Rep welcomes international kite flyers to 17th Borneo International Kite Festival

BINTULU (Sept 25): The 17th Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) kicked off today with a special welcoming ceremony to all kite flyers from around the world.

Graced by Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, he expressed his delight in welcoming participants coming from around the world.

He highlighted the significance of the festival, co-hosted by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Bintulu Resident Office, emphasising the festival’s role in fostering unity and cultural exchange, noting the participation of 28 countries this year.

“For many of you, this festival is like a homecoming,” he told the kite flyers, among them from the US and two television crews from France.

Iskandar said the festival promises a week filled with exciting activities and one of the highlights is a local tour to Kampung Nyalau, a picturesque fishing village by the sea, located about 60 km from Bintulu.

“Visitors will be welcomed by the communities of Kampung Nyalau Hulu, Tengah, and Kuala, who will share their traditional annual celebration known as ‘Makan Tahun’,” he said.

He added that the evenings at BIKF will be vibrant with nightly stage shows featuring local traditional performances, including dance, folk songs, and the Kebaya Beauty Queen Contest.

“A new addition to this year’s festival is glamping, where participants can enjoy a glamorous camping experience near the kite field,” he said.

The festival’s signature event, the BIKF Parade, will see a colorful procession through the streets of Bintulu.

The parade will feature school brass bands, lion dance troupes, school children in traditional Malaysian costumes, and teams from BIKF sponsors.

Iskandar encouraged participants to engage with the locals, take photos, and share their experiences on social media to showcase the festival’s vibrancy.

He thanked everyone for their presence and participation, underscoring that their involvement is what makes the festival a success.

Iskandar urged everyone to embrace the festival’s theme “Unity through Flying”, and to enjoy the cultural richness, food, and the joy of kite flying under Bintulu’s sky.