Discover the Soul of Sarawak Through the Gawai Dayak Festival
Every year on the 1st and 2nd of June, Sarawak comes alive with one of Borneo’s most meaningful cultural celebrations — Gawai Dayak. Gawai Dayak originated as a post-harvest celebration among the Dayak communities of Sarawak, particularly the Iban and Bidayuh people who traditionally practiced hill paddy farming. After the rice harvest season, families and villagers would gather to give thanks for a successful harvest, good health, and blessings for the coming year.
Over time, Gawai Dayak has evolved into one of Sarawak’s most important cultural festivals, symbolizing gratitude, unity, hospitality, and the preservation of Dayak traditions.
Today, the festival is celebrated with longhouse open houses, traditional dances, local cuisine, and family reunions across Sarawak. For many foreigners living in Sarawak under the SMM2H programme, experiencing Gawai is one of the best ways to truly understand the heart and soul of local life.
Betong 2026: The Heart of Gawai Celebrations
This year, the cultural spotlight shines on the Betong Division. While Gawai is traditionally celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of June, the grand crescendo for 2026 arrives on the morning of June 6 with the Gawai Dayak Parade. Imagine stepping out of your home to witness hundreds of participants marching through the town centre in breathtaking traditional attire, accompanied by elaborate floats that showcase the very best of indigenous Dayak heritage. It is a visual feast that perfectly captures the pride and history of the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.
The Longhouse Experience: Your Gateway to Tradition
The most attractive part of the festival for any SMM2H resident is the Authentic Longhouse Open House. On the afternoon of June 6, the official celebrations move to Rumah Veriland in Engkeranji, Betong. This modern yet deeply traditional 22-door longhouse serves as a safe and comfortable gateway for international residents to engage with local communities.
Your journey begins with the miring ceremony, a sacred blessing ritual performed by elders to welcome travelers and invoke peace. Once inside, you will experience ngabang, the cherished tradition of longhouse visiting. Walking along the ruai (communal hall), you will be warmly greeted by the tuai rumah (longhouse chief) and residents, sharing laughter, spontaneous dancing, and cups of tuak (traditional rice wine).
Traditional Delicacies of Gawai
No cultural immersion is complete without the flavors of the land. At the longhouse, you will feast on iconic delicacies like manok pansoh—chicken slow-cooked in bamboo stalks with local herbs—and freshly gathered wild midin ferns.
Modern Gawai Festivals and Cultural Experiences
In recent years, towns such as Betong, Kuching, and Sibu have also organised large-scale Gawai parades, cultural performances, concerts, and tourism events. These festivals allow newcomers to experience traditional customs in a more accessible way while still preserving authentic Dayak heritage. Some tourism programmes even offer overnight stays in modern longhouses, giving visitors the chance to experience river life, traditional cooking, handicrafts, and jungle hospitality.
More Than Just Tourism
Participating in Gawai Dayak is a profound step toward understanding the warmth and communal spirit of the people you now share a home with. It reflects the peaceful coexistence that Sarawak is famous for, where neighbors of all ethnicities and backgrounds join together in harmony.
Living in Sarawak is not just about a lower cost of living; it is about becoming part of a welcoming society. This June, do not just watch from the sidelines—step into the celebration. If you are planning to relocate to Sarawak through the SMM2H programme, experiencing Gawai may become one of your most unforgettable memories in Borneo.
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