list as there are many trails available around Bario. Some of off road while a number of them lead to other villages.

Bird watching is also available for avid birders and even beginners as a number of montane birds are available here, including endemic ones. It is said that there are two or three species which is very rare and found only in the Bario Highlands.

There are also visits to the local salt farm where you can witness how traditional salt is processed and made here. The salts are processed from salt water which is pumped to the main centre and then cooked before fire drying them. Each designated family takes turns to process the Bario Salt here.

Other activities include kayaking down the Daphur River which is something that I would like to try one day.

Kelabit Longhouse

Kelabit longhouse visits are the main highlight and not to be missed as this is truly a one-of-a-kind experience where you can walk through these extremely long wooden houses on stilts which have about 20-30 families staying there.

The longhouses have three main sections - The tawa which is the main hall or corridor, the bilik which is the actual homes of the locals and the back of the longhouse which is the kitchen and open area.

Video inside a Kelabit Longhouse in Bario

While many may think the tawa is the main area, it is actually the kitchen area which serves as the main area where guests are hosted and families gather. When I visited one of the longhouses, the locals told me that it was common for guests to enter from the kitchen and be greeted and hosted here.

How to go to Bario

Bario is accessed only via flight from Miri, Lawas and Kuching and only via the small turboprop aeroplanes which can seat 16 passengers at one time. There are three flights a day but during the festival, MASwings has allocated additional flights to make it 6 flights a day. Note that each passenger is weighed along with their luggage before checking in.

As for land transport, it takes about 10-12 hours just from Miri and only the locals will go for this. A flight will take you 1 hour only. There are no taxis or buses to Bario.

Taking a flight to Bario is one amazing experience as you will fly around 1000 to 3000 feet above ground and you can see the vast primary and secondary rainforest below you. Even more amazing is the landing experience at the Bario airport.Check out the video I did for the plane landing at Bario Airport.

Video of plane landing in Bario

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Pesta Nukenen Bario or the Bario Food and Culture Festival 2015 is being celebrated from 30 July to 1st August and this very unique and special event will showcase the stunning and amazing highland culture of Sarawak Borneo. This year also showcases the 10th anniversary of the festival celebrating the culinary and cultural heritage of the Kelabit Highlands.

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Blog Article: Traveling in my own backyard: Babulang festival and Buffalo racing

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Blog Article: Traveling in my own backyard: Babulang festival and Buffalo racing

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Key points from the article:

1. In the past, Babulang was a feast-giving ceremony. In the traditional Bisaya community where there was no set hierarchical system, a person’s social status depended on his ability to provide a feast–Babulang.

2. The scale of the fest would then determine the “ranking” of the person, or his family, in that society. The rationale was that the hosting of the Babulang involved a substantial amount of expenses and required great organizational skill for the ceremony to run smoothly.

3. The Babulang was also a challenge, a grand scale dares between two men would invite as many as people he likes to his house to stay for as long as he desires, and fill up their stomach with buffalo meat.

4. It did not matter how long it took to return the favour, but once a person accepted another’s Babulang, he was in debt until he or his children repaid it if he dies.

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Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) is starting to creep up on the radar of tourists and travelers in the region. Some of the biggest attractions are the festivals here; from the ultra successful Rainforest World Music Festival, to the less known Borneo Jazz festival. But what Sarawak has, that many places don't, is the treasure trove of cultural festivals. With over 40 ethnic groups, each with their own distinct language, culture, and tradition, this land is a gold mine for culture vultures.

The Kaul festival I went to couple of months back was an unforgettable experience. So when I heard about the Babulang festival (which fell on the 6 th-8 th June this year) of the Bisaya people, I was excited to go and have a look. My wish was fulfilled thanks to Sarawak Tourism Board.
The Bisaya people
The Bisaya are the indigenous people found mostly around the area where Sarawak, Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), and Brunei converge. It's not known where they originated, but it is believed that they are distantly related to the Visayan people of The Philippines.

The Bisaya are skilled farmers; paddy, sago, tapioca, pepper, etc. are their main agricultural products. They are also good hunter and rear animals; they are especially good with rearing buffalo.

With the advent of modern religions, most Bisaya have forgotten their pagan beliefs and have embraced either Christianity or Islam. Coupled with the onslaught of modernization, they are on the verge of forgetting their age-old culture and traditions.

In order to promote their culture, especially among the young, and to drive tourism in the area, the Sarawak Bisaya Association has revived the Pesta Babulang. This year marked the 11 th edition of this festival.
Babulang festival
The Bisaya people observe many rituals, ceremonies, and festivals. The largest and grandest among them is the Babulang festival. However, until very recently not many people, including the younger generation Bisaya, have heard of this festival. That's because the last traditional Babulang was held in 1969.

In the midst of noise and chaos as the people were getting the place ready for the opening ceremony for this year's festival, I met 2 old men, who very enthusiastically told me the history of Babulang. These grandfatherly gentlemen took a break from their tasks and transported me back to the past; to a time when the Bisaya people still lived in individual wooden houses, where planting paddy was their only way of life.

In the past, Babulang was a feast-giving ceremony.In the traditional Bisaya community where there was no set hierarchical system, a person's social status depended on his ability to provide a feast - Babulang. The scale of the fest would then determine the "ranking" of the person, or his family, in that society. The rationale was that, the hosting of the Babulang involved a substantial amount of expenses and required great organizational skill for the ceremony to run smoothly.

Traditionally, Babulang was also a challenge, a grand scale dare. According to the 2 grandfathers, who recalled the past with vivid excitement, a man would invite another to his house to stay for as long as he desire; he could bring as many people as he like, he could even bring his whole village. During his stay the host, with the help of all his household and fellow villagers, would slaughter buffalo, prepared sumptuous meals, until his guests were satisfied and begged to have no more. The aim of the host was to make sure his guests were never hungry and lack of nothing.

Then the favour had to be returned. The second man who had accepted and been a guest at the first man's house had to prepare a Babulang for however many people the first man would bring. It didn't matter how long it took to return the favour, but once a person accepted another's Babulang, he was in debt until he repaid it. If he died before he could repay, his children would have to do it for him.

And one ingredient that this Babulang feast must-have was buffalo meat.
Buffalo race
Buffalo was and still is the most important animal to the Bisaya people. In the past, buffalo was used to plough the land, to transport goods, for their meat, and as dowry payment. So the more buffalo you had, the richer you were. Nowadays, though planting paddy isn't the mainstay, having buffalo is still seen as a status symbol. In today's market, an average sized buffalo can fetch around RM5000.

One of the highlights of the Babulang festival, one that I wanted to see the most, was the buffalo race. It's strange to imagine bulky buffalos racing each other in a field, as they neither have the grace nor the athleticism of a horse.

The morning of the race, the air at the site was filled with excitement. I saw some buffalos and their riders seeking refuge from the rising heat in the shades. One rider kept sponging muddy water onto the buffalo to keep it cool; they are called water buffalo for a reason.

When the referee called position, I saw five old men leading their buffalos from the cooling shades into the burning sun. The buffalos lumbered along slowly. For this veteran category, they were going to go round the 300m circuit 3 times. With the agility of young men, they hoisted themselves up. These were men who spent most of their life with buffalo.

When the referee blew the whistle, three buffalos charged forward, 1 went the other way, while another one didn't move. I realised then that buffalo are stubborn animal; they can't be tamed as easily as a horse. After some pulling and shouts of encouragement from their riders, the 2 buffalos finally got it right and charged after the 3 forerunners.

It's really a sight to behold: these heavyset animals galloping through the field; well, actually more like lumbering very quickly. I was surprised by how fast they could run considering their body weight. The average weight of a matured water buffalo is around 1,000kg.

The race was over in less than 2 minutes. The winning buffalo led the pack by over 100m. And the one I supported, which had the oldest rider at 63 year-old, came last. But instead of stopping, he went round the track one more time, maybe trying to condition his buffalo the route of the race.

The next race was the open category. There were about 10 buffalos in this race, including an albino. For this category they would race round the track 5 times. It's quite unbelievable to see 10 bulky animals with rider, lined up ready to race, not a sight one associate with animal racing.

When the referee blew the whistle, the 10 beasts charged down the race track without any problem. I thought it was going to be an uneventful race. But as the buffalos came to the turning into the second round, some of them ran straight and almost ploughed into some photographers. Then one buffalo decided it had enough and turned around to go back into the shade, much to the protest of its rider. It was really exciting and entertaining.

