Borneo Raft Safari League to boost Sarawak’s eco-adventure tourism
KUCHING, 21 October 2026: The introduction of the Borneo Raft Safari League in 2027 is expected to strengthen Sarawak’s eco-adventure tourism offerings by bringing five popular rafting events under a coordinated competition platform.
The league will feature five events across Sarawak, namely Padawan Raft Safari, Mulu Eco Challenge, Selangau Raft Safari, Mukah Raft Safari and Serian Rafting Challenge.
The league was highlighted by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on October 20, as part of the state’s latest sport tourism products.
Each event will offer local and foreign participants the eco-adventure experience of navigating Sarawak’s fast flowing rivers, natural landscapes and local cultures through bamboo rafting and related outdoor sporting activities.
Beyond individual races, the league will establish a shared platform for participating events through coordinated branding, competition standards, marketing and a points-based system.
The year-long event will enable eligible teams to accumulate points across events, encouraging them to travel to different destinations and compete throughout the season.
According to the organisers, the initiative aims to develop traditional bamboo rafting into a more organised and recognised sporting attraction while preserving its cultural significance.
Borneo Raft Safari League 2027 race director Awang Saifeluddin said bringing the events to different communities would create economic opportunities for local tourism operators, accommodation providers, food vendors, raft makers and other small businesses through visitor spending.
“By bringing events to different communities, Borneo Raft Safari creates opportunities for local tourism operators, accommodation providers, food vendors, raft makers and other small businesses to benefit from visitor spending,” he said.
Awang had presented a collection of medals to Abdul Karim on the sidelines of the recent DUN sitting.
He said the introduction of the league into Sarawak’s sport tourism agenda marked an important step towards strengthening collaboration among event organisers, government agencies and local communities.
The initiative also supports Sarawak’s long-term ambition of establishing itself as a destination for bamboo rafting, adventure tourism and nature-based sporting experiences.
The organisers said they looked forward to building on the momentum and developing the league as a platform that brings together sport, tourism, cultural heritage and community participation.
For more information, visit www.borneoraftsafari.com.
