WHEN
Kuching holds a celebration on May 31 at the
Civic Centre which includes dinner, dancing,
and even a beauty pageant. Arrive before
May 31, however, as Kuching is teeming with
people the week before
WHERE
The best place to see the festivities is around
Kuching. The Sarawak Cultural Village
is a convenient place for tourists. More
adventurous travellers can head to Kapit
HOW
Malaysian Borneo is connected by a network
of cheap buses and kijang (minivans)
DOS AND DON’TS- Do wear colourful traditional costumes, as
visitors are invited to participate - Don’t refuse the welcome rice wine
EXPERIENCE
GAWAI DAYAKGawai Dayak in Sarawak on Malaysian
Borneo is dedicated to honouring the
traditions of the indigenous Dayak
people: the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan,
Kenyah, Kelabit and Murut tribes –
who historically became notorious
as headhunters. Thankfully today, no
human heads depart their necks; the
same can’t be said for the ceremonious
chicken that is sacrificed at sundown in
a bid for a prosperous rice harvest.
Not everyone wears traditional
outfits anymore, and many people have
abandoned longhouse living in favour
of more contemporary residences. For
many Dayak communities living in the
cities, Gawai Dayak is merely a public
holiday; but for others – particularly
in rural communities – the holiday is
celebrated through a cultural festival.
The first Gawai Dayak festival was
held in 1965 – but the traditional
celebrations themselves are steeped in
FESTIVAL MUST-SEE: GAWAI DAYAK
Malaysia
ancient custom. The festival begins on
the evening of May 31 with traditional
music and a ritual called Muai Antu
Rua, where two men drag a basket
along the longhouse, and families
(up to 30 per longhouse!) throw
clothing and household items into
it. The basket is then discarded as a
“sacrifice” to keep evil spirits at bay.
Before midnight, the Ngalu Petara
procession ushers in the friendly
spirits. At midnight, the chief holds
a toast for a long life with a locally-
brewed rice wine called tuak, which
kicks off a night-long festival of
drinking, dancing and singing.
Tourists are not allowed to attend
this ceremony, but are invited to join
in activities the next day. People open
their homes, and travellers are allowed
a chance to learn more about their
daily lives. All visitors are welcomed
with a shot of strong rice wine.MALAYSIAKuching65