Or so I thought.

When the race ended I went through some of the photos I'd taken. I saw some buffalos foaming in the mouth in a few of my photos. Even for such a short race, it had exerted a lot of energy from these slow-moving buffalos.

After the race, I spoke to one of the riders, the 63 year-old rider (bottom right photo). He told me that they have been racing buffalo for a long time; it was a tradition that passed down from generation to generation. The villages around the region organize their own buffalo race from time to time; so it's not exclusively for the Babulang festival. He reassured me that buffalo are tough animals, it'd take more than a few races to cause them harm.
In the end...
I'm grateful to be given a chance to peek into the tradition of the Bisaya people, and watching the buffalo race was definitely the highlight. However, as a cultural event, the festival fell a bit short on the cultural front. Events such as beauty contests, remote-control boat race, and the endless (political) speeches have nothing to do with the Bisaya culture, as far as I can see. I think it'll be better if they focus their attention and resources in expanding the idea and essence of Babulang itself; i.e. the feast-giving, the fellowship, the cooperation and teamwork needed to organise one, etc.

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Babulang Festival and Buffalo Racing | wander2nowhere

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Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) is starting to creep up on the radar of tourists and travelers in the region. Some of the biggest attractions are the festivals here; from the ultra successful Rainforest World Music Festival, to the less known Borneo Jazz festival. But what Sarawak has, that many places don't, is the treasure trove of cultural festivals.

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News Article: Sights, sounds and tastes of highlands

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News Article: Sights, sounds and tastes of highlands

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Key points from the article:

1. The Bario Food Festival, also known as Pesta Nukenen, has grown considerably since its start 10 years ago as one of the country’s first successful food festivals, attracting large numbers of visitors from Sarawak and overseas.

2. Over the three-day festival, about 1,200 people participated in various activities and sampled the sights, sounds and tastes of the highlands.

3. Dozens of stalls displaying traditional cuisine and handicrafts were put up along the main street of the village while the central stage area hosted entertainment for all ages.

4. Each stall is decorated with plants, mats, palm leaves and bamboo. Most had pineapples as their decor pieces.

5. Some of the cuisines featured a unique blend of ingredients not found elsewhere, such as the Kelabit salt processed from salt springs in the mountains, insect larvae are known as “kelatang” and river snails called “akep”.

6. There was also a selection of wild vegetables, including various species of ferns, leafy varieties of “tengayan” and “dorey”, “lanau” or Bario asparagus, mushrooms, bamboo and rattan shoots, wild ginger, “ubud buan” or palm pith, and “ubud kenangan” and “ipa’” used to spice up meals.

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The Bario Food Festival, also known as Pesta Nukenen, has grown considerably since its start 10 years ago as one of the country's first successful food festivals, attracting large numbers of visitors from Sarawak and overseas.

With a new "lepo" or stage connected to the museum and cultural centre in Bario, the stage was set for this year's edition to be the best festival ever.

Organised by Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, the event has gained a worldwide reputation of being more than just an ethnic food festival and has evolved into a celebration of the culinary and cultural heritage of the Kelabit highlands. It showcases a rich legacy of traditions and a distinctive way of life.

Over the years, it has also attracted participation from outlying rural communities in the Kelabit highlands as well as the surrounding Penan settlements and communities from across the Indonesian border.

The 10th anniversary was a landmark for the Kelabit community as it marked the completion of a solar hybrid power station providing 24-hour electricity for Bario and its outlying settlements.

Barely two days before the start of Pesta Nukenen recently, the plant lent much-needed lighting to the festival site and gave it a carnival-like atmosphere.

Adding to the excitement was the official visit by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and his wife Puan Sri Jamilah Anu to the remote settlement.

They were given a grand ceremonial welcome by the Kelabit community and the Chief Minister was given the highest honour in Kelabit tradition when he was adorned with a beaded ceremonial vest, hat and traditional beats by Pemanca Philip Lakai.

The ceremony also officially declared Adenan and his wife as honorary Kelabits and reaffirmed their given Kelabit names, Maran Ribed and Sinah Maran Ribed, which means "handsome/beautiful" and "noble/gracious leader".

It was an opportune moment for Adenan not only to launch the 10th anniversary of Pesta Nukenen but to declare Bario a sub-district under the Miri District.

In addition, Jamilah launched a coffee table book titled "Pesta Nukenen". The book project, headed by Datin Nikki Lugun with contributors from within and outside the community, provides a glimpse into the culture and culinary practices of the Kelabits.

Despite the excitement of having distinguished political and community leaders at Pesta Nukenen, the Kelabit community stayed true to their objective of highlighting the great food available in the highlands and to have a great time.

Over the three-day festival, about 1,200 people participated in various activities and sampled the sights, sounds and tastes of the highlands.

Dozens of stalls displaying traditional cuisine and handicrafts were put up along the main street of the village while the central stage area hosted entertainment for all ages.

The highlights included sampling of traditional food, participating in dances and traditional games and cultural performances by community members and school children.

Foodies were in their element as cooking demonstrations accompanied the festival. At the newly-constructed "tetel" or fireplace situated at the museum and cultural centre, there was a demonstration of making nuba' laya', the iconic Kelabit staple of rice wrapped in "isip" leaves.

Kelabit food is naturally organic and the cuisine follows centuries-old traditions of food production and preservation, resulting in the community having a supply of fresh, healthy food over the years.

Some of the cuisine showcased at Pesta Nukenen featured a unique blend of ingredients not found elsewhere, such as Kelabit salt processed from salt springs in the mountains, insect larvae known as "kelatang" and river snails called "akep".

There was also a selection of wild vegetables, including various species of ferns, leafy varieties of "tengayan" and "dorey", "lanau" or Bario asparagus, mushrooms, bamboo and rattan shoots, wild ginger, "ubud buan" or palm pith, and "ubud kenangan" and "ipa'" used to spice up meals.

Traditional games were held throughout the day, such as "nepaq apo", which requires contestants to jump up and poke a stick through rattan weaving, and "menad ulung", a favourite among children, where they have to climb a slippery bamboo pole to grab goodies strung at the top.

Rurum Kelabit Sarawak and organising chairman Datuk Isaac Lugun said this year's Pesta Nukenen was certainly the most succcessful ever.

"Together with the organising committee and the community in Bario, we pulled out all the stops to make it an event to remember," he said.

"The hard work put in by the team paid off and it was a tremendous success far exceeding anyone's expectations. We hope to see this event get the recognition it deserves and attract even more people in the following years."

The festival's international patron Lord Medway, Jason Gathorne-Hardy, said it was wonderful to see Pesta Nukenen reach its 10th anniversary.

"It has grown and thrived through the commitment, effort and inspiration of many and has brought people together from across generations and nations," he said.

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The Bario Food Festival, also known as Pesta Nukenen, has grown considerably since its start 10 years ago as one of the country's first successful food festivals, attracting large numbers of visitors from Sarawak and overseas.

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Journal Article: Understanding of Al-Quran amongst the Melanau Ethnic Group: toward Constructing a Translation Module of Al-Quran  

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Journal Article: Understanding of Al-Quran amongst the Melanau Ethnic Group: toward Constructing a Translation Module of Al-Quran  

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Key points from the article:
1.  Their traditional customs are frequently manifested in various gathering events including the Kaul festival.

2.  The non-Muslims among them continue to observe animistic traditional festivals such as the Kaul festival as their main festive celebration.

3.  Among other Melanau beliefs in the power of the supernatural is the honouring of guardian spirits in festive gatherings such as the Kaul (cleansing or purification) festival.

4.  This festival is an annual event celebrated by the Melanau community. Kaul is one of the oldest customs which is still being practised. It was very important in the past in terms of Melanau beliefs. It represents honouring and thanksgiving the guardian spirits, ipok kala.

5.   The Kaul festival is held on the right of the river-mouth because it is considered an important place where the land, sea and river meet, a natural place important for the economic activity of this community.

6.  During the Kaul ceremony, invocations are directed towards the ipok kala to preserve peace and increase the catch or harvest of the following year.

