A man-made lake of gold mining origin and located within Bau town, Blue Lake is an ideal venue for water-based sports event such as rafting, kayak, tug-of-war and other traditional water games.  The festival also highlights other interesting activities such as aerobics exercise, exhibition and food fairs. This festival also aims to strengthen unity in Bau’s multiracial community. Showcasing the local cuisines, cultural performances, water sport event known locally as “Jong”, handicraft and exhibitions. The event also aims to promote Bau town as one of the tourist destination. Pesta Tasik Biru Bau, Sarawak Tourism Events established in 1951, marked its 60th birthday this year 2019. An authentic heritage tourism festivals aim for unity and unique water-sports. A festival one must not missed should they visit Kuching during the last weekend in September.  This year the festival scheduled from 29th Nov – 1st Dec 2019. Guest shall received a well treats from the communities and organisers. Events includes Jong Regatta, Futsal Competition, e-Sport Games, Miss Tasik Biru, Sales & Exhibition Booth, Bau Kitchen, The Cultural Night Show, Live Bands, the folk games, Bau Bikers gathering and many more. Booked your calender and you shall enjoy these communities-goverment collaborations with aim to tranformed our rural socio-economic, unity and harmony. Pesta Tasik Biru… “Unique watersports bring togetherness”. Related Reading: http://www.theborneopost.com @##@Bau District Office@##@Blue Lake (Tasik Biru), Bau@##@2019-11-29@##@2019-12-01

April 18, 2020 - April 19, 2020 Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau community living along the coast area in Sarawak.  In the past, Kaul was held as a religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm making it the most important festival in the Melanau traditional calendar. The festival is a ritual of purification and thanksgiving as well as one of the propitiation for good fortune. Today, it is more of keeping a heritage alive. Its marks the beginning of the Melanau calender which begins at the end of the Northeast monsoon.  Kaul takes place in third week of the month of April every year. The festival site is on the right bank of the Mukah river estuary. During the week-long festival, activities include  stalls selling traditional foods, entertainment programs, traditional games. The highlight will be the ‘Serahang’ (decorated flat round basket made from sago leaf which raise on a bamboo pole) procession lead by local Melanau community elders. Some of the activities  not to be missed include playing the giant swing (Tibau) and enjoying Melanau traditional food served on the log (Keman Baw Bateng also known as ‘Makan Beradat’ in Malay). Learn more about the festival here. Photo credit: Noel Lau @##@Persatuan Melanau Mukah, Mukah Resident Office@##@Taman Kala Dana Mukah, Sarawak Malaysia@##@2020-04-18@##@2020-04-19

Department of Agriculture Sarawak

April 11, 2019 @ 8:00 am - April 14, 2019 @ 5:00 pm The 8th Association of Southeast Asia Pain Societies (ASEAPS) Congress is being held at the Pullman Kuching. The theme “Building Collaborations in Pain Management” highlights the importance of multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals working together to improve the management of acute, chronic and cancer pain. The congress will also focus on issues and challenges faced in the ASEAN region, in keeping with the ASEAPS aim to contribute towards the improvement and advancement of pain management in the region. @##@Malaysian Association for the Study of Pain@##@Pullman Kuching@##@2019-04-11@##@2019-04-14

April 24, 2020 - April 26, 2020 Sarawak’s Dayak harvest festival known as Gawai is celebrated on a grander scale with the participation of cultural troupes from other countries.  The main highlight of the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival (SHFF) is the theme play which had received rave reviews from the media in the past. The Festival theme play utilises the lake, ethnic houses and trees as natural props which can only be produced in the Sarawak Cultural Village.  Each year the play takes on a different ethnic theme. This year, Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival (SHFF) will feature the Orang Ulu community musical drama entitled “Dang Bunsu”, beauty pageant for all single ladies and Sape concert being featured by Sape professionals and amateurs from Sarawak, Sabah and other international countries. Along with sampling of traditional food and crafts of the ethnic communities of Sarawak, there will also be a series of joint workshops by the local and invited cultural troupes.  The ethnic beauty pageant called “Miss Cultural Harvest Festival” lends colour and vibrancy to the event whereas brawn comes in the form of the Tribal Ironman competition. There will also be a Sape’ World concert featuring players from Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei. In addition to the concert, there will be workshops. The Festival is an ethnic festival that is one of the highlights of the Gawai Dayak celebration, the largest in Sarawak in terms of the community involved. It provides the opportunity for the non-Dayaks to understand the cultures, traditions and aspirations of the Dayak community.  This will be the 12th year in the running.     @##@Mr. Zaini Hj. Zainuddin@##@Sarawak Cultural Village@##@2020-04-24@##@2020-04-26

