By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 9: The Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) aims to make the Gawai Dayak Open House at Rumah Engkeranji a flagship annual event to boost cultural tourism and elevate Dayak heritage as a key tourism asset for Sarawak.
Held on June 7 as part of the Betong Division Gawai Dayak Festive Celebration 2025, the event drew over 1,500 attendees, including 120 international tourists from countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, the UK (United Kingdom), and Italy, through a specially curated tourism package, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, who officiated the event, said the programme not only showcases the Dayak community’s rich cultural traditions but also supports Sarawak’s broader tourism development goals.
“Let us turn this into a lasting legacy, an annual affair. This is the third year it’s being organised. With support from all sides, tourism products like this will thrive and grow into sustainable tourism,” he said in his speech.
STF chairperson Audrey Wan Ulok said the ‘3 Days, 2 Nights’ package gave tourists an immersive experience into Iban traditions, including overnight longhouse stays, traditional Gawai parades, local feasts, and cultural concerts.
Highlights of the evening included Ngajat dances, Taboh Iban and Gendang Pampat drumming, and the Gawai Kaamatan Concert 2025 featuring cultural collaborations with the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch, and performances by local talents such as Melissa Francis and sape maestro Jerry Kamit.
The programme was jointly organised by STF and the Betong Division Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Committee, with support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP).
Among those present were Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, Momogun National Congress (MNC) president Tan Sri Wences Angang, and Krian assemblyman Friday Belik. — DayakDaily