7.  It is held every year in the month of March, after the monsoon period.

8.   The first month in the annual cycle is called the month of pengejin (spirits) during which the kaul ceremony is held

9.   On a festive day, after sessions of chants and incantations, the seraheng-seraheng (decorated poles) are brought upriver in a boat procession and planted around the river mouth with food served on the trays or baskets. Next, the Kaul father will scatter yellow rice around the food offerings and invite the ipok kala to eat it. Then the Kaul father will make invocations to the ipok kala to increase providence for the following year.

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This video shows on how the Kadazan-Dusun people celebrates their festivals which is called  Kaamatan Harvest Festival.

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Journal Article: A Tale of Two Celebrations: the Pesta Kaamatan as a site of struggle between a minority and the state in Sabah, East Malaysia

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Journal Article: A Tale of Two Celebrations: the Pesta Kaamatan as a site of struggle between a minority and the state in Sabah, East Malaysia

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Key points from the article:

1.  The importance of Kaamatan, beyond its connection with agriculture, traditionally the main form of livelihood of the Kadazan-Dusun, lies in the fact that it symbolises their cultural identity within the Malaysian multi-ethnic environment.

2.  Took place almost simultaneously on the 31st of May and organised by the Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA).

3.  The significance of Kaamatan is symbolic, political and historical.

4.  Before starting the harvest, the father should take seven stalks of padi (called toguruon) and tie them to one end of a spliced bamboo stick and plant them at the centre of the field, and then take them home in the rice storage container after the harvest was completed.

5.  The Kadazan Harvest Festival by the British authorities and its proclamation as a public holiday.

6.  Kaamatan involves not only a great degree of reification, but also of participation, as individuals are directly involved in its organisation and realisation through many practices they carry out as members of families, villages, bands, dance ensembles, cultural associations, audiences, readerships.

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Journal Article: Traditional Melanau Woodcarving (Bilum) in Dalat, Sarawak

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Journal Article: Traditional Melanau Woodcarving (Bilum) in Dalat, Sarawak

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Key points from the article:

1. It is undertaken in order to feed and appease the spirits so as to drive out sickness and, misfortune from the village for the good of the whole Melanau community.

2. In the ceremony of Kaul, a large wooden pole called 'blisieng' is used. It is believed that two bilum, a male and a female, are kept inside the 'blisieng', to which a big basket is attached.

3. Items like cakes, eggs, chicken, bunga teliput (Lotus flower), daun sireh (beetle leaves), kapor and pinang (lime and beetle-nut), cigarettes and matches are placed inside the basket as a token to the spirit.

3. Usually, two 'serahang' poles are used to mark the limits to which the spirits will be moved.

4. One 'serahang' pole is planted in the village while the other one is half a mile down the river.

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Video: #PETRONASGawai Episode 9: The Celebration

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Video: #PETRONASGawai Episode 9: The Celebration

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This video is about the history of Gawai Festivals and a vlog of a foreigner that experiences Gawai Festivals in traditional ways.

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#PETRONASGawai Episode 9: The Celebration

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Blog Article: Pesta Nukenen: Sarawak’s Amazing Food Festival

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Blog Article: Pesta Nukenen: Sarawak’s Amazing Food Festival

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Key points from the article:

1. The three-day festival showcases all sorts of rare treats, from jungle grubs, wild meat, edible flowers and the glamorous Adan Rice which is also popularly known as Bario Rice.

2. Special and tasty local dishes that simply must try:

2.1 Nubag Layag - mushed homegrown red Bario rice wrapped in the leaf called ‘Isit’.

2.2 Pucuk Ubek - a delightful concoction of pounded tapioca leaves.

2.3 Urum Ubek - glutinous rice fritters.

2. The history of this must-have rice dish is that it was the standard food local farmers would carry with them as snacks when they had to head over to their farms.

3. The best thing about these delicacies is that they all come straight from mother nature so there are no MSG, no additives and no processing in most of the dishes. It’s not only yummy but it’s really healthy for you too.

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Once known as "The Most Remote Village in the British Empire", Bario is reachable only by plane unless you are a very brave jungle trekker. But once there, you can enjoy one of the best food festivals in Borneo. By Stacy Gregory.
KUCHING, 14 March 2018. Dreaming of being able to jet off somewhere quiet and peaceful for the weekend of 26-28 July? Wanting to be off the grid and rejuvenate - and eat? Consider this little piece of heaven, tucked away in between Tama Abu Range and Apo Duat Range on the Sarawak-Kalimantan (Indonesia) border, on the island of Borneo. It's a hidden paradise with no connection to any fast-paced technology that we are so used to. And that makes it the perfect place for you to reconnect with mother nature, so, abandon your gadgets and get your body and mind ready for an adventure.

Culture, dancing, healthy air, happy families. Bario is the definitely one of the best food festivals in the region. Courtesy Stacy Gregory.

Adventure
Getting there is an adventure in itself; the only (sane) way to get there is by 16-seat aircraft run by MASWings (the only carrier). Because it's the main lifeline for Bario, the DHC6 Otter from Miri is often half full of bags of rice, tinned foods, home appliances, sacks of sugar and boxes of stores - all piled on empty seats, along the aisle, and anywhere there is a gap. Taking the road is only for the very brave - it's at least 24 hours by 4WD through forest tracks.

The local people of Bario, the Dayak Kelabits, have been running the Bario Food Festival, locally known as Pesta Nukenen, for several years now. This year, from the 26th-28th July, the Kelabits will be showcasing their tradition and culture through dance, singing, fun activities and of course, their glorious food. This is all for free! The people of Bario say the festival is run for the world to experience and to get to know the beautiful people there.

From their colourful costumes, healthy food made from nature, to the chilly weather (Bario is around 1,200m high up in the mountains), to the fun physical activities for all ages, there is something for everybody even discounting all that lovely free food.

Special and tasty local dishes you simply must try when you're there are first and foremost, 'Nubag Layag' - mushed home grown red Bario rice wrapped in leaf called 'Isit'. The history of this must-have rice dish is that it was the standard food local farmers would carry with them as snacks when they had to head over to their farms. Another must-have dish that you absolutely have to try 'Pucuk Ubek', a delightful concoction of pounded tapioca leaves. And don't forget the 'Urum Ubek', or glutinous rice fritters. The best thing about these delicacies are that they all come straight from mother nature so there are no MSG, no additives and no processing in most of the dishes. It's not only yummy but it's really healthy for you too.

Once you have satisfied your stomach, you can set out fortified for a hike to the highest and largest National Park in Sarawak at Pulong Tau, or to visit the goat farm in the day time, or for those that prefer rainforests at night, to look up at the heavens. Because of its altitude and clear remote air, Bario is one of the best places for you to star gaze. All these attractions mean plenty of organic activities that are great for both solo travellers seeking for adventure as well as a full family with young children.

Getting to Bario however is not that simple; the 16-seat planes (plus that random cargo) fly several times a day, but there are not many seats so book early. They come into the high mountain airstrip from Miri, Lawas and Kuching and during the festival, MASwings increases the number to cope with extra visitors. For accommodation, Bario offers more than 18 homestays with another 10 or so not that far away from the centre. The average rate per night during the festival would be about RM150 (US$38). This includes transportation from the Bario Airport to your homestay and usually three meals a day too. Some good ones are the Ngimat Ayu House the Bario Valley Homestay and the Sinah Rang Lemulun Homestay and Handicraft.

Easy living
You can usually book your stay online, or contact the operators directly. Most of the homestays also book tours for residents that offers activities from hiking to bird watching to visiting a salt factory - so you can customise your activities to what fits you, your budget and fitness level. With just enough infrastructure to cater for the necessary basic needs of tourists - and the people - Bario is truly a piece of heaven on earth, with food to match.

Oh, and by the way, because you are getting away from the rat race, and also possibly eating too much as well, the only way to get around is by walking or riding a bicycle. But however you travel, the people in Bario are some of the friendliest you will ever meet. See you at the Bario Food Festival 2018!

To know more about the festival, do check for updates on the Sarawak Tourism site, or at the Bario Food Festival

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Pesta Nukenen: Sarawak's Amazing Food Festival - Gaia Discovery

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Once known as "The Most Remote Village in the British Empire", Bario is reachable only by plane unless you are a very brave jungle trekker. But once there, you can enjoy one of the best food festivals in Borneo. By Stacy Gregory. KUCHING, 14 March 2018.