June 13, 2020 The Bario Trail Run is an annual event that takes runners into the trails of the wild and beautiful Borneo tropical rainforest. The event is an off shoot of previously Runners Wild Bario which was held for the last time in 2017. The local Bario community, with their village located 1000m above sea level, decided to continue the trail run under their own brand of BARIO TRAIL RUN, set to be an annual 35km trail run event which brings together a love for running, nature and conservation. 50 KM Trail The Bario Trail Run 2019 takes runners through the picturesque villages, pristine forests, rice fields and past many long houses of the Kelabit people who populate the highlands. Cris-crossing through the ranges, through peaks and valleys, as well as a few crystal clear streams. Take a break mid-run to soak in the views as you reach two look out points (Agan Hill and Ipeng Hill). You will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the Borneo tropical rainforest. The trail is 50km long, beginning and ending in Bario, located 1,000m above sea level. These trails comprise of buffalo trails as well as hunting trails and are also used by the local indigenous Kelabit communities to travel from village to village. This route will be enjoyed by those who love a bit of a challenge; a bit of mud and a test of strength here and there that caters to and is suitable for all levels of trail runners. Local Communities and Conservation The organisers and the local community hope to use the event to grow the local community’s capabilities in organising successful events that promotes the beauty of the Bario highlands, whether this event or others such as the Pesta Nukenen or food festival held in Bario annually. In particular, the Bario Trail Run is to create awareness around the the refurbishment and maintenance of the trail. Contact Person: Julian Rang Phone number: +601125081114 Email: bario.trail.run@gmail.com Fb: @bariotrailrun @##@Specialized Sports Services@##@Bario@##@2020-06-13@##@2020-06-13

Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak

April 20, 2019 - April 28, 2019 Kaul is a traditional festival celebrated by the Melanau community living along the coast area in Sarawak.  In the past, Kaul was held as a religious ceremony to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forest and farm making it the most important festival in the Melanau traditional calendar. The festival is a ritual of purification and thanksgiving as well as one of the propitiation for good fortune. Today, it is more of keeping a heritage alive. Its marks the beginning of the Melanau calender which begins at the end of the Northeast monsoon.  Kaul takes place in third week of the month of April every year. The festival site is on the right bank of the Mukah river estuary. During the week-long festival, activities include  stalls selling traditional foods, entertainment programs, traditional games. The highlight will be the ‘Serahang’ (decorated flat round basket made from sago leaf which raise on a bamboo pole) procession lead by local Melanau community elders. Some of the activities  not to be missed include playing the giant swing (Tibau) and enjoying Melanau traditional food served on the log (Keman Baw Bateng also known as ‘Makan Beradat’ in Malay). @##@Persatuan Melanau Mukah, Mukah Resident Office@##@Tapak Pesta Kaul, Taman Kala Dana Mukah, Sarawak Malaysia@##@2019-04-20@##@2019-04-28

The Sibu Tower Run will be taking place on March 8, 2020, and is open to runners aged 16 years old and above. The run is open to all public, targeting 1000 runners, thanks to the final leg of the race where runners will be running up the staircase of Wisma Sanyan, the tallest building in Sarawak.  The runners will be running up 28-storeys, 126m in height and with 627 steps. The Sibu Tower Run 2020 will be sanctioned by Malaysia Towerrunning Association. Hosted by           : Sibu Municipal Council Organizer            : MPI Alumni Association Support by          : I-Concept Event Agency Contact                : Mr. Willie – Event Coordinator (+6012-8852460) @##@Sibu Municipal Council@##@Wisma Sanyan, Pekan Sibu@##@2020-03-08@##@2020-03-08

April 24, 2020 - April 26, 2020 Pesta Selangau takes place at Selangau in Sibu, with the main attraction of a Rafting Challenge which was introduced in 2016, encouraging water sports such as rafting, kayaking and radio-controlled boat racing. Highlights for Selangau Festival 2020 include Selangau Rafting challenge, Strong Man challenge, Ratu Kebaya, Selangau Idol and Ngajat competition. Also popular at the event is the “Selangau Bazaar”. Pesta Selangau 2017, photo from the official website of Majlis Daerah Luar Bandar Sibu: http://www.srdc.gov.my @##@Sibu Rural District Office@##@Selangau@##@2020-04-24@##@2020-04-26

