Details some of Races in Sarawak:

Iban

The Ibans comprise the largest percentage (almost 30%) of Sarawak's population.[17] Iban is native to Sarawak and Sarawak has the highest number of Ibans in Borneo.

The large majority of Ibans practise Christianity. However, like most other ethnic groups in Sarawak, they still observe many of their traditional rituals and beliefs. Sarawak celebrates colourful festivals such as the Gawai Dayak (harvest festival), Gawai Kenyalang (hornbill, or the god of war festival), penuaian padi and Gawai Antu (festival of the dead).

Chinese

Chinese pioneers first came to Sarawak as traders and explorers in the 6th century. Today, they make up 24% of the population of Sarawak[17] and consist of communities built from the economic migrants of the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are classified as a non-Bumiputera ethnic group, despite bearing the largest contribution and hardship towards the development of Sarawak since the early 19th century.

The Sarawak Chinese belong to a wide range of dialect groups, the most significant being Foochow, Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, Hainanese, and Puxian Min. The Chinese maintain their ethnic heritage and culture and celebrate all the major cultural festivals, most notably the Chinese New Year and the Hungry Ghost Festival. The Sarawak Chinese are predominantly Buddhists.

Ethnic Chinese in Sarawak were encouraged to settle because of their commercial and business acumen. The biggest dialect group is the Hokkien; many originated from Jinmen and Taiwan, Republic of China and Xiamen in China. The Hakka and Cantonese represent a minority of the Chinese population. Despite their small numbers, the Hokkien have a considerable presence in Sarawak's private and business sector, providing commercial and entrepreneurial expertise and often operating joint business ventures with Malaysian Chinese entreprises.[18]

There are number of Chinese settled down in Sarawak between the years 1911–1949 after the Nationalist led-Kuo Min Tang lost in civil war in 1949 between against Communist Party of China. Most of the Nationalist refugees or Neutral fled from Mainland China.[19][20]

In 1963, when Sarawak helped Malaya to form Malaysia, most of them automatically gained the Citizenship of Malaysia despite of having the Kuo Min Tang Republic of China Citizenship.[21]

Malay

The Malays make up 23% of the population in Sarawak.[17] They mostly populate the southern region and urban areas of Sarawak.

Melanau
The Melanaus have been thought to be amongst the original settlers of Sarawak [22]. They make up 6% of the population in Sarawak.[17]

Today most of the Melanaus community profess Islam and Christianity, though they still celebrate traditional animist festivals such as the annual Kaul Festival.

Bidayuh
Concentrated mainly on the West end of Borneo, the Bidayuhs make up 8% of the population in Sarawak.[17]

The Bidayuhs speak a number of different but related dialects. Some Bidayuhs speak either English or Sarawak Malay as their main language. While some of them still practise traditional religions, the majority of modern-day Bidayuhs have adopted the Christian faith. Another ethnic associated to Bidayuh is Salako, classified as Bidayuh by the Malaysian government for political convenience.

Orang Ulu

Orang Ulu is an ethnic group in Sarawak. The various Orang Ulu ethnics together make up roughly 6% of Sarawak's population. The phrase Orang Ulu means upriver people and is a term used to collectively describe the numerous tribes that live upriver in Sarawak's vast interior. Such groups include the major Kenyah and Kayan people, and the smaller neighbouring groups of the Kajang, Kejaman, Punan, Ukit, and Penan. Nowadays, the definition also includes the down-river tribes of the Lun Bawang, Lun Dayeh, "mean upriver" or "far upstream", Berawan, Saban as well as the plateau-dwelling Kelabits. Orang Ulu is a term coined officially by the government to identify several ethnics and sub-ethnics who live mostly at the upriver and uphill areas of Sarawak. Most of them live in the district of Baram, Miri, Belaga, Limbang, and Lawas.

A vast majority of the Orang Ulu tribe are Christians but traditional religions are still practised in some areas.

Ikan Terubuk Masin (Salted Terubuk Fish)

The busiest section at the Satok weekend market in Kuching, Sarawak is at the fish section, and there is only one fish that everyone is interested in – terubuk.

It’s known mostly for its bones – loads and loads of fine bones criss-crossing – but those in the know patiently pick through because the reward is firm, tender, fatty, sweet flesh. It’s also found in Peninsular Malaysia, but terubuk is synonymous with Sarawak.

The most famous way of preparing terubuk in Sarawak is by salting it. At the Kuching airport, you’ll see travellers with boxes fashioned like a bag, complete with raffia handles, and chances are they are carrying ther precious cargo of salted terubuk fish.

The usual way of salting fishes in Malaysia is by salting them, and then drying them in the sun for days. In Sarawak, they gut and clean the terubuk fish, and then liberally rub it with fine salt. The traders’ instructions was to just wash off the salt, and freeze the fish if we do not cook it within a week. Most people just fry the salted terubuk fish, but some also steam it.

