Betong to host STF Gawai Dayak Open House, parade this June 6

KUCHING (March 6): Betong town is expected to welcome up to 5,000 visitors when it hosts the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) Gawai Dayak Open House and Parade 2026 this June 6.

The event, to be hosted by Rumah Veriland in Engkeranji, Layar, would mark the fourth edition of the programme.

Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Gawai Dayak celebration holds deep significance for the Dayak community.

“The celebration of Gawai Dayak holds a very special place in the hearts of the people of Sarawak, particularly within the Dayak community.

“It is a celebration of thanksgiving after the harvest season, a time when families and communities come together to express their gratitude, renew bonds of friendship and honour traditions that have been preserved for generations,” he told a press conference here.

Abdul Karim said the festival reflects Sarawak’s cultural diversity, unity and renowned hospitality.

He added that hosting the event in Betong would not only highlight the district’s heritage but also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses through increased tourism activities.

“Hosting this event in Betong provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the district’s cultural identity while also creating meaningful opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses to benefit from increased tourism activities,” he said.

He also noted that improved road connectivity has made travel to Betong more convenient, allowing visitors to travel from Kuching and return within a day.

Abdul Karim said programmes such as the STF Gawai Dayak Open House and Parade play an important role in promoting Sarawak in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“Today’s travellers are not simply looking for places to visit — they are looking for stories, experiences and connections,” he said, adding that Gawai celebrations offer authentic cultural experiences.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the Gawai parade in Betong town will take place on the morning of June 6.

The celebration will begin with the parade, featuring colourful cultural troupes, decorated contingents and community groups in a vibrant showcase of Dayak heritage and unity.

In the evening, the Gawai Open House will be held from 5pm to 10pm, followed by a Gawai Concert from 10pm until midnight.

Rentap said last year’s parade attracted more than 3,000 visitors, with about 2,000 participants taking part in the procession.

“This year, we are aiming for about 3,000 participants for the parade,” he said.

The programme will also feature a longhouse open house, cultural performances and an evening concert.

Visitors may also take part in glamping and picnic activities organised by Borneo Glamping at Nanga Mujau Campsite.

Activities include traditional pansoh cooking classes, handicraft and cultural workshops, river-based eco-experiences and outdoor skills sessions such as controlled river tubing, basic river current awareness, outdoor survival tips and an environmental conservation talk.

Also present at the press conference was Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) Assistant Honorary Secretary-General Awang Saifeluddin Awangku Karim.