Padawan Raft Safari 2026 kicks off with Fun Ride
KUCHING, 4 October 2026: The Padawan Discovery Festival 2026 continues with the iconic Padawan Raft Safari and the Fiesta Padawan Raft Safari yesterday, bringing together participants and the Padawan communities in a celebration of Bidayuh culture, heritage and community spirit.
The Padawan Raft Safari is Sarawak’s premier bamboo rafting adventure, taking participants along the spectacular Sungai Sarawak Kiri on October 3 and 4, 2026 through the heart of Padawan’s stunning countryside. This year, the Padawan Municipal Council introduced the Padawan Raft Safari Fun Ride, a 22KM-long journey dedicated to those who simply want to enjoy the thrill of bamboo rafting without the pressure of competition.
The Fun Ride, which took place earlier today, took off from the stony riverbanks of Kampung Danu, past the vibrant Bidayuh villages of Semadang, Giam and concluding at Git.Joined by a total of 26 teams as well as Member of Parliament for Puncak Borneo, Datuk Willie Mongin, the Fun Ride encompasses both the bamboo raft and kayak experience,giving participants the opportunity to experience Padawan’s breathtaking rainforest scenery, crystal-clear waters and rich cultural heritage.
At the same time, the Padawan Raft Safari Fiesta was happening at Kampung Git, where members of the public can witness the excitement of the rafting activities and enjoy the festivities, which includes the Bidayuh Cultural Performance Showcase, the Jualan Rahmah Madani, Music Festival as well as vendors and community booths.
The main highlight of the fiesta were lively performances from the iconic Ring Ladies and six Bidayuh tribes, including the Biperoh, Bra’ang, Bia Anah, Bisitang, Perbiya and Bisegu, showcasing their unique customs and heritage through captivating musical and dance performances.
The Padawan Discovery Festival is transforming Padawan into a lively hub of activities from October 2 to 6, 2026, with the highly anticipated competitive bamboo rafting categoriestaking place today, the Sarawak Trade Fair which concludes today as well as the Padawan Exploration Tour which will conclude on October 6.
