Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GAWAI DAYAK
An official holiday in Sarawak (it's also marked by the Iban in Brunei), this Dayak festiv-
al (
Click here
)
celebrates the end of the rice harvest season. City-dwelling Dayaks return
to their longhouses to socialise, make music, eat and get happy with
tuak
(rice wine). Held
statewide from the evening of 31 May to 2 June, in some villages on other dates in June.
July
The weather is hot and humid, with rain likely even in Kuching, where this is the
driest month. Northern hemisphere tourists flock to Borneo so consider booking
treks, caving, guides and tours in advance.
RAMADAN
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink or have sexual rela-
tions from dawn to sunset. Celebratory break-the-fast meals are held after sundown. Many
offices have shorter hours and some restaurants close during daylight. Begins on 9 July
2013, 28 June 2014 and 18 June 2015.
BORNEO CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Brings to Sibu (Sarawak) music, dance, cultural performances and food representing cent-
ral Sarawak's Chinese, Malay-Melanau and Dayak traditions. Held over 10 days in early
July.
RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
This three-day musical extravaganza (
www.rwmf.net
)
, held in the Sarawak Cultural Vil-
lage near Kuching on the second weekend in July, brings together Dayak bands and inter-
national artists. Area accommodation fills up long in advance.