Forest Department Sarawak

April 25, 2019 - April 27, 2019 This gathering of filmmakers and movie stars from the Asean region will add to the charms of the rustic city of Kuching.  Sanctioned by ASEAN Secretariat as one of the ASEAN joint activities, the festival is held every two years. The ASEAN International Film Festival And Awards (AIFFA) is a premier film festival, which made its debut in 2013.  Held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, the biennial film festival celebrates the best of films around the ASEAN region. The three day event culminates in the glamorous Gala Nite finale where international filmmakers gather to witness the best of the best film productions in the region.  The films are judged by an ASEAN Jury and twelve categories of awards are presented. The spectacular show ends with the Spirit of ASEAN Award…a film that portrays the best of ASEAN people, culture and lifestyle.  Another interesting award is the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an ASEAN film personality who has broken the international barrier. The 3-Day Programme Thursday, 25th April 2019 AIFFA MOVIE MARATHON  Screenings of nominated films at selected cinemas for public and delegates. CAFÉ CRAWL Film chats and digital talks at selected cafes in Kuching. PARTY UNDER THE STARS A unique Borneo-style film carnival. Performance by ASEAN artistes. Announcement of nominated films. Film screening of Premier Opening Film. Friday, 26th April 2019 AIFFA BIZ WORLD LAUNCH Launch of Exhibition and Film Talks CAFÉ CRAWL  Film chats and digital talks at selected cafes in Kuching AIFFA MOVIE MARATHON Screenings of nominated films at selected cinemas for public and delegates Saturday, 27th April 2019 CAFÉ CRAWL  Film chats and digital talks at selected cafes in Kuching AIFFA MOVIE MARATHON Screenings of nominated films at selected cinemas for public and delegates AIFFA BIZ WORLD Exhibition and Sales AIFFA 2019 GALA NIGHT  STAR STUDDED RED CARPET AND AWARDS DINNER CEREMONY Who will walk away with the trophies? Who will be the international stars? Enjoy a Gala Night like no other with a great show and dazzling performances. @##@Asean International Film Festival & Awards@##@Kuching@##@2019-04-25@##@2019-04-27

The 9th Sibu Big Bike Week is more than just riding around town in big classy bikes as it has the potential to attract bikers from overseas. This annual program is organized by Razz Chopper Motor Club. This event would be held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2, and will be a gathering of enthusiasts who were into high-powered motorbike as well as cars and automotive-related things, skateboards, BMX bicycles and also paintball. To contact the Razz Chopper Motor Club: T: 014-695 7171 F: 084-331997 Related reading: http://www.thestar.com.my/         @##@Razz Chopper Motor Club@##@Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2@##@2019-12-06@##@2019-12-08

May 1, 2020 - May 31, 2020 Miri May Fest 2020 is festival  comprises of  a lots of  activities organized by are being organised in conjunction with other government agencies, social clubs, non-government organisations and commercial houses in the month of May in conjunctions with Miri City Day 15th Anniversary celebration. Various entertainments, programmes, promotion sales, sports, cultural, recreational, social activities will be organised by government agencies, NGOs, social clubs and commercial houses at various locations in Miri.   Miri City Council is the main coordinator and promoter of Miri May Fest. The objectives of this event were to promote Miri as a popular tourist destination and to create an opportunity for the people of Miri to come and have fun together like a big family. @##@Miri City Council@##@Miri@##@2020-05-01@##@2020-05-31

Department of Islamic Affairs of Sarawak

April 26, 2019 - April 28, 2019 Sarawak’s Dayak harvest festival known as Gawai is celebrated on a grander scale with the participation of cultural troupes from other countries.  The main highlight of the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival (SHFF) is the theme play which had received rave reviews from the media in the past. The Festival theme play utilises the lake, ethnic houses and trees as natural props which can only be produced in the Sarawak Cultural Village.  Each year the play takes on a different ethnic theme. This year, Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival (SHFF) will feature the Orang Ulu community musical drama entitled “Dang Bunsu”, beauty pageant for all single ladies and Sape concert being featured by Sape professionals and amateurs from Sarawak, Sabah and other international countries. Along with sampling of traditional food and crafts of the ethnic communities of Sarawak, there will also be a series of joint workshops by the local and invited cultural troupes.  The ethnic beauty pageant called “Miss Cultural Harvest Festival” lends colour and vibrancy to the event whereas brawn comes in the form of the Tribal Ironman competition. There will also be Sape’ concerts and workshops, and many more activities. The Festival is an ethnic festival that is one of the highlights of the Gawai Dayak celebration, the largest in Sarawak in terms of the community involved. It provides the opportunity for the non-Dayaks to understand the cultures, traditions and aspirations of the Dayak community.  This will be the 12th year in the running. @##@Mr. Zaini Hj. Zainuddin@##@Sarawak Cultural Village@##@2019-04-26@##@2019-04-28

