Paddlers racing in longboats in the Batang Lupar Regatta during the Pesta Benak in Simanggang.
THE small town of Simanggang in Sarawak has a notable claim to fame: the tidal bore that rushes up the Batang Lupar river with waves as high as 3m.
A tidal bore occurs when the leading edge of an incoming tide forms a wave or waves that travel up a river or narrow bay against the direction of the current, according to the state Irrigation and Drainage Department.
On its website, it said the Batang Lupar tidal bore is believed to start at Pulau Seduku, a small island about 44.6km inland from the river mouth, and travels further upriver from there, passing Simanggang on the way.
Locally known as “benak”, the tidal bore occurs every day with different wave lengths and heights, with particularly high waves during the king tide.
The phenomenon is celebrated in the annual Pesta Benak, or Tidal Bore Festival, in Simanggang.
This year’s edition, held on Nov 29-Dec 1, featured a wide range of sports and cultural activities, with highlights including the Batang Lupar Regatta and Miss Tourism Benak pageant.
There were also cultural performances, exhibitions and sales of food and local products. Surfers also took to the river to show their skill in riding the waves.
Cultural performers in traditional attire welcoming visitors to the Pesta Benak in Simanggang.
Among them were members of the Borneo Tidal Bore Surfers’ Club, which was formed in 2017 to tap into the growing interest in tidal bore surfing among local youth.
Its president Hayati Ahmad said a French surfer named Antony Colas was among the first to surf the Batang Lupar tidal bore in 2010.
“This opened our eyes to try surfing on the tidal bore.”
The club aims to develop tidal bore surfing as an ecotourism product and make Simanggang a hub of the sport. Its activities include training sessions and surfing demonstrations.
According to Hayati, the tidal bore occurs throughout the year but it attracts the most visitors during the festival.
“A lot of people come for the festival because there are all kinds of activities happening.
“This is an iconic event in Simanggang that is not held anywhere else in Sarawak.
Crowds lining the bank of the Batang Lupar in Simanggang to watch the tidal bore phenomenon.
“The festival has helped to make Simanggang known not only in Sarawak but also throughout Malaysia and even internationally,” she said.
Intan Syafiqah Yunus, one of the Miss Tourism Benak contestants, said the festival was a significant event for Simanggang.
“It celebrates the tidal bore, which is a special phenomenon that can attract many tourists to visit Sarawak