The salted terubuk taste like salt baked fish. It’s not intensely salty like the typical dried salted fish, but a lot gentler. The salt does not overwhelm its sweetness but complements it. The flesh remains moist and tender, and it is quite a treat. Now I understand why the customers at the Satok market buys the salted terubuk so eagerly, and why they place such huge orders.

Rainforest World Music Festival
Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village

A Jungle Village Festival - this internationally recognised Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo. Its formula of afternoon interactive workshops; ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with audience, who come from near and far.

The festival site is also set up with an array of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area. There are festival memorabilia, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artists for sale, all these contributing to a fun-filled, wholesome festival experience. Eclectic world music plus a country fair atmosphere in the midst of lush greenery, the Rainforest World Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed occasion, guarantees a smashing time in the heart of the Borneo Jungle.
The Rainforest World Music Festival is an annual three-day music festival celebrating the diversity of world music, held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, with daytime music workshops, cultural displays, craft displays, food stalls, and main-stage evening concerts. It is now one of the largest musical events in Malaysia with a total weekend audience approaching 30,000.

The festival features a wide range of performances from traditional music, to world fusion and contemporary world music. The festival emphasizes the use of traditional acoustic world instruments, although electric accompaniment instruments are common. Invited performers come from Sarawak, other provinces of Malaysia, and countries near and far. Festival acts have included: Joey Ayala (Philippines - 1998), Shooglenifty (Scotland - 1999), Inka Marka (South America - 2000), Rajery (Madagascar - 2001), Black Umfolosi (Zimbabwe - 2002), Huun Huur Tu (Tuva), Cynthia Alexander (Philippines) - 2003), Te Vaka (Samoa/New Zealand - 2004), Namgar (Mongolia - 2005), Peatbog Faeries (Scotland - 2006), Tarika Be (Madagascar - 2007), and Ross Daly (Greece - 2008), Shannon (Poland - 2005, 2007).

 

Resources: Wikipedia

Sarawak Regatta
Venue: Kuching Waterfront

An annual event organized by Kuching Resident Office. The event is the showcase of boat race with participation from various government agencies, private sectors and also participants from overseas such as Indonesia and Brunei. Other activities include displays of crafts and exhibitions by local entrepreneurs.

Sarawak Regatta has been a premier event with a distinct historical and cultural significant. It was held as early as before 1872 and was organized as an annual event taking place during the New Year. Sarawak Gazette had recorded in 1872, that the annual Regatta that year was held, on 29th February 1872 at the Sarawak River infront of the Astana. The European community in Sarawak and in the neighboring countries were invited to the Astana - for breakfast - before the race. Keen competition were also recorded for the Rajah Cup. The boat 'Sri Matu' built and manned by the Melanaus, was reported as the winning boat.

The Gazette records provided the indication that Regatta had been an important social event organized annually for social integration and goodwill for the people of Sarawak. Prominent political figure, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee Hui, recorded that Rajah Charles Brooke used to send his yacht Maimunah1 to outstation to bring in the various Tuan Residents to join in the social event.

The tradition of holding the annual Regatta in the Sarawak River continued through the Colonial period and into the post-Malaysia period. During these periods the Regatta was organized by Resident and District Office with funds from the Government while the rest of the fund was raised through public donations.

The day programme include races for traditional longboats, dragon boats and other activities, like the running of totolizers, climbing greasing poles, catching ducks and pillow fights. Racing boats from outstations made it a grand affair and also a great occasion for families from outside the State Capital to visit Kuching town.

Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Festival)
Discover & Experience the Unique Tidal Bore Phenomenon at Batang Lupar, Sri Aman.

The annual Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Festival) will make a return along the mighty Batang Lupar with two new activities.

The festival will include a bodybuilding competition (Mr Benak) and a hot air balloon ride.

The Festival is to promote harmony among local community and to introduce Sri Aman town through tourism. Tidal Bore or locally known as Benak accurs everyday with different warelenght and heights. During spring tide, tidal bore with high magnitudes can be observed clearly. The Benak continues its journey another 30km inland, ending near the small village of Engkilili in Sri Aman.

How to get there:

Sri Aman town is located about 194km from Kuching and the journey takes about two and hald to three hours by road.  Public transportation like express buses and taxis are available from Kuching to Sri Aman town.

Races in Sarawak

Sarawak's population is very diverse, comprising many races and ethnic groups. Sarawak has more than 40 sub-ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. This makes Sarawak demography very distinct and unique compared to its Peninsular counterpart.

Contents:
 1 Ethnic groups of Sarawak :

1.1 Iban
1.2 Chinese
1.3 Malay
1.4 Bidayuh
1.4.1 Salako & Lara
1.5 Orang Ulu
1.5.1 Kayan
1.5.2 Lun Bawang
1.5.3 Kelabit
1.5.4 Kenyah
1.5.5 Penan
1.5.6 Sebob/Chebob
1.6 Melanau
1.7 Others
1.7.1 Indian
1.7.2 Eurasian
1.7.3 Bisaya
1.7.4 Javanese
1.7.5 Bugis
1.7.6 Kedayan
1.7.7 Tagal
1.7.8 Punan Bah
1.7.9 Suluk

Resource: Wikipedia

SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE

Sarawak is rich in history and heritage. It is also known as Land of The Hornbills. The population comprises of local ethnic groups namely Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau and other minor tribes plus the Malays, Chinese and Indians living together in harmony for more than a century.

