By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, April 17: The upcoming Bung Bratak Day on May 1 will offer free four-wheel-drive (4WD) transport for festival goers who are unable to trek up to the hilltop location of Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC) in Bau.
According to Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) chairman Dato Peter Minos, the festival is annually held at the ancient Bidayuh hilltop settlement located at Kampung Tembawang, where members of the public have undertake a half-an-hour hike before reaching the venue.
“Last time we also provided 4WD transport but this time, it is free. We have drivers to go up and down (the hill),” he told DayakDaily when contacted today.
In a statement issued earlier, he said this year’s Bung Bratak Day would showcase a holistic Bidayuh cultural representation from the Bidayuh-majority areas, namely Lundu, Bau, Kuching and Serian.
“From Lundu, there will be the famous ‘Weh Jonggan’ cultural dance and music of Salako (Bidayuh sub-tribe).
“From Bau, the Opar group will put up their show. There will also be (performances) from the Kampung Benuk group of Penrissen/Padawan and the ‘Gahat Mawang’ cultural team from Serian.
“It will be a full cultural festival of the Bidayuhs from the four districts of Lundu, Bau, rural Kuching and Serian,” he said.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to declare open Bung Bratak Day.
The festival will showcase Bidayuh culture, customs and traditions through colorful costumes, music, songs, dance, arts and crafts, and local food and beverages. There is no entrance fee. — DayakDaily
