Looking for new ideas for team-building or incentives? Sarawak is inviting visiting groups to get involved in some of the region’s top annual events as part of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) in 2007.
“Next year is a special year long celebration and our event organisers have opened up participation to international groups,” CEO of Sarawak Convention Bureau, Jill Henry says.
For groups after some fun team-building activities, just add water – and there are plenty of chances to get wet. The Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari (www.kapitro.sarawak.gov.my), April 28-29, 2007 gives participants the chance to spend the night at selected longhouses located along the Baleh River and its tributaries, where they will experience first-hand the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the Iban community. Six-person teams compete in bamboo rafts to experience the ultimate rafting adventure.
For larger groups looking to stay closer to the beautiful capital, Kuching, there is the annual Sarawak Regatta (www.kuching.net.my), September 1-2. The city waterfront promenade is the focal point for thousands of people from all walks of life who come to witness this flagship event in Kuching City.
he dragon boat and canoe races were first held on the Baram River and used to settle local rivalries between tribes as an alternative to head-hunting. The excitement of those warlike, bygone days is rekindled as the state’s expert boatmen take up their paddles to prove their prowess. International corporate groups and their sponsors are welcome to compete in a number of classes – usually 20 persons per boat. For music lovers, Miri International Jazz Festival (www.mirijazzfestival.com), May 11-12, is a great choice. Corporate groups can utilise this festival as their gala dinner night and be entertained by regionally and internationally recognised jazz musicians. This musical event draws jazz lovers from all over the region for a fun-filled and entertaining experience in one of Sarawak’s emerging resort cities. Sarawak’s signature event, the World Rainforest Music Festival (www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com), July 13-15, is 10 years’ old in 2007. Even the incentive attendee who’s been “everywhere” will be charmed by the sights and sounds of the Rainforest Festival. The stage backdrop is the stunning flood-lit rainforest canopy on the slopes of the beautiful Santubong Mountain. In a first this year, corporate groups will be able to select their own secluded dining area in one of the local traditional houses or set up a special marquee on the lawn. Visiting renowned musicians from all over the world will be there and can play exclusively for your group over dinner or conduct a special interactive workshop with your guests.
For a celebration of traditional arts, food and dance, the Borneo Cultural Festival 2007 (www.sibu.gov.my), June 30 – July 7, in Sibu is another fun-filled event which showcases the rich ethnic diversity and racial harmony. Apart from the cultural extravaganza, there is also tempting local cuisine at the Borneo Food Fair! Sarawak traditional games will be introduced for corporate groups who have the chance to compete with locals and visitors.
For a great corporate branding opportunity, why not consider entering the Kuching Street Parade (www.dbku.gov.my), August 5. Kuching means “cat” in Malay and the city is home to the only dedicated cat museum in the world. Participants can don cat masks and tabby tails and join in the fun. Or companies can enter a themed corporate float and promote their brand to cheering locals as the parade winds its way through the city streets – enjoy the colour and fun of a unique Cat City Mardi Gras. All these events are there for you to discover and experience. The Sarawak Convention Bureau can put you in touch with the event organisers or a local destination management company that can co-ordinate your group’s participation.
1. Longhouse theme party
A festive procession greets you on arrival to escort visitors to the Iban longhouse. Maidens wait to greet everyone with a glass of “tuak” rice wine at the top of the notched log staircase. Once all guests are seated on ornamental rush mats, the chief performs his welcoming ritual. This is followed by dinner served in traditional style accompanied by lively dance performances and games of skill and strength in which the guests are also invited to participate. After dinner there is festive dancing to the beat of skin drums and brass gongs with a touch of modern Iban pop.
2. Kayaking in a rainforest paradise
Whether you choose to float down a tributary of the Sarawak River through the tall timbers of the Sarawak rainforest or paddle out to the South China Sea on a comfortable kayak with your team and guides, the pace is leisurely and the atmosphere is intimate. Rainforest and mountains are at your side. Get ready for relaxation. Watch out for the local wildlife especially a glimpse of the timid and rare irrawaddy dolphin. Build up an appetite in readiness for your scrumptious picnic lunch at a river clearing or secluded beach. This is perfect for groups up to 40 people.
3. Cocktails in the caves
Discover the magnificent wild beauty of Sarawak’s caves. Have a cocktail party in the caves enjoying great scenery, amazing cave formations, pause to consider the power of the water that once roared through this cave, tumbling huge boulders and carving the scalloped walls. Cocktails and finger food are served as the sun sets. Entertainment from local performers on traditional instruments such as the sape complete the evening, or if you are in the mood for some music, a soothing jazz band will perform during your cocktail event.
4. White Rajahs theme party
The White Rajahs refers to a dynasty that founded and ruled the Kingdom of Sarawak from 1841 to 1946. You will be amazed by the history of the White Rajahs and you will be experiencing the pomp and splendour of that bygone era in this dinner, served in a courtyard inside the old court house which was built by the Brookes in 1874, with brass band and martial arts performances. The courtyard with its flower garden is a perfect place to mingle and network before taking to the dance floor for the rest of the evening. Wear something white, bring your dance card to be filled and step back in time to the era of Sarawak’s White Rajahs.
5. Cook up a storm
For a great team-building activity that develops your culinary skills, participants will be given a shopping list to purchase selected items from the local wet market where they will find hundreds of stalls selling forest produce, herbs, seafood, local fruits, sweet desserts and cakes, and handicrafts. Groups are divided into two or three teams, each responsible for a separate local dish such as Ayam Pansoh or the famous Sarawak Laksa.
To assist in selecting the right spices you will visit a local pepper farm before heading back to the hotel for a VIP cooking class. An Orang Ulu, Bidiayuh or Iban local chef will guide you expertly through the chopping and the frying, and the object is to see which teams’ dish comes out best. Taste-testing is one of the highlights!
6. Priceless legacy experience
Spend some time with your team working to improve the quality of life for the longhouse community or a remote kampong. Provide your time and energy to assist in the construction of much needed facilities such as medical clinics, school buildings, planting programmes or bridge work. Be a part of the traditional longhouse community and share their simple life. You will be introduced to all sorts of activities including paddy planting, fishing, painting, craft, music and traditional games and dance. The list is endless. Although this will take some effort, the rewards are worth it.
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