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Journal Article: Investigating the Relationship between Kadazandusun Beliefs about Paddy Spirits, Riddling in Harvest-time and Paddy-Related Sundait

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Journal Article: Investigating the Relationship between Kadazandusun Beliefs about Paddy Spirits, Riddling in Harvest-time and Paddy-Related Sundait

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Key points from the article:

1. The utmost importance to these farming communities and given its prominent role in their lives, it is not surprising that the planting, growing and harvesting of the paddy are of great spiritual significance to the Kadazan-Dusun.

2. The Kadazan-Dusun belief in the paddy field as a place inhabited by spirits was the evolution of the traditional harvest practice of riddling.

3. S ix paddy spirits related ceremonies observed by the Kadazan:

3.1 The Kumogos Ceremony: A bobohizan (ritual specialist) will select and tie-up seven stalks of healthy paddy.

3.2 The Kumotob Ceremony: The bobohizan selects seven stalks of good paddy from the field before harvesting.

3.3 The Posisip Ceremony: The bobohizan takes the tadang containing the seven stalks of paddy to a paddy hut.

3.4 The Poiib Ceremony: In the rice hut, the bobohizan carefully pours the rice into the tangkob.

3.5 The Magavau Ceremony: Focuses on the restoration of bambarayon as well as offering the spirit food.

(before: was performed in the paddy field on the night of the first full moon after the harvest.

now: carried out in the house of the owner of the field)

3.6 The Humabot Ceremony: After all the serious ritual ceremonies, it is time to celebrate the harvest festival, usually from 30th-31st May.

4. Besides focusing on the Kadazan-Dusun belief in paddy spirits and the expression of these beliefs via riddling practices conducted at harvest-time, those Kadazan-Dusun riddles with paddy and a wide range of paddy related practices and paraphernalia as the riddle subjects will be examined in detail.

5. Impolite acts, such as shouting in the paddy field and riddling outside of harvest time, are to be avoided.

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Key points from the article:
1.  The Harvest Festival, or commonly known as Tadau Kaamatan, is a sacred tradition to honour the bond between the Creator and Creation.

2.  The word ‘Kaamatan’ means “harvest” in the Kadazan-Dusun.

3.  It is a festival loaded with cultural events such as a game of Mipulos (knuckle wrestling) and Migayat Lukug (Tug of War) or competing with others in Sugandoi, a singing competition.

4.   The most anticipated event is Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant. It derives from the word ‘Runduk Tadau’ meaning ‘the girl crowned by sunlight.’ This beauty pageant is a tribute to Huminodun, who was sacrificed by her father so the people could have a plentiful harvest. Unduk Ngadau goes beyond than just a pretty face; it is to represent Huminodun and the sacrifices she has given for the Kadazan-Dusun community.

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It's that time of year once more. Young girls are shuffling here and there with their hair tied up in a fancy bun; loud gongs can be heard from a far and everyone is rocking the Sumazau. For native Sabahans, this is a normal occurrence for the month of May.

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News Article: Kaamatan fest ends on high note

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News Article: Kaamatan fest ends on high note

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Key points from the article: .
"We know change is constant in life and I am welcoming any changes that are good for us," said by Parti Bersatu Sabah’s premier adviser, Pairin.

"The importance of rejecting religious extremism and racism in a diverse society like Sabah, and that the differences should instead be seen as a strength," said by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

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KOTA KINABALU: The Kaamatan festival here closed with much pleasantry when Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan hugged on stage, setting a tone that will likely see politics kept out of Sabah culture.

Shafie shared the stage with the Kadazandusun Murut paramount leader together with the event's main committee chairman Datuk Peter Anthony and state Cabinet ministers during the closing ceremony yesterday.

Pairin, who is Parti Bersatu Sabah's premier adviser, did not attend last year's celebration despite being invited after the change of government, which saw him no longer heading the festival's organising committee.

However, he stopped by at Hongkod Koisaan Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association - the venue for the annual festival - on Thursday, and attended the closing ceremony yesterday morning where he also delivered a speech.

"I am pleased to have the Huguan Siou with us. We must move forward towards better things for the next generation and not think only about ourselves," Shafie told reporters after the closing ceremony.

Shafie, in his speech earlier, thanked Pairin for his many contributions as Huguan Siou that led to the promotion of the Kaamatan festival and the community.

He said that his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib and him were adamant about joining in the Kaamatan celebrations despite this being the fasting month as the festival was synonym with the Kadazandusun community.

Pairin, in his speech, said: "We know change is constant in life and I am welcoming any changes that are good for us.

"The Huguan Siou will also be replaced (in future) when I am no longer around and a new one is appointed.

"Kaamatan has always been meaningful and beneficial to everybody."

With seven beats of the gong by Shafie, the month-long Kaamatan was officially closed.

Shuryani made a surprising move, starting the sumazau (traditional dance) along with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew and Unduk Ngadau competition committee joint chairperson Joanna Kitingan.

Shafie also spoke on the importance of rejecting religious extremism and racism in a diverse society like Sabah, and that the differences should instead be seen as a strength.

This year's Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen) went to Francisca Ester Nain, 25, who aspires to be a teacher in native Kadazandusun language. She bagged RM100,000 worth of prizes.

She beat 63 other contestants from all over Sabah for the 2019 Kaamatan Festival beauty pageant, wowing judges with her wonderful grasp of the native Dusun Tindal language.

Second and third place winners were Annette Rabecca Januin @ Abdon and Leticia Casianus Bansin, respectively.

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KOTA KINABALU: The Kaamatan festival here closed with much pleasantry when Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan hugged on stage, setting a tone that will likely see politics kept out of Sabah culture.

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News Article: Kaul: Platform for the Melanau community to strengthen social cohesion

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News Article: Kaul: Platform for the Melanau community to strengthen social cohesion

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Key points from the article:

1. The purpose of Kaul is to avert misfortune from the village at the beginning of each year, and with this, it cleanses the village.

2. Kaul is also a way for people to ask for a good livelihood, harmony and prosperity for the future.

3. In the past, Kaul is a cleansing ceremony held after a period of hardship, and it is a way for the people to express their gratitude after successfully going through a difficult season, particularly the landas (rainy) season

4. Kaul signifies the end of the landas season, meaning the fisherman can go to the sea again and farmers can work the fields without the disturbance of bad weather.

5. The Kaul ceremony gives confidence to the community that they will receive protection and they need not feel afraid to do something, particularly economic activities to earn their livelihood.

6. Kaul can be considered as the most festive and the biggest traditional ceremony which brings together friends, relatives and people from neighbouring villages.

7. Kaul which has been modernised, is celebrated by having a variety of activities which are tibow (giant swing) ceremony, the exhibition of traditional food, promotion of agricultural produce, bicycle riding competition, beauty contest and sports including tug of war and kite flying, rafting with sago branches, umai making competition, football (bola sepak tujuh sebelah) and fishing.

8. After the ceremony ends, the taboos that imposed on the people and the participants are:

8.1 They are not allowed to enter the jungle for fear of being possessed by spirits.

8.2 Fishermen are also not allowed to catch fish for a day.

8.3 They not allowed to bring back food which has been served.

9. To ensure that it is effective, all customs, ceremonies, instruments, food and taboos related to it are continued.

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Kaul is essentially a presentation of offerings in the form of food and other items put in , a woven container on stilt, and placed at a certain spot on the beach. The ceremony is held in the belief that it will appease the spirits of the sea, river and forest. The appeased spirits will in turn provide the people security, prosperity and well-being in the months ahead until the next ceremony.

Kaul is believed to have been practised for more than 300 years. In the past, Kaul was a ritual practice of the Melanau before the advent of Islam and Christianity. The Kaul signifies the identity and culture of the Melanau community. Now, this ceremony is not only celebrated by the Melanau community who hold on to traditional beliefs, but also by Melanau who are Muslims and Christians.

The ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea is, in fact, not only held by the Melanau community. The same ceremony, called by different names, had been conducted by the farming and fishing community who live along the coastal regions in several places in the world, particularly in the Archipelago. The ritual to worship the spirits of the sea had been practised by the Malay community in Singapore, Kelantan, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu, and Patani, Thailand.

According to an informant in Mukah, Kaul is celebrated to protect and save the world from the threat of diseases and epidemics. Kaul is also a time for people to pray to the spirits for a good livelihood for the whole year, regardless of whether it is to make a living from the land, river, sea or jungle.

