Location : Kampung Gumbang, Bau, Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Gumbang/Sebujit  Gawai is an annual reciprocal festival celebrated between Kpg Gumbang of Sarawak and Kpg Sebujit of Indonesia-similar to the Sadir/Suruh Engkedeg ‘Nyarok’ event.  Kpg Sebujit by the way is some 9 trekking hours away from Gumbang.  Such a show of Bidayuh brotherhood!  And this strong bond is further enhanced by the gracing of DUN member Dr. Jerip Susil ,  DBNA President Datu Ik Paon and Organising Chairman Dr Patau Rubis.  With this support Gumbang guys came out in full force complete with traditional costumes, colours and gong music that an Australian expat proclaimed ‘it’s the best Gawai that Kuching has seen in a loooong time’……how true indeed.  Thanks to Desmond Kabar for the invitation and hosting us.  For some strange reasons Gumbang ladies did not seem to be as enthusiastic as the men, except for the 3 from Sebujit.  More Lady Power next year, Sarawak!!

Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau, baruk
The pride of Gumbang, the Baruk, thanks to Dr. Patau Rubis’ generosity.

The 3-day fest started off mid afternoon with a procession from the border thru the village and to the ‘baruk’ .  As the men danced at the ‘tanju’(bamboo platform) to the rhythm of the gong ensemble in the baruk,  tuak or rice wine flowed freely.  Staying sober at that point in time was a huge challenge.  Teams of young & old musicians took turn to make sure the music played non-stop into the night and into the cold morning mist of 5am. I guess the tuak kept them going.

The evening was a big contrast in culture as live pop band at the community hall accompanied dancing couples at RM1 a dance.  Chinese game of ‘holo’ has always been a part of Gawai in most Bidayuh villages as punters try their luck crowding around candle lighted tables.  In this merry making environment gambling is not a vice.

Day 1 -Part 1 (The arrival of the Indonesian visitors)

Day 1 – Part 2 (Dancing on the tanju)

The next morning was the animal sacrifice near the border.  I do not recommend this event for the faint hearted and those who are animal lovers.  A tradition is a tradition.  A chicken and a puppy were slaughtered to thank the gods for all the good things in their lives. After this another round of procession and dancing near the community hall as VIPs officially welcomed the 27 Sebujit visitors.  Speeches & handing out mementos was the order of the day.  Brunch followed.

Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau
Commando Boon
Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau
Ketua Kampung Mr Keelin ak Nilam, event organising chairman Dr Patau and Ketua Adat Mr Anyan standing by for the reception/offering

At midday  was the main offering or ‘miring’ of the pig followed by a traditional game or feat performed by Sebujit guys doing the vertical bamboo pole climbing – feet up first……man, you sure need lots of tuak to do that.

As were hurried out of the village to catch the same celebration in Kpg Sadir we saw 6 Bengkayang vehicles racing towards Gumbang to catch the action there.  Better late than never.

Best Gawai ever!!! Loads of thanks to Desmond for being such a kind host, Boon for making sure we did not miss out on any of the events  and lastly to Nawi with all the details and names .

SEE YOU AGAIN IN SEBUJIT 2012

Day 2 – Part 1 (Ritual & Offering)

Day 2 – Part 2

Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau
Ketua Adat Sebujit Mr. Amin leading the Indonesian delegates
Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau
Nice headgear

Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bauNyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau

Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau, baruk
Mac from Padang Pan showing his dancing talent
Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau
2 cuties
Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau
Welcoming speech by assistant chairman Cikgu Atar

Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bauNyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau

Nyobeng, Borneo, Culture, Traditional, Bidayuh, Gawai, Land Dayak, Kalimantan Barat, Sarawak, Sebujit, sungkung senebe, ritual, kuching, native, malaysia, indonesia, bau
Traditional Bidayuh dancers

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2 COMMENTS

  1. WONDERFUL fotos and video of the best Gawai ever (as you said)- you want someone to carry your bag over to next year’s festival on the Indon. side ? i volunteer..! It must be a real special. experience….sorry i missed this one …but thanks to BOMBASTIC BORNEO i got ot experience it second ahand through your videos and fotos….million terima kaseh’s to you for sharing this with everyone ! j.

    • Hi Jay, That won’t be necessary but tnx for the offer! Des, Mei Er & I would like to celebrate next year’s Gawai in Sebujit but we will do the easier way by way of ‘ojek’ thru logging track and then by long boat – shud not be more than 3 hrs. Feel free to join but be sure to have your visa stamped for a 4 day stay.

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