Babulang Fest returns to Batu Danau with new elements to feature alongside traditional buffalo race
Abang Johari (centre) in a photo call with (from left) Antonio, Paulus, Joseph and Jack during the courtesy call.
MIRI (June 21): The annual Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race 2025 promises new and exciting experiences for both local and international visitors when it returns to Batu Danau from June 27 to 29.
In stating this, Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang said the 20th edition of the festival – a significant cultural event for the Bisaya community – is expected to draw thousands of visitors from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and neighbouring regions.
'This year, in addition to the traditional buffalo race which remains the main highlight, we are introducing new elements such as raft and small boat races,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report.
He was speaking to reporters after leading a Sarawak Bisaya Association (PBS) delegation to call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching last Friday.
The visit was to brief the Premier on the full programme lined up for the three-day festival, and to extend an official invitation to the Premier to officiate the main event scheduled for June 28.
Adding on, Paulus said traditional components of the festival, such as the Ratu and Panglima Babulang pageants and cultural drum performances, will also continue to be part of the programme.
The Babulang Festival is the largest cultural celebration of the Bisaya community in Sarawak showcasing traditional music, dances, crafts, food, and sporting events, with the buffalo race being the most anticipated spectacle.
Accompanying Paulus for the courtesy call were PBS advisor Datu Antonio Kahti Galis, president Joseph Blandoi, and vice-president I Datu Jack Liam. Babulang Festival Batu Danau Paulus Palu Gumbang
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