By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 15: The Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) is bringing back its much-anticipated Gawai Dayak Open House for the third year, set to take place on June 7, from 5pm to 12am at Rumah Veriland, Engkeranji, Layar in Betong.
Organised in collaboration with the Betong Resident Office and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, the event celebrates cultural unity, rural tourism, and the vibrant spirit of Gawai Dayak.
According to a media release on Wednesday (May 14), this year’s celebration promises an exciting lineup of activities including traditional music and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and hands-on workshops showcasing Dayak customs and heritage.
Visitors can indulge in authentic local cuisine, shop for handmade crafts at a bustling bazaar, and enjoy the highly anticipated Gawai-Kaamatan Concert — a special showcase of cultural harmony between the Dayak and Kadazan-Dusun communities.
Adding a fresh twist to the festivities in 2025 is the introduction of glamping, giving guests the opportunity to spend the night in style and comfort surrounded by nature and Dayak hospitality.
STF president Audry Wan Ullok emphasised that this year’s Gawai Dayak Open House is not just a celebration of Sarawak’s heritage, but also a reflection of innovation in rural tourism.
“We’re proud to introduce glamping and the Gawai-Kaamatan Concert as new features to attract more visitors, especially among youth and cultural enthusiasts,” she said.
STF expressed deep appreciation to its supporting partners — the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Betong Resident Office, Betong District Office, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Betong, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, and Business Events Sarawak — for their commitment in promoting Sarawak’s cultural richness and community spirit.
The STF Gawai Dayak Open House 2025 is open to all and free of charge, offering locals and tourists alike a meaningful experience of Sarawak’s living heritage.
For those looking to explore more of Betong and its rich surroundings, several tour packages are available for purchase, including the 3D2N Gawai in the Headhunters’ Heartland, 3D2N Gawai Glamping, 3D2N Gawai Harvest Festive, and the 6D5N Sarawak Gawai Festival, each offering a unique way to immerse in local culture and rural charm.
Tour packages and event information are available on STF’s official website https://sarawak.travel/2025-openhouse/. — DayakDaily
