Page 288 - The Guide To Sarawak

286 RIVERS, LAKES & THE SEA
Water Sports – Events
The Borneo International Yachting Challenge
The advent of Miri Marina has made possible
events like the Borneo International Yachting Challenge. The first major international yachting event held in Borneo waters, it is co-organized by Sarawak, Labuan Federal Territory and Sabah, and overseen by the Malaysian Yachting Association. Running
since 2003, it attracts participants from all over the world. The Challenge begins in Miri and ends in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The programme includes the Miri Bay Regatta, a Passage Race from Miri to Labuan, a Passage Race from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu and the Kota Kinabalu Bay Regatta.
The Sarawak Regatta
The social and sporting highlight of the year is the Sarawak Regatta, held
annually on the Sarawak River, Kuching, since 1872. So important was the regatta during the Brooke Era that a launch was
sent to outlying districts to bring government officers to Kuching. Nowadays it runs over three days in August or September and includes races for traditional longboats, dragon boats and motorized craft - wakeboards, water skis and jet skis. There is even a ‘Tourist Race’ for visitors who are not afraid to get their feet wet. The regatta is very well attended so visitors should come early to get a good view.
The Kapit and Baram Regattas
These are the two main regional regattas. The Kapit Regatta, on the Batang Rejang, takes place in early April and features traditional boats, powerboats, jet-skis and the Balleh Kapit Raft Safari, where teams build
their own rafts and paddle downriver to Kapit. The Baram Regatta dates from 1899 and was introduced to distract local tribes from headhunting. It has a similar line-up to the Kapit Regatta and is held at the riverside town of Marudi, 2 hours from Miri.
Rivers, Lakes And
The Sea – Listings
SARAWAK RIVERS BOARD
(See page 352)
Sarawak River
Cruises
SARAWAK RIVER TAMBANGS
These small traditional watercraft ply the Sarawak river from before dawn to midnight and are a great way to discover riverine Kuching. Board at any of the Kuching Waterfront jetties. Can also be hired hourly.
LAYAR WARISAN SDN BHD
Sunset cruises and dining charters aboard MV Equatorial 98, Main Bazaar, 93000 Kuching T (082) 240 366
E srcinbox@gmail.com
W www.sarawakrivercruise.com
CPH TRAVEL AGENCIES (SARAWAK) SDN BHD Morning (9am) and sunset (5pm) cruises in pontoon boats. Also offer award- winning dolphin spotting and wildlife cruises.
70, Jalan Padungan 93100 Kuching
T (082) 243 708
E cphtrvl@streamyx.com W www.cphtravel.com.my
SSOONZ RESOURCES
1hr cruises in traditional boats from 10am~7pm
Competing teams - complete with tribal insignia - line up for the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Regatta. The social and sporting highlight of the year, the regatta has been held annually since 1872.