By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 5: The Sarawak River shimmered tonight as nine newly introduced electric-powered Penambang boats (e-Penambangs), adorned with colourful lights, glided gracefully across the water to mark the launch of the Kuching Heritage Lights and Floral Festival 2025.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg began the evening by touring the festival’s centrepiece—a curated garden exhibition at Kuching Waterfront that showcased creative floral artistry and light installations.
He then proceeded onto the Darul Hana Bridge where he officiated the illumination of two landmarks, the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) headquarters at Bukit Siol and the Kuching Waterfront, in a spectacle of synchronised lights.
Afterwards, he descended to the waterfront to witness the e-Penambangs gliding gracefully across the river, their vibrant illuminations reflected on the water against the backdrop of the majestic Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) glowing in shifting hues, the Ibu Pertiwi flagpole standing proudly illuminated and the musical fountain’s dancing sprays.
The evening climaxed with a fireworks display launched from near the DUS complex, colouring the Kuching skyline in bursts of brilliance to the cheers of the crowd.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
Organised by DBKU, the Heritage Lights and Floral Festival celebrates Kuching’s charm with creative lighting, floral artistry and cultural showcases, while highlighting the city’s identity as both liveable and sustainable.
In addition, the decorative lighting initiative has also been expanded to other key areas across the city, including the medians and landscapes along Jalan Satok, Satok Pedestrian Bridge, Satok Bridge, Satok Suspension Bridge, the Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub Pedestrian Bridge, the vicinity of the Heroes’ Monument, Padang Merdeka, the Old Courthouse, Panggung Udara (Kuching Amphitheatre, as well as the surroundings of Sarawak State Library.
DBKU mayor Dato Hilmy Othman, in a statement, said the festival is a reflection of DBKU’s commitment to building a beautiful and liveable city.
“Through this festival, we want to showcase the combination of lights and flora that not only beautifies the atmosphere but also offers visitors a captivating visual experience.
“It symbolises the harmony between people, nature and cultural heritage which form the identity of Kuching City,” he said.
Hilmy added that the blend of light and floral artistry is expected to give visitors a unique experience while further elevating Kuching as a world-class tourism destination.
The festival runs daily until Oct 8 from 10am to 10pm at Kuching Waterfront. Admission is free for all. – DayakDaily