Sarawak is proud to host the 21st Asia Masters Athletics Championship (AMAC) from December 2 to 6, 2019. AMAC is expected to bring approximately 3,500 veteran athletes from over 40 countries. The launching ceremony of 21st AMAC 2018 logo took place on Jan 29 in Kuching, officiated by the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah. About The first unofficial meeting to form a body for veteran athletes in Asia was held in the year 1983 in India, after considering the fact that there were many veteran athletes from Asian countries participating in the World Veterans Athletics Championships and there should be an organisation to coordinate their participation. After several unofficial meetings and discussions, the Asian Veteran Athletic Association was officially formed in the year 1986 in Indonesia. Although the official body was formed in 1986, the first Veterans’ Athletics Championships for Asian master athletes were organised on 27th July 1981, in Singapore by the effort of some former Olympians and Ex internationals. Four hundred and eight participants (408) from eight countries took part in the first veterans’ athletics championships. From then onwards, the championships were held once in two years except in 1985, when the championships were held in the following year, 1986 itself. The championships’ name was changed to Asia Masters Athletics Championships from the year 2004, in accordance with the change of the word from veterans to masters by the world body. The participation to this championships has increased tremendously from 408 in the first edition to 2000 over at present. It is expected to reach 3000 over in the near future. Contact: 21st AMAC Secretariat No : 1. 7, 1st Floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: + 603 2022 1470 Mobile: + 6013 333 1020 Mobile: + 6013 341 8516 Email: admin@amackuching2019.com@##@Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia@##@Stadium Sarawak@##@2019-12-02@##@2019-12-06

Pesta Bung Bratak May 1, 2020 The Pesta Bung Bratak, or Bung Bratak Festival, will take place on May 1 at Bung Bratak located at Kampung Tembawang in Bau. Open to the public, this festival aims to showcase Bidayuh traditional culture, dance and music to everyone who attends. In addition to cultural performances, there will be a “Dayung Sangon” parade, where traditionally garbed girls in the community join the procession. One of the attractions at the festival is the newly completed Bung Bratak Heritage Center (BBHC), which includes a lodging facility that costs RM100 per person (inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner and a barbecue). The area is surrounded by virgin rainforest, with a waterfall nearby. Related article: @##@Bau District Office@##@Bung Bratak, Bau Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia@##@2020-05-01@##@2020-05-01

Social Welfare Department of Sarawak

April 27, 2019 - April 28, 2019 The International Bornean Frog Race 2019 is a yearly event focused on promoting awareness, interest and education about amphibians and amphibian conservation around the world, engaging participants in fun and worthwhile activities, presentations and group workshops. The event draws public attention to the frogs of Borneo, and target children for programmes on nature conservation. It includes talks on amphibian biology and conservation, exhibition of frog photographs, and the finale will be a frog-spotting race at participating outlets in a designated mall, where participants try to spot the most number of frog species, represented by hidden images. TENTATIVE PROGRAMME THE EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL BORNEAN FROG RACE 27 April 2019 (Saturday)-Day 1 08:00AM (onwards)- Registration 09:00AM- Inauguration of The International Bornean Frog Race 2019 by VIP 09:10AM- Welcoming address by Prof. Dr. Gabriel Tonga Noweg 09:20AM- Welcoming address by Haji Zolkipli Mohamad Aton 09:30AM- Release of The Borneo Frog Race 2019 stamps (PosMalaysia SetemKu) 09:40AM- Forest Do’s and Dont’s – Mr. Taha bin Wahab 10:00AM- Tea/Coffee break 10:15AM- Talks Event 1: Smartphone Photography – Ms. Pearl Ee Event 2: Fossil Frogs – Dr. Hans Hazebroek Event 3: Frog Calls – Mr. Pui Yong Min and Mr. Joremy Martin Event 4: Frogs of Madagascar- Mr. Chien C. Lee 12:30PM- Rules of The 8th International Bornean Frog Race 2018 – Mr. Yong Min Pui 12:45- PM- Flag-off for The 8th International Bornean Frog Race 2019 by VIP   28 April 2019 (Sunday)-Day 2 09:00AM- Start of Image Submissions 09:30AM- Frogs of Penang Hill – Prof. Ibrahim Jaafar, National Speaker 10:15AM- Tea/Coffee break 10:45AM- Biodiversity and Conservation of the Amphibians of Indo-China – Dr. Jodi Rowley, International Speaker 11:30AM- Screening of Frog Race 2019 video montage 11:40AM- Live Auction! 12:10PM- Announcement of awards and distribution of prizes and certificates 12:30PM- Concluding speeches and Closing by VIP 13:00PM End of programme     @##@Sarawak Forestry, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)@##@Kuching@##@2019-04-27@##@2019-04-28