Location : Kota Sanggau, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia.
The road quality from Entikong just across the border of Sarawak has been impressive since a year and a half ago but the best surprise was the second half of the journey, from Balai Karangan right up to the town of Sanggau. The freshly tarred road was still black in colour when we drove in. The gravel emergency lane had yet to be laid though making the road shoulders dangerously high. But I believe that should be fixed in due course. From Entikong, we arrived at the event venue of Rumah Betang Raya Dori Mpulor in 2hrs, just in time for the opening.
The regency (kabupaten) of Sanggau consists of 15 districts (kecamatan) with each presenting a team of participants to showcase their culinary, dancing, singing, carving skills and most interesting was the paddy dehusking competition.
I could not help but admire how the Dayak men put so much pride in their attire adorned with a generous amount of beadwork that I thought they outshone their womenfolk. Their beaded headgear and sash made them look very special indeed.
After all the protocols and speeches were done with, all invited guests made a beeline for the luncheon held at the upper floor of the Rumah Betang Raya Dori Mpulor which was a mock longhouse built for the purpose of Gawai. (Please check out Part 2)
The hotels are located in the town centre 20min drive away from the venue. Gawai time is perhaps the best time to learn about the different tribes and their locations. It was here that we noticed for the first time that wooden masks were worn as part of the celebration for certain tribes. One tribe in particular worn costumes made completely out of the hair of the ijok palm. A nice surprise. To be continued…….. 
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