by Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 17: At the Pesta Makan Durian in Kampung Sadir, Padawan, the durians are plentiful, but it is the act of sharing that left the deepest impression on visitors like Elizabeth Chong.
The 60-year-old travelled about 45 minutes from her home in the Stampin area after being invited by her close friend of five years, Jenny, a resident of the village.
When she heard there would be a durian feast, Elizabeth did not hesitate to make the journey, despite the winding and challenging road leading to Kampung Sadir.
“Sarawakians love durian,” she said with a light laugh.
“But coming here is really about meeting people.”
For Elizabeth, Kampung Sadir was not entirely unfamiliar. Many residents recognised her from previous visits through the Lions Club, where she had taken part in a medical outreach programme.
Her sister is the president of Lions Club Kuching North, and during one such visit, health screenings were followed by an unexpected gesture of gratitude from the villagers.
“They didn’t just say thank you. They shared their durians with us. They even pushed them over in a wheelbarrow,” she recalled.
That memory stayed with her.
Returning for the Pesta Makan Durian, Elizabeth was taken aback by the abundance on display.
Durian trees heavy with fruit surrounded the area, while tables were filled with more than enough to go around. Even at the VVIP table, the portions were generous, prompting her to share freely with others instead of keeping the fruit to herself.
“In Sarawak, you don’t eat alone. Food is meant to be shared,” she added.
Ironically, Elizabeth is not a regular durian eater.
When she does indulge, she prefers it fresh and admits that she is still getting used to the taste of tempoyak, the fermented durian dish that many locals love. Yet at Kampung Sadir, the durian itself became secondary to the conversations, laughter, and sense of connection formed over the meal.
“It’s not really about the durian for me. It’s about being with the community,” she said.
To Elizabeth, the Pesta Makan Durian reflected a deeply rooted Sarawakian value that sharing food brings people closer. It echoed a saying she believes strongly in that when people eat together, friendships are formed.
“This is how we build bridges.
“People from the city come here, sit down, eat together, and get to know the rural community,” she said.
Asked whether she would return next year, her answer was immediate.
“Definitely.” — DayakDaily