Being the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak covers a vast area of 124,000 sq-km of land along the northwest coast of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Sarawak offers you a journey of relentless discovery as you travel from city to city and from village to village where you will find, remnants of colonial architectures and in a rich heritage.      

About Sarawak Cultural Village

Tucked away at the foothills of legendary Mount Santubong, 35 km from Kuching is Sarawak's fascinating cultural showcase, the award winning "Sarawak Cultural Village" which is also the venue for the World Harvest Festival and the Rainforest World Music Festival, an internationally renowned festival.

This living museum is wholly owned by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) depicts the heritage of the major racial groups in Sarawak and conveniently portrays their respective lifestyle amidst 14 acres of tropical vegetation.

Here, it is possible to see Sarawak's ethnic diversity at a glance. The handicraft is both bewildering and tempting, including the Kain Songket (Malay cloth with gold inlay), Pua Kumbu (Iban housewives textiles), Melanau Terendak (sunhat), Bidayuh tambok (basket), Iban parang (swords), Orang Ulu wood carving and Chinese ceramics.

The 45-minute cultural performance of songs, dances and entertainment is something you will not want to miss during your visit to Sarawak.

SEMENGGOH WILDLIFE CENTRE

The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre was established in 1975 to care for wild animals which have either been found injured in the forest, orphaned, or were previously kept as illegal pets. The centre is situated within the boundaries of the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, approximately 24 km from Kuching.

When established, the three main aims of the Centre were:
-To rehabilitate wild animals who have been injured, orphaned in the wild or handicapped by
-Prolonged captivity, with the objective of subsequently releasing them back to the wild.
-To conduct research on wildlife and captive breeding programmes for endangered species.
-To educate visitors and the general public about the importance of conservation.

The Centre has been a resounding success, caring for almost 1,000 endangered mammals, birds and reptiles from dozens of different species. However it is the orang utan rehabilitation programme that has made the Centre famous. In one respect, Semenggoh has been too successful – so many orang utan have been successfully reintroduced into the surrounding forest reserve that the forest’s carrying capacity has been reached, and rehabilitation activities have been transferred to the Matang Wildlife Centre, part of Kubah National Park.
As a result of its success, Semenggoh’s role has changed and it is nowadays a centre for the study of orang utan biology and behaviour, as well as a safe and natural haven for dozens of semi-wild orang utan, graduates of the rehabilitation programme. It is also home to numerous baby orang utan, born in the wild to rehabilitated mothers, a further testament to the success of the programme.
A visit to Semenggoh is a once in a lifetime experience - a chance to see semi-wild orang utan, ranging from tiny infants and boisterous adolescents to dignified mature adults, enjoying life in a secure natural habitat.

Kuching: Kubah National Park

Kubah National Park is one of the most easily accessible park in Kuching, just under an hour drive away on the way to the Matang hills. There is no scheduled bus service to the park, and the nearest bus stops at a road junction which require an hour or so on foot to each the entrance, so the only option is by cab or hired car, but the location is not hard to find.
There is a proper car  park and an entrance kiosk where you pay RM10.00 (for Malaysians) / RM20.00 (for foreigners) per person to enter. A toilet and bathroom area is behind the kiosk if you need to wash and freshen up after the long trekking, before you leave the park.
There are several walking trails, and the Waterfall Trail is the most popular. It is a 1 1/2 hour trekking (one way) through the rainforest though the trail are well marked and many stretches are by plankwalk. The trail is easy to negotiate as there is not much gradient, where there are, steps are provided and on steep climb at the approach to the waterfalls, wooden stairs/steps are provided

The waterfall is about 20 feet high and falls into a big pool and cascade to a series of big boulders with smaller pools along the way. The water is cool and refreshing and is an excellent place for a swim and picnic. Part of the flat rock surface can be slippery during rainy season as they are moss covered, so be careful.

There are not many wildlife in the park, and for mosquito haters, good news, there is none! There are beetles, bugs centipedes and frogs and plentiful palm of all types. Sometimes leeches can also be found, especially after heavy rain. Nature lovers will find this place a nice retreat for a day trip.

1 of the most famous food in Sarawak

Kuching often lends its own unique twist to traditional Malay, Chinese, and even Indonesian food.

Sarawak laksa :

(Malay: Laksa Sarawak) comes from the Malaysian state Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. It is actually very different from the curry laksa as the soup contains no curry at all. It has a base of Sambal belacan, sour tamarind, garlic, galangal, lemon grass and coconut milk, topped with omelette strips, chicken strips, prawns, fresh coriander and optionally lime. Ingredients such as bean sprouts, (sliced) fried tofu or other seafood are not traditional but are sometimes added.