Spirit of Hari Gawai burns bright in Betong, Sarawak

Free Malaysia Today

17-06-2025

Participants of the Betong Gawai Dayak Parade included children in traditional attire. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle)
PETALING JAYA : During the festive season of Gawai, the tranquil town of Betong in Sarawak comes alive in a vibrant display of culture and community spirit.
FMT Lifestyle recently visited the Sarawak heartlands during the harvest festival upon invitation of the Sarawak Tourism Board. The highlight of the trip was the Betong Gawai Dayak Parade, which kicked off at the town's sports complex on the morning of June 7.
Themed 'Mujur Mansang Segulai Sejalai', which translates to 'Progressing Together in Unity and Harmony', the event was a beautiful showcase of Dayak culture, with men, women and children dressed in striking and vibrantly coloured traditional attire.
The parade was attended by Betong MP Richard Rapu and youth, sports and entrepreneur development deputy minister Gerald Rentap Jabu.
Members of the Dayak Bukit Kelingkang contingent. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle)
Over 1,500 people comprising 18 contingents from Betong and Sri Aman – ranging from primary schoolchildren to community leaders and civil servants – took part in the event, which was also a competition that saw winners receiving cash, trophies and certificates.
Participants embarked on a lively 1.8km walk through the town, starting at the sports complex and concluding at the nearby Panglima Rentap Hall.
Feathered and 'sugu tinggi' headdresses, woven 'pua kumbu' skirts, beads, tattoos and crafted shields were all on proud display in a dazzling celebration of Dayak heritage that turned the streets into a living tapestry.
Over 1,500 people from 18 contingents took part in the parade. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle)
Some contingents featured elaborate floats depicting hornbills, longhouses and other symbols of traditional Dayak life. Others had musicians playing tunes on the sape, drums, and other instruments.
Once the parade concluded, it was time for the victors to be announced. Cheers filled the air as the contingent from SMK Saribas was declared the overall champion for the third year running, having wowed the crowds with their colourful costumes.
As overall champion, the 200-member-strong school contingent received a RM10,000 cash prize, as well as a trophy and certificates. They also won a RM3,000 first prize in a separate category.
Men in traditional outfits making their way through the Engkeranji longhouse as part of Sarawak Tourism Federation's open house. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle)
The celebrations continued that evening with a visit to the Sarawak Tourism Federation's open house, which took place at Rumah Veriland @ Rumah Panjang Engkeranji, a contemporary longhouse located close by.
This offered was an opportunity for guests to experience Sarawakian hospitality at its finest, with the inhabitants of the 29-door longhouse graciously inviting visitors to try traditional delicacies such as 'manok pansoh' and 'umai'.
Of course, what's a celebration without a bit of tuak?
Guests also witnessed Dayak traditions such as a 'ngajat' dance and a traditional 'miring' ritual offering ceremony.
Visitors were treated to a warm and wonderful time during the open house. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle)
Dance, music, and other forms of merriment ruled the rest of the night during the Gawai Kaamatan Concert 2025, which featured a unique fusion of Dayak cultural elements from both Sabah and Sarawak.
Talents including singer Melissa Francis, sape player Jerry Kamit, and members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak took the stage.
A spirited fireworks display marked a vibrant and memorable close to the festivities.
All in all, Betong may not be as well known as other parts of Sarawak such as Kuching or Miri, but the energy and friendliness of its people make the town a definite must-visit.
This is especially the case during the Gawai month, when traditions feel truly alive and heartfelt.