\The role of Kaul is no less important as a ceremony to repel bad spirits, accidents, disasters and other elements which destroy the earth and the people. Livelihood, disasters and misfortune are believed to come from the sea, rivers and jungle. The informant in Dalat explained that the purpose of Kaul is to avert misfortune from the village at the beginning of each year, and with this, it cleanses the village.

This concurs with Morris' (1967) opinion that traditionally, the new year begins with the March moon when the Kaul, the annual ceremony for cleansing the village, is performed. Kaul is also a way for people to ask for a good livelihood, harmony and posperity for the future. Kaul was looked upon as a religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm making it as the most important festival of the Melanau year (Diana, 1999). It is a ritual of purification and thanksgiving as well as one of propitiation for good fortune. Hence, Kaul in the past was an appeasing ritual directed towards the spirits of the sea, the land, the forest and the farm to ward off the evil spirits of misfortune and sickness and to obtain the protection of the good spirits of health, harmony and prosperity.

In the past, Kaul is a cleansing ceremony held after a period of hardship, and it is a way for the people to express their gratitude after successfully going through a difficult season, particularly the landas (rainy) season (Diana, 1999). In fact, Kaul signifies the end of the landas season, meaning the fisherman can go to the sea again and farmers can work the fields without the disturbance of bad weather.

As a majority of the Melanau community lives in coastal regions, near the sea and swampy areas, and many are farmers, having good weather is important for them to make a livelihood. The Kaul ceremony gives confidence to the community that they will receive protection and they need not feel afraid to do something, particularly economic activities to earn their livelihood.

Psychologically, the confidence comes from the belief that the spirits would protect them from diseases, disasters and the like. With this confidence, they feel brave to go out to sea, venture into the jungle to obtain jungle produce and so on.

In the traditional community living, understanding of modern ways of making a living was lacking, causing the people to rely on ceremonies. People carry out certain rituals to gain confidence, harmony, comfort and safety. For example, the songs that are sung during Kaul, particularly during the ceremony are for encouraging the growth of plants, flowering and fruiting. Farmers would get a good livelihood if their farms are productive. Fishes would swim towards the coast when they smell the sweet fragrance, thereby making it easier for the fisherman to catch the fish (Jeniri, 1988).

This is because they believe that their livelihood depends on what they do for the environment and the spirit who looks after the environment. Therefore, the Kaul ceremony is used as a channel to communicate with spirit in order to have a peaceful and harmonious life on earth.
Syncretism and Modernisation of Kaul
In addition to its main role as a ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, Kaul has also social significance for the Melanau community in strengthening ties. For Hang Tuah Merawin (1998), Kaul is not only for averting misfortune, asking for a good livelihood, feeding the spirits which have magical powers, welcoming the new year, but also a time for friends, family and villagers to meet and celebrate. In the past, there was no other gathering as big as the Kaul gathering. Kaul can be considered as the most festive and the biggest traditional ceremony which brings together friends, relatives and people from neighbouring villages. The ceremony provides an opportunity for them to establish social relationships and to mingle with one another.

The date for the Kaul festival varies from year to year but it is generally held in the first quarter of the year. In the past, Kaul was held in February dan March but now it is celebrated in April. For example, in 1998, Kaul was held on April 19, in the year 2000 it was held on April 9, and in the year 2001 it was celebrated on April 15. In the year 2012, Kaul was held on April 21. The date for the Kaul has been included in the tourism calendar for Sarawak. The date is fixed so that the Melanau community in other districts can participate in the event.

Different from the past, now Kaul is not only celebrated by the Melanau community, but also by other communities in Sarawak. Large scale promotions are conducted by the printed media, electronic media and also through the internet.

With this, the importance of Kaul has grown to the extent that it is considered an important ceremony for the state of Sarawak. Kaul is well received by tourists, including foreigners. On the cultural front, Kaul is considered to strengthen and elevate the Melanau culture, and with the promotion that is ongoing, Kaul has gained recognition at the national and international level.

he father of kaul, that is, the is chosen from among those who are experienced and respected in the matter of culture in the village. The is responsible for ensuring that the ceremony complies with customs and rules that had been fixed many generations ago. The is the mediator who contacts the people in the real world (dunia nyata) with the spirit world.

The is considered a traditional elite appointed based on experience, status and knowledge of Kaul. He becomes the pillar of the ceremony and leads the ceremony. He is responsible for persuading and appeasing the spirits, chasing away the bad elements, diseases and disasters, and also for ensuring that all taboos are obeyed.

From the angle of traditional practices, all offerings to the spirits are placed in the . Without the , kaul is not valid. is made from young nipah palm leaves, tegoh leaves and yogi leaves ( ). needs to be made following the suitable motives.

has motives which show the cosmology of the Melanau community. shows the seven layers of the world that is on top and seven layers of the world that is below the middle layer. Specific expertise is needed to weave the . According to the souvenir programme book for Mukah Kaul Festival 2000, is an important ceremony because it represents an offering to the sea spirit. According to beliefs of the Melanau community, they will get wealth, harmony and a good livelihood if they make an offering to the spirit.

is about seven feet tall and has its own shape, components and elements. The main structure of is the bamboo stick. The other parts include the paka, tepasik, tetilip, berburung and , with the total number which reflects the spirit and the layers of the earth.

There are seven batang tetilip and seven flag poles of various colours placed on top, with seven birds. Seven types of offerings were put in the plate - yellow rice, glutinous rice, roasted fish wrapped in leaves, traditional cake ( ), cigarattes, betel nut and lime (locally known as . When these things in the are offered to the spirit, it is a way of feeding the spirit so that it would not be angry and cause disaster and diseases and the offereings would also avert poor catch of fish and bad harvest of fruits.

The syncretism has resulted in Kaul being celebrated by every Melanau regardless of their religion and beliefs because they see the ceremony from their own perspectives. Muslims and Christians are inclined to view Kaul from their lens of their own religions while the traditional elements of Kaul are maintained to ensure harmony in the community. During the Kaul ceremony, the practices which go against Islamic and Christian beliefs are handled by those who still hold on to old beliefs.

Kaul which has been modernised, is celebrated by having a variety of activities although the ceremony is compulsory. Among the events which are held are exhibition of traditional food, promotion of agricultural produce, bicycle riding competition, beauty contest and sports including tug of war and kite flying, rafting with sago branches, making competition, football ( bola sepak tujuh sebelah ) and fishing.

There are also community stalls managed by the village committees which showcase the culture and customs of the Melanau from various villages. All these are held to fulfil the interests and inclination of the community members from all walks of life.

After the ceremony ends, taboos are imposed on the people and the participants. They are not allowed to enter the jungle for fear of being possessed by spirits. Fishermen are also not allowed to catch fish for a day. The main taboo is that they cannot go out to sea. In the past, boats were not allowed to leave the river mouth for three days.

Befitting with the change of times, the restriction period has been reduced from three days to one day only, that is, from sun rise to sun set on the day of Kaul. This proves flexibility of customs to suit the needs of the prevailing era and the changes taking place in the community.

Another taboo which must be followed is that the participants of the Kaul ceremony are not allowed to bring back food which has been served. The action of bringing back food which had been served brings misfortune and diseases. Moreover, it is believed that it is better to leave to the food at the beach to be eaten by the spirits who are still wandering around the site of the Kaul.

Eventually, all traditional customs which are considered important are preserved to ensure that meaning and the purpose of Kaul is not adversely affected. To ensure that it is effective, all customs, ceremonies, instruments, food and taboos related to it are continued.
Deconstruction of the Kaul ceremony
From the aspect of attitude, the Kaul ceremony originates from respect and fear of the spirit's power. The material things symbolised through the , were made based on the belief system. The expressions in prayers and songs that are sung during the ceremony show the religious significance of the Kaul ceremony.

Since 20 years ago, Kaul has been given new functions and meaning, that went beyond its role in the past. Although the Melanau community in the past held on tightly to the traditional values and were not exposed to the outside world, they were aware that rituals create social solidarity, which is necessary to hold society together (Durkheim, 1912). Indeed, the ceremony makes relationships more orderly and stronger until it is able to unite the community. In the traditional community, the collective idea which has been created through rituals is not caused by the fuzziness of core strengths (kekuatan hakiki yang kabur), but represents a platform for the creation of the ideal in a collective manner by community.

Every community has its own beliefs. The symbols that are found in religion have an important role to play as the reality model which guides people to manage their lives such as how to communicate with people in the supernatural world. Kaul is considered a form of belief of the Melanau community that is reflected through the system of symbols that are found in the rules and taboos.

