Celebrating Gawai in Betong
- BT
- 24 minutes ago
- 3 min read
BETONG, 8 June 2026: We recently concluded a 3D2N Gawai experience in Betong, an annual cultural event which included the Sarawak Tourism Federation Gawai Open House in Engkeranji, the Betong District-Level Gawai Dayak Parade as well as the Fish Release and Riverbank Clean-Up at Nanga Mujau Longhouse. We join other media practitioners from Kuching, courtesy of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
Early Friday morning on June 5, we departed Kuching city and made our way to Rumah Veriland in Engkeranji, Betong, our home for the next couple of nights. After a quick freshening up, we headed to Nanga Mujau Longhouse, which is an hour away. We were warmly welcomed by the longhouse residents with shots of traditional tuak, before heading down to the river for the symbolic ceremony.
Joined by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and his wife, Datin Rosemarie Wong, the ceremony saw hundreds of fish fry being released into the nearby river, as part of a CSR programme. Afterwards, we tried our hands at traditional pansoh cooking, from the preparation of the chicken and other ingredients to the stuffing and cooking in bamboo. Two hours later, we got to taste the fruits of our labour, as we enjoyed the perfectly cooked manok pansoh alongside the residents and other members of our group in a hearty communal dinner.
After a restful stay in Rumah Veriland, we headed out to Betong Sports Complex for the Betong District-Level Gawai Parade, an annual spectacle that sees thousands of participants walking around town in their most treasured traditional attire. In total, 31 contingents comprising 2,120 participants spanning government departments, private corporations, local schools and various longhouses were part of the incredible event.
Hundreds of eager spectators were seen lining up the streets to catch a glimpse of the unique cultural floats, stunning traditional attires and energetic performances - a vibrant showcase of the culture and Gawai celebration of the Ibans in Betong. Miss Grand Malaysia 2025, Viviana Lin Winston was also part of this year’s parade, adding local pride and star power to the occasion.
Following the excitement of the parade, we also dived into the area's rich history with visits to the historic Fort Lily and the serene Siang Si Temple. Later that afternoon, the STF Gawai Open House officially kicked off its 4th edition with a miring ceremony at the longhouse entrance, welcoming travellers from near and far.
Following the ritual, guests partook in a lively ngabang session, where flowing cups of tuak served as the ultimate Dayak welcome, across the 22-door Rumah Veriland. The evening progressed beautifully with a feast of traditional dishes, joyous drinking, and mesmerizing cultural dance performances. A seamless blend of age-old traditions and modern outdoor ‘healing’, Borneo Glamping once again set up luxurious glamping tents behind the longhouse, where enthusiastic campers can partake in the joyous celebrations while remaining close to nature.
As night fell, the energy shifted toward the glamping grounds for the highly anticipated Gawai-Kaamatan Concert. The enthusiastic crowd danced and sang along to timeless hits performed by the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) cultural troupe, Hairee Francis, At Adau, Tino Amee and Datuk Francis Landong. The concert wrapped up at midnight, concluding the spectacular celebration with a dazzling fireworks display.
Our unforgettable immersion into Gawai 2026 was made possible by our incredible hosts, and we extend our heartiest thanks to BESarawak and the Sarawak Tourism Federation for inviting us along to experience and document this beautiful celebration of unity and heritage!
For updates on upcoming events by STF, check out https://sarawak.travel/.
