Sarawak Regatta

The Sarawak Regatta is one event that  brings people of all races, cultures and beliefs to the Kuching Waterfront. The races are fast and furious, full of grandeur and tradition as well as fun for all, both participants and spectators.

Acknowledged as the oldest boat race of its kind in Malaysia, the Sarawak Regatta was recorded in the annals as early as 1872 and held in front of the Astana and witnessed by the colonial administrators and other officials. While the original races were mainly for the purpose of social integration and goodwill, they were also important occasions for foreign communities serving in Sarawak and neighboring countries to gather together for comradeship and sharing of common pursuits. In fact, the journals then recorded that the White Rajah, Charles Brooke even sent his own ship to the outstations of Sarawak to bring the residents to watch the race.

The proud tradition of the race has been retained as today's events have seen the influx of both rural communities and urban ones, jostling and mingling with the foreign visitors for a better view of the race along the Waterfront! Naturally too, the races are now not just for winning trophies and prizes but also to enjoy the thrills of participation. The entrance and participation of foreign boats and crews have made the regatta into an international event, which has seen bigger crowds and more boats competing.

In recent years, Sarawak Regatta has gained tremendous popularity as seen by the increasing number of participation in the races. 2007 had witnessed a total number of 6,887 paddlers taking part in 15 races as against 4,660 paddlers in 2006 races.

Taking centre stage in these races are the "Bidar Boats" which are among the biggest boats in the Sarawak Regatta. These boats carry as many as 30 paddlers, carrying with it the "Raja Sungei" titled race.

The fun and excitement of these challenges continue to draw huge crowd to cheer on their favorites and shout themselves hoarse from the thrill of watching! Over the years, some of the participants in the boat races have also shown up with costumes that simply captivated people and the envy of their competitors. Then again, this is one race where history and tradition exist side by side with modern inputs and aspirations for all who take part in it.

INDEX of Kuching City  September 10, 2008 01:57:03 PM