The communication between people and the supernatural world is hinged to the concept of the world in their environment. The belief has given the people the confidence to realise ideas related to the relationship between this world and the supernatural world. In this context, Kaul is an example which becomes the belief symbol of the Melanau people in their earliest religious behavior in their lives.

Kaul becomes the social and political adhesive of the Melanau community. Kaul gives rise to a feeling of equality among the Melanau people who are the ethnic minority in Sarawak. As Kaul is based on the shared culture of the Melanau community, it is a unifying factor which holds the religiously diverse Melanau community together. This is why Kaul is adapted to suit the value and religious beliefs from the aspect of practice although certain traditional practices are maintained to ensure that Kaul continues to be relevant today.

Among the important social functions of Kaul is giving a sense of oneness among family, neighbours, villagers and the whole Melanau community in a particular district or area. When Kaul is held, usually those who are outside the Mukah region would return to their village to celebrate it together. Kaul provides the opportunity for them to meet friends and relatives they have not met for a long time.

In fact, different from before, other races also participate in the Kaul celebration, thereby enabling the Melanau community to strengthen the ties and social relationships with other ethnic groups although a majority of the people present at the ceremony is Melanau. The sense of oneness arises from the belief system of the ceremony which brings about uniformity. Kaul is a platform for the Melanau community to strengthen the self identity and social cohesion in the community.

Unity is evident when people have the same goal in the Kaul ceremony. For example, although they pray according to their own religions, the goal is to achieve harmony. The unity comes from the attitude of cooperation to make the Kaul ceremony a success. Kaul has been an effective instrument of unity from long ago until now. The importance of values only arises when there is social cohesion (Radcliffe-Brown, 1980). At the core, it is easier to achieve unity when one or a few groups have a common interest. The cultural system plays an important role in fulfilling this function, apart from achieving social unity. This means that Kaul plays an important role to ensure equilibrium in the whole community. Kaul which is founded on certain beliefs that are shared by the whole community is capable of bringing about order and social discipline.

Kaul is only able to achieve its goal collectively. As a ceremony which involves the whole community, it is not possible for Kaul to be celebrated on a large scale if the community does not realise its importance and function, and are not willing to cooperate with one another. The collective effort in organising the yearly festival is immense and involves all sectors of the community. Since Kaul is held once a year, the planning is done beforehand, starting with selection of the date for the festival.

After the date is fixed, in the Mukah division, a special committee is set up to organise the event, involving all levels of the society, departments and the grassroots. Then district and division level committees are set up to plan the date, venue and activities for the Kaul ceremony. All the activities involve many people and can only be made a success with their cooperation. If only a small group of people participate in Kaul, its real function cannot be achieved. The support and involvement of many is evidence of the success of the planning, publicity and organisation of the event.

The awareness and pride of the Melanau community in the ritual also contributes to the success of the festival. Regardless of whether it is the younger or older generation, men or women, each has their respective tasks and roles. Some are responsible for collecting materials from the jungle to make while others make cakes and . Some participate in various entertainment and cultural activities. In 2011, about 40 events were organised which were attended by many visitors. A lot of interesting activities such as beautifully decorated river taxis, helicopter rides and exhibition, Elvis Presley Sarawak showcase and the Mukah International Beach Triathlon were held, apart from the traditional Melanau dances, the giant swing, fishing competition and photography competition.

The cooperation and participation of many in the range of activities for the Kaul festival shows the close ties in the Melanau community. Through this, the younger generation is not only exposed to Kaul but also educated on the importance of cooperation and positive relationships in the community. The cooperation can close the gap between the younger and older generation. This creates a big Melanau family.

A good machinery for organising the event is needed because the event involves many activities and people - unlike in the past when the celebration was on a small scale. The committee in the Mukah Division has proven its capability in organising the event, seen from its ability to mobilise cooperation from all government departments in the division.

In the context of modern politics, Kaul is considered a platform to mobilise Melanau supporters and people. Considering that the Melanau community does not have special festivals such as Gawai Dayak like the Iban, Kaul plays an important role in uniting them. Although the Melanau community comprises only about 5 percent of the Sarawak population, the two chief ministers of Sarawak have been Melanau. In a period of more than 40 years, Sarawak was governed by Abdul Rahman Yakub (1970-1981) and subsequently by his nephew, Abdul Taib Mahmud until now.

In Mukah, in the last few years, Kaul is said to be attended by 15,000 to 30,000 people. Actually, Abdul Taib Mahmud wants the annual Pesta Kaul Mukah to be organised on a bigger scale in future as it has proved its effectiveness in promoting unity and harmony among the people. According to him, Kaul will be turned into an international fiesta. The festival has brought together the alluring culture and way of life of the Melanau, who used to fish for a living.

"By 2020, we want Kaul to be an international festival that could bring together all Melanau cultures such as music, songs, musical instruments and clothing as successful as the Rainforest World Music Festival (in Santubong)," he added in his speech in 2011 Kaul Festival.

Taib said more locals would be trained and equipped with skills on Melanau arts and culture to enable the new generation to the keep the tradition alive, well and flourishing. He said Kaul should also keep in step with changing times without stifling the unique cultural characteristics handed down through the ages.

The chief minister noted that Pesta Kaul Mukah had indirectly transformed the social, infrastructure and economic landscape of Mukah town and those in nearby areas. "These are all made possible due to the good road and communication networks as well as the popularity of Pesta Kaul Mukah." Taib added that the government wanted such gatherings to be actively promoted as it shows that social health is no less important than infrastructure and economic development in order to create a peaceful, united and dynamic community ( Borneo Post, 22 April 2012).
Conclusion
Considering that Kaul is the biggest Melanau gathering, bringing together Melanau from different religious backgrounds, it is not surprising that this ceremony has indirectly become the best platform for political leaders to unite the Melanau community, as well as an opportunity to showcase the Melanau culture and the identity to other ethnic groups. The support given by the Melanau community as an ethnic minority to the Melanau leaders is very important for the political survival of their leaders, so much so that the Melanau area is often considered Barisan Nasional's stronghold in every election.

Kaul has been celebreated and practised for hundreds of years. The form and activities which are carried out have changed from being mere traditional ritual to a cultural and social ceremony. Kaul in modern times, particularly in the last 20 years has also changed from a ceremony for the Melanau community to one that is participated in by people from all ethnic groups.

Through the event, they are exposed to the Melanau culture. Their participation in Kaul symbolises ethnic harmony in Sarawak. Kaul is no longer closed in nature; on the contrary, its functions and meanings have expanded. Kaul is no longer celebrated by only the Melanau community in isolation, but it has become an important tourist activity.

It is clearly evident that Kaul is capable of bringing together the largest number of Melanau in a single event. Because of this, Kaul is the best platform for the Melanau community to strengthen the social cohesion and solidarity, particularly for ensuring the maturity and consolidation of the unity to guarantee a continuation of their political power.
Associate Professor Dr Jeniri Amir is a lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

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Kaul: Platform for the Melanau community to strengthen social cohesion

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Kaul is essentially a presentation of offerings in the form of food and other items put in serahang, a woven container on stilt, and placed at a certain spot on the beach. The ceremony is held in the belief that it will appease the spirits of the sea, river and forest.

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Key points from the article:

1. The Gawai Dayak festival is celebrated yearly on 1 June in Sarawak, is both a religious and social festival.

2. Gawai means ritual or festival and Dayak is a collective name for the tribes of Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut and more.

3. The first official celebration being on 1 June 1965, Gawai Dayak became a symbol of unity, aspiration and hope for the Dayak community and is an integral part of Dayak social life today.

4. Preparations for the festival begin early with the brewing of tuak (rice wine) and traditional delicacies like penganan (cakes from rice flour, sugar and coconut milk). On Gawai Eve, glutinous rice is roasted in bamboo known as ngelulun pulut.

5. On this day, the homes of the Dayaks will be open to visitors since the festival may last up to several days.

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Journal Article: Salience of Language as an Ethnic Marker: A Snapshot of the Bidayuh of Sarawak, Malaysia

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Journal Article: Salience of Language as an Ethnic Marker: A Snapshot of the Bidayuh of Sarawak, Malaysia

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Key points from the article:

1. The harvest festival allows a community-wide gathering of the Bidayuh. The Bidayuh who is working elsewhere such as in other parts of Sarawak and Malaysia and even other countries return for the Gawai celebration.

