Penang, 11 October 2024 – Following the successful launch of Sarawak Tourism Board’s exciting “Gateway to Borneo” campaign at ITB Berlin, Sarawak proudly presents its first-ever Sarawak Gateway to Borneo Fair, offering visitors a unique and immersive dive into the vibrant culture, arts, and tourism offerings of Borneo. The four-day fair, hosted at Queensbay Mall from 10 to 13 October, invites Penangites and beyond to experience the authentic essence of Sarawak firsthand.
The event kicked off with a lively opening ceremony, officiated by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, who was represented by YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board, and shared his excitement about showcasing Sarawak’s treasures in Penang. “Today marks an exciting new chapter as we bring Sarawak, the “Gateway to Borneo,” directly to your doorstep in the Pearl of the Orient,” said YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. “We are not just showcasing a destination; we are inviting you to experience the heart and soul of a land like no other—a place where nature and culture exist in perfect harmony, and every journey leads to unforgettable moments.”
Themed “Gateway to Borneo,” the fair offers diverse exhibitors showcasing authentic local crafts, foods, and beverages such as Batik Sarawak, Kek Lapis Sarawak, and Tuak Borneo. Visitors can witness live demonstrations of traditional Sarawakian crafts, including batik making, basket weaving, and temporary tattoos. Penangites will also have the chance to explore exclusive Sarawak travel packages promoted by Penang-based tour operators, with options that cater to eco-tourism, cultural immersion, and adventure.
Daily live cultural performances bring the event to life, featuring the Sape and nose flute’s enchanting music and dance performances from Sarawak’s indigenous communities, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Melanau. During the official opening, the crowd was treated to a special performance by Sada Borneo, the acclaimed Sarawakian band that gained international recognition on Asia’s Got Talent.
Reflecting on the event’s cultural significance, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah added, “Sarawak is a place of discovery—where the ancient meets the modern, and where every experience is a celebration of our rich cultural heritage. Today, we are not here just to promote tourism but to build bridges between Sarawak and Penang, between our local businesses and new audiences, and between our communities and travellers seeking authentic, meaningful experiences.”
Sarawak Gateway to Borneo Fair is pivotal in boosting domestic tourism, aligning with Sarawak’s ambitious target of attracting 2.0 million domestic visitors in 2024 as part of the overall 4 million projected visitors. Sarawak is well on its way to achieving this goal, having recorded 3.3 million visitors by August. The fair is also a strategic platform for fostering collaboration between local Sarawak businesses and Penang-based tour operators, promoting Sarawak as a premier travel destination and building valuable networks between travel agents and consumers.
From families and young professionals to travel enthusiasts and students, there is something for everyone at Sarawak Gateway to Borneo Fair. In addition to the cultural performances and craft demonstrations, visitors can participate in interactive sessions, including live Q&A sessions and engaging cultural puzzles. Participants will also receive exclusive souvenirs, making the fair a fun, educational, and rewarding experience for all ages.
About Sarawak. ‘Gateway to Borneo’
A kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals: is the best description for Sarawak. Sarawak comprises 34 ethnic tribes with their own unique traditions, lifestyles, music and food, while sharing their warm hospitality. Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Its vast landscape spans over 120,000 sq kms, with towering mountains and cool highlands, jagged limestone formations and mysterious cave systems, winding rivers and quiet beaches; where adventures are waiting to happen. Festivals are hosted throughout the year celebrate the eclectic blend of modern and traditional culture, food, music and religious practices that can be found nowhere else. In Sarawak, there is always ‘More to Discover’.
About Sarawak Tourism Board
Sarawak Tourism Board is the key promoter for Sarawak. STB is a winner of the Asia Pacific Excellence Awards 2016 by Asia-Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD) and has received the ASEAN PR Excellence Award 2015 Gold Award. The Rainforest World Music Festival is a five-time Top 25 Best International Festivals recognised by Songlines World Music Magazine (2011 – 2015). Meanwhile, the Rainforest World Music Festival and Borneo Jazz Festival Virtual Experiences were recognised by World Responsible Tourism Awards 2021 as ‘Ones to Watch’ under Destinations Building Back Better Post-Covid and the virtual experience of the 2021 Rainforest World Music Festival won the PATA Gold Awards 2022 under Sustainability and Social Responsibility Category for Culture. Sarawak Tourism Board also won the Golden City Gate 2019 five-star award, Marketing Excellence Awards 2021 for Excellence in Mobile Marketing (bronze) and PATA Gold Awards 2022 its destination video entitled ‘A Journey Awaits’ under the marketing category.
STB was honoured with the “Nation’s Pride Award” in Tourism Promotion Excellence at the BrandLaureate BestBrands Awards for the year 2022-2023. Additionally, at the Malaysia Public Relations Awards (MPRA) 2023, STB’s campaign for the Rainforest World Music Festival titled “The Comeback Stronger Brand Story” was recognized with the Campaign of the Year award. STB also secured the Gold Award for Product Brand Development (B2C) under the theme “Comeback Stronger”, acknowledging its compelling narrative emphasizing sustainability practices. STB received the Best Global PR Campaign Award at the DAVOS World Communications Forum Award (WCFA) 2023. In 2024, STB was awarded the Bronze Award in the Transportation, Travel & Tourism category at the Putra Aria Brand Awards, and the Special Award for Covid-19 (Sia Sitok Sarawak) at the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2024.
