Sarawak Regatta promises exciting weekend of boat racing, cultural festivities

KUCHING: The much-anticipated Sarawak Regatta 2024 is set to take place from Nov 1 to 3 along the Sarawak River Waterfront, promising an exhilarating weekend of traditional boat racing, cultural festivities, and local showcases.

The event will be preceded by the Eye-Dotting Ceremony and Paddle Handover, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg , on Oct 26.

“The Raja Sungai race, the highlight of the regatta, will be held on Nov 3. Witnessed by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, this prestigious race will see the champion awarded the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Cup along with a RM30,000 cash prize,” according to a statement by the Kuching Division Resident’s Office, today (Oct 17).

In addition to the races, the Regatta Cultural Stage will run from Oct 25 to 31, showcasing a variety of performances and competitions, including Kids Talent Night, Sound of Borneo, Waterfront Idol, Battle of the Bands, and Sarawak Got Talent.

Acclaimed local artists such as Dayang Nurfaezah, Bob Yusuf, Masterpiece, and Melissa Francis will also take the stage to entertain the crowds.

“Complementing the cultural celebration, the Sarawak Entrepreneur Showcase, also known as Sarawak Kitchen, will run from Oct 25 to Nov 3.

“It will feature 30 food stalls offering local delicacies and 20 stalls selling products from local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including cooking demonstrations, fruit-eating contests, and busking performances, with daily events from 10am to 10pm,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Borneo Crafts Festival will bring artisans from Sarawak, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia to display their traditional craftsmanship.

Running concurrently from Oct 25 to Nov 3, the festival aims to attract 100,000 visitors, with projected sales of RM1.5 million.

From Nov 1 to 2, the Sarawak Malay Drum Festival will be held at the Regatta Cultural Stage, featuring group drum performances and children’s paired dance and drum competitions.

The Gala Night Symphony Concert on Nov 2 will be graced by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development,
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“With a vibrant mix of sports, cultural performances, local crafts, and food, the Sarawak Regatta 2024 is set to offer an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike.”