2. Originally and is still celebrated by the Iban and Bidayuh as Gawai Padi for marking rice harvest seasons

3. Gawai has its religious significance in that the Bidayuh priestess collects the paddy seeds from the river given by the Paddy spirit, Ieng Podi and seeks the blessing of the spirits for the next planting season.

4. Gawai Padi was gazetted as Gawai Dayak in 1964 by the new Malaysian government as an ethnic holiday on the first of June every year and has evolved from a ritual holiday to homecoming and feasting.

5. What brings the Bidayuh community together is their contact with one another on a big scale through the Gawai Dayak celebration.

6. It is also this time of year that many Dayak weddings take place, as it is rare for all members of the community to assemble at the longhouse at one time.

7. Food maintains its symbolic importance during Gawai Dayak celebration for the Bidayuh.

7.1 In traditional Bidayuh kampong, some of this ethnic food is prepared as offerings to the spirits.

7.2 In modern Bidayuh kampong, these food are still prepared as part of the celebration itself.

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News Article: Gawai, the harvest festival that glues Dayaks together

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News Article: Gawai, the harvest festival that glues Dayaks together

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Key points from the article:
1. The time of celebration was indefinite except that it always marked the end of the rice farming cycle and the start of the new planting season.

2. The Dayaks celebrate many festivals, but the harvest Gawai is the most significant.

3.  Among the sights and sounds usually associated with Gawai Dayak are “ngajat” (Iban traditional warrior dance), “Kumang” pageants (for girls and women) and “Keling” contests (for men), drinking of “tuak” (rice wine) and the serving of “sarang semut” (Iban delicacy) which is something of a necessity during the festival in some places.

4.  Nativistic or animistic rituals and prayers are also performed to both thank and ask the gods/spirits for their blessings of the past and good fortune for the coming year.

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KUCHING: At last! It's the day that all Dayaks - Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu - are waiting for. Happy Gawai, you all!

In case you forgot or didn't know, Gawai is also celebrated by Dayaks in Kalimantan, Indonesia as both a religious and a socio-cultural occasion.

In Sarawak, today, being June 1, is a public holiday as recognised officially since 1965.

Traditionally, Gawai Dayak is a harvest festival regardless of whether the harvest was bountiful or not. Thus, the time of celebration was indefinite except that it always marked the end of the rice farming cycle and the start of the new planting season.

The Dayaks celebrate many festivals, but the harvest Gawai is the most significant. As recently described by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing, it is the knot that binds, and the glue that seals Dayaks into one.

Besides the merry-making, nativistic or animistic rituals and prayers are also performed to both thank and ask the gods/spirits for their blessings of the past and good fortune for the coming year. For Christian Dayaks they just go to church before they celebrate.

Among the sights and sounds usually associated with Gawai Dayak are "ngajat" (Iban traditional warrior dance), "Kumang" pageants (for girls and women) and "Keling" contests (for men), drinking of "tuak" (rice wine) and the serving of "sarang semut" (Iban delicacy) which is something of a necessity during the festival in some places.

Gawai Dayak is also the season when many urbanised Dayaks return to their villages and/or longhouses to partake in the festival with their friends, families and relatives.

Traditional delicacies as well as 'tuak', modern soft drinks, wine and liquor are in abundance for the celebrants and their guests to enjoy.

"It is a day of relief. This is the day when we meet friends and relatives in our villages, chatting and exchanging news over food and drinks, and generally feeling joy, thrills and happiness even over mundane things just because we are in a festive mood," said chairman of Bung Bratak Heritage Association, Datuk Peter Minos.

"Yes, just the thought of Gawai is enough to excite us. That's the magic of Gawai which is hard to explain.

"If you ask me what I like the most about Gawai, I just say that it's the fact that it is a special day meant to be enjoyed and for rest," he said.

"And I like the people, especially friends and relatives who visit us. Several of them are those that I have not seen for quite a while."

Strangely, he explained, even the loud noise (especially the gongs being played) in the village, the sight of happy playful kids and people chatting noisily away ... all bring joy and fun.

"Everything reminds me of the old annual 'gawae sowah' (Gawai spelled and pronounced in Bau dialect) in the 50s and 60s ... those were days of thrills ... real thrills ... truly original native Gawai. Fantastic, they were, and really great for us kids then. Oh, how I miss those 70 years ...," he trailed off with a yearning look on his face.

After a while he perked up and said, "Have a happy Gawai! Just be happy. One day in one whole year, reserve that for some real joy and happiness. Cheers!"

For Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president, Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Gawai Dayak is a time for family and friends to come together, to remind Dayaks of their rich past tradition, customs and heritage that must be pass down to the younger generation.

"Be proud of our rich cultural heritage. Be thrifty, don't over-consume anything, drive cautiously and may you reach home safely. Selamat Gawai!" he said.

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Gawai, the harvest festival that glues Dayaks together

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KUCHING: At last! It's the day that all Dayaks - Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu - are waiting for. Happy Gawai, you all! In case you forgot or didn't know, Gawai is also celebrated by Dayaks in Kalimantan, Indonesia as both a religious and a socio-cultural occasion.

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News Article: Gawai celebration incomplete without essential tuak

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News Article: Gawai celebration incomplete without essential tuak

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Key points from the article:
1. The Bidayuh women dressed in their finest signature black, red and white traditional costumes, with belt ornaments made of silver coins and beaded accessories, dance gracefully on creaking bamboo flooring.

2. Friends and relatives, sitting on a hand-woven rattan mat on the floor, enjoy traditional dishes at a Bidayuh longhouse.

3.  Guests are also served the traditional locally brewed rice wine, popularly known as tuak.

4.  Tuak is a must-have during Gawai Dayak as well as other important occasions and festivals.

5.  The main ingredients of the drink are rice or glutinous rice, yeast, sugar and water.

6.  The longer it is left to age, the more concentrated and better tasting it will be.

7. One of the "pantang" (prohibitions) observed by Dayak women while brewing the drink is  they  believe  that menstruation will make the tuak bad, as the fermentation process would not be successful.

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Gawai celebration incomplete without essential tuak | New Straits Times

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KUCHING: The usually sleepy village setting turns joyful and spirited with the sound of traditional gongs and drums, as families gather at the "ruai" (veranda) of a longhouse to celebrate Gawai Dayak - a festival to mark the end of the harvest season.

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News Article: Buffalo races cap Babulang Festival

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News Article: Buffalo races cap Babulang Festival

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Key points from the article:
1. Around twenty-five buffaloes and their riders took part in five races, including a straight race and a two-lap race for small and large buffaloes, and a relay.

2.  Some hilarious moments are when several riders fell off their mounts and some buffaloes running in the wrong direction.

3.  There also has a contest for the best-decorated buffalo cart, which was used in the past by the Bisaya to transport rice.

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LIMBANG: Buffalo races were the highlight of the Babulang Festival, celebrated by Sarawak's Bisaya community at Batu Danau here.

Twenty-five buffaloes and their riders took part in five races last Saturday, including a straight race and a two-lap race for small and large buffaloes, and a relay.

There were hilarious moments when several riders fell off their mounts and some buffaloes running in the wrong direction.

Sarawak Bisaya Association president Antonio Kahti Galis said this year's participation in the buffalo race was the biggest since the festival was first held in 2004.

In addition, there was a contest for the best decorated buffalo cart, which was used in the past by the Bisaya to transport rice.

The two-day festival, organised by the association, also featured a beauty contest for Bisaya beauties on Friday night.

Marliza Masniz Marten, 23, from Kampung Tanjung here, was crowned Ratu Babulang in the contest, beating 20 other contestants.

Christina Low Divid, 19, from here, and 22-year-old Jesseca Amy Linggi from Kampung Anak Tuno were first and second runners-up, respectively.

A delegation from the Sabah Bisaya Association led by its president Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Okim took part in the festival for the first time and put on several cultural performances.

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LIMBANG: Buffalo races were the highlight of the Babulang Festival, celebrated by Sarawak's Bisaya community at Batu Danau here. Twenty-five buffaloes and their riders took part in five races last Saturday, including a straight race and a two-lap race for small and large buffaloes, and a relay.

