Bung Bratak Day 2026 draws crowds with heritage, games and living Bidayuh culture

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By Shikin Louis

BAU, May 1: The hills of Bung Bratak came alive today as people from near and far made their way up the steep foothill trail to celebrate Bung Bratak Day 2026, a cultural gathering that continues to preserve and showcase the heritage of the Bidayuh community in Bau.

The journey to the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC) set the tone for the day, with a 20 to 30-minute uphill hike through lush greenery leading to the historic settlement.

At the summit, guests were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional Bidayuh costumes, craft displays, food stalls and cultural performances that reflected the living identity of the Bung Bratak community.

Many also took part in traditional games such as sipuot (sumpit or blowpipe) and sikon (bamboo stilt or kaki hantu), testing their balance, aim and coordination in activities once commonly practised by their ancestors.

The celebration was officiated by Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) and Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.

Also present were Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, Serembu assemblyman Datuk Miro Simuh, Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) chief executive officer Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Bau District Officer Eddy Nayoi, Temenggong Atok Derop, and Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) chairman Rayan Narong.

In his speech, Rayan said the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre was built with funding from the federal government under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and has been operating since 2018 under the management of BBHA.

He also highlighted Bung Bratak’s deep historical roots as one of the earliest Bidayuh settlements in the area, with its legacy continuing to shape surrounding villages in Bau. The annual Bung Bratak Day, held on May 1, serves as a platform to honour these origins while passing down traditions to younger generations.

Rayan further outlined several requests for infrastructure upgrades at the heritage centre, including improvements to access roads, enhancement of the waterfall area to strengthen its tourism potential, the development of a nearby natural spring (mata air), and upgrading of visitor accommodation facilities.

“At present, we only have air-conditioning, but the toilets are located outside, which can be inconvenient—especially for elderly visitors in the early morning or at night,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang for his role in facilitating the connection of electricity supply to Bung Bratak, describing it as a major milestone after years of relying on generator sets.

Cultural performances added colour to the celebration, including traditional singing and dancing, alongside a special presentation of Nyigar Gawea Sowa by the Biro Kebudayaan Adat dan Warisan Kaum Kampung Opar, which drew strong applause from the crowd.

Craft booths lined the venue, showcasing handmade Bidayuh beads, accessories, costumes and woven products, reflecting the community’s rich craftsmanship and cultural preservation efforts.

Food stalls also drew steady crowds throughout the day, offering traditional delicacies such as trambuok, lemang with peanut sauce, sukui banuok, sago or linut, catfish soup with tempoyak and ayam pansuh, giving visitors a taste of authentic Bidayuh cuisine.

The celebration concluded with many lingering at the site, taking photographs with performers in traditional attire against the scenic highland backdrop, marking another successful edition of Bung Bratak Day. — DayakDaily

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