Villagers prepare instruments for the celebration in Kampung Benuk.
KUCHING: Over 1,000 visitors are expected to throng Kampung Benuk, Penrissen today for the Gawai Dayak celebration.
Kampung Benuk community leader Bundu Suwap, 67, said the Ministry of Tourism has allocated funds to the village since 2014 to host the celebration.
He said Gawai Dayak is one of the best times to visit and learn more about the culture and lifestyle of the Bidayuh community in the village.
“The more the merrier, as there will be traditional performances, followed by other activities such as beauty pageant competition.
“The government has also provided numerous assistance for us here in Kampung Benuk, and we appreciate it,” he told reporters yesterday.
Kampung Benuk has been a well-known tourist destination since the 1950s.
Some 1,000 domestic and international tourists visit the village every month.
Meanwhile, the Kuching Sentral bus terminal was crowded yesterday with those heading back to their hometowns and longhouses to celebrate Gawai Dayak.
Michelle Hasmah Endun Alan, 25, was headed back to her village in Betong to celebrate the occasion with her family in Rumah Semumuk Atas.
“I’m excited to celebrate Gawai with my family this year after two years not being able to go back to my hometown due to work commitments in Kuala Lumpur,” she said.
Student Benedict Andom, 23, who is on a week-long break from his college was headed to his hometown of Sarikei.
He noted that the bus ticketing system was problem free.
“Everything went well,” he said.