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Blog Article: Nukenen -Bario Food Festival

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Blog Article: Nukenen -Bario Food Festival

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Key points from the article:
Other Activities to do during Nukenen:
1. Hike up Korea Hill - Just near the town centre where the Nukenen Festival there is a trail that leads up to Korea Hill. A 10-minute hike, the view makes it all worth it. Plenty of hills surrounding Bario for you to try out.

2.  Trek to Pa’Lungan Monolith - This is a full day trek and is guaranteed to give you an appetite once you have done this trek. This would take you about 8 hours in total or maybe less.

3.  Jungle Shopping - This is what the Nukenen is all about, celebrating the various bountiful supplies available to the Kelabit community from their nearby jungles.

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Kelabit elder watches over her jungle buffet at one of the many stalls at Nukenen Festival

This article is to give an insight to one of the signature festivals of Sarawak, the Nukenen Festival. This year the festival will be from July 30, 2020 till August 1, 2020.

Link goes to the Official FB Page of Nukenen.

What is Nukenen

Nukenen is a traditional Kelabit food and cultural festival that celebrates Kelabit cuisine, cultural arts and games. The three day festival showcases all sorts of rare treats, from jungle grubs, wild meat, edible flowers and the glamorous Adan Rice which is also popular known as Bario Rice.

Thumbs up from the Kelabit ladies that proudly don their traditional costume

The festival site is at the Bario Town Centre and each stall is usually represented by the many villages that make up Bario. Pa'lungan, Pa'Umor, Ulung Palang and so forth. Some 17 villages altogether.

Each stalls are decorated with plants, mats, palm leaves and bamboo. Most had pineapples as their decor pieces.

Simple but nice decorations of the stalls at Nukenen.

What to Expect

Almost anything the jungle can provide basically. Wild meat, frogs, bats, grubs , mushrooms and more.

Steamed frog anyone?

Then again for the less adventurous, there is the mushroom rice, jungle ferns and of course the typical barbecue. What better way for the Bario folks to catch up with relatives if not with a nice barbecue.

Pork ribs and corn. something less traditional.

Other Activities to do during Nukenen

Let's be honest. As much as we love food, we can only take so much. So here are a few things that you should do to burn those calories.

Hike up Korea Hill

Just near the town centre where the Nukenen Festival there is a trail that leads up to Korea Hill. A 10 minute hike, the view makes it all worth it.

Plenty of hills surrounding Bario for you to try out.

View of the signature paddy fields of Bario

Trek to Pa'Lungan Monolith

This is a full day trek and is guaranteed to give you an appetite once you have done this trek . This would take you about 8 hours in total or maybe less.

Pa'Lungan Monolith

Jungle Shopping

This is what the Nukenen is all about, celebrating the various bountiful supplies available to the Kelabits from their nearby jungles.

Village Chief Scott Apoi of Ngimat Ayu Homestay shows how to pick a bamboo shoot.

Most home stays in Bario offer jungle shopping experience for it's guests.

For a more comprehensive information on things to do in Bario, you may want to check the link.

Words of Advice
Book your flights and accommodation now.
Flights are by MasWings and it is limited to Bario especially during Nukenen. They do try to mount extra flights but no guarantee.

Same thing applies to your accommodation. Book early.
Thank you for reading and if you want extra details on the above, drop me a line and I'll get back to you soon as possible. Till my next Bejalai, take care and don't forget to comment.

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This article is to give an insight to one of the signature festivals of Sarawak, the Nukenen Festival. This year the festival will be from July 30, 2020 till August 1, 2020. Nukenen is a traditional Kelabit food and cultural festival that celebrates Kelabit cuisine, cultural arts and games.

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Video: Ari Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival Celebration)

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Video: Ari Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival Celebration)

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In this video, the villagers of Rumah Bdol, Nanga Merit, Kapit, Sarawak can be seen celebrating Gawai Festivals in their own ways while keeping some tradisional customs.

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Ari Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival Celebration)

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Image:
n.a. (2015, September 11).

Sarawak Kampung Taee Gawai Parade 2015. Bombastic Borneo. Retrieved from: https://bombasticborneo.com/2015/09/sarawak-kampung-taee-gawai-parade-2015/

Map:
Link: https://joshuaproject.net/assets/media/profiles/maps/m10993_my.png

News Article:
n.a. (2008, May 7). Gawai Dayak Festival. Tourism Malaysia Corporate Site. Retrieved from: https://www.tourism.gov.my/media/view/gawai-dayak-festival

Kenneth, R. (2019, June 1).

Gawai, the harvest festival that glues Dayaks together. New Sarawak Tribune. Retrieved from: https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/gawai-the-harvest-festival-that-glues-dayaks-together/

Goh, P. P. (2019, June 2). Gawai celebration incomplete without essential tuak. New Straits Times Online. Retrieved from: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/06/493424/gawai-celebration-incomplete-without-essential-tuak

Journal Article:
Su, H. T., & Campbell, Y. M. (2013). Salience of Language as an Ethnic Marker: A Snapshot of the Bidayuh of Sarawak, Malaysia. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259939299_Ting_S_H_Campbell_Y_M_2013_November_16-17_Salience_of_ethnic_identity_as_an_ethnic_marker_A_snapshot_of_the_Bidayuh_in_Sarawak_Malaysia_Proceedings_of_International_Conference_on_Languages_2013_ICL_20

Video:
Petronas. (2013). #PETRONASGawai Episode 9: The Celebration. (Video file). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PMvMca9BvI&feature=emb_logo

Lionel Benang Chai. (2014).

Ari Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival Celebration). (Video file). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=lgh4Z9p9QPk&feature=emb_logo

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Nation. (2007, June 11). Buffalo races cap Babulang Festival. The Star Online. Retrieved from: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2007/06/11/buffalo-races-cap-babulang-festival/

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Traveling in my own backyard: Babulang festival and Buffalo racing. Retrieved from: http://wander2nowhere.com/2014/07/babulang-festival-and-buffalo-racing/

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John Bika. (2019). Pesta Babulang & Lumba Kerbau 2019 Bisaya Sarawak. (Video file). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm1GUJI6CKY&feature=emb_logo

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Journal Article:
- Barlocco, F. (2011). A Tale of Two Celebrations: The Pesta Kaamatan as a Site of Struggle between a Minority and the State in Sabah, East Malaysia. Asian Journal of Social Science, 39(5), 605-626. Retrieved from: https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/361735936/6f47f72f08af28c5c98095ff9a7c1ca2/Kaamatan_2.pdf

- Low, Kok On and Lee, Yok Fee. (2012). Investigating the relationship between Kadazandusun beliefs about paddy spirits, riddling in harvest-time and paddy-related sundait. MALIM: Jurnal Pengajian Umum Asia Tenggara, 13. pp. 65-93. ISSN 1511-8393. Retrieved from: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.1005.5898&rep=rep1&type=pdf

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Estelle. (2017, May 29). Kaamatan: Tale of Harvest. Travelogue - Amazing Borneo Tours. Retrieved from: https://www.amazingborneo.com/travel/kaamatan-tale-of-harvest

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Malaysia Asia. (2015, March 23).

Pesta Nukenen Bario. Malaysia Asia Travel Blog. Retrieved from: http://blog.malaysia-asia.my/2015/03/pesta-nukenen-bario.html

n.a. (2018, March 15). Pesta Nukenen: Sarawak’s Amazing Food Festival. Retrieved from: https://www.gaiadiscovery.com/arts-music-festivals/pesta-nukenen-sarawak-amazing-bario-food-festival

Dayak Wanderer. (2020, January 7). Nukenen - Bario Food Festival. Retrieved from: https://dayakwanderer.com/2020/01/07/nukenen-bario-food-festival/

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Curtin Media Association. (2015). Pesta Nukenen Bario 2015 (10th Anniversary. (Video file). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0-9id5zqYk&feature=emb_logo

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Dr Jeniri Amir. (2017, April 26). Kaul: Platform for the Melanau community to strengthen social cohesion. Sarawak Voice. Retrieved from: https://sarawakvoice.com/2017/04/26/kaul-platform-for-the-melanau-community-to-strengthen-social-cohesion/

Journal Article:
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- Chong, C.S. (1982). Traditional Melanau Woodcarving (Bilum) in Dalat, Sarawak. Universiti Sains Malaysia. Retrieved from http://eprints.usm.my/35367/1/CHONG_CHIN_SENG_(KHK)_(NN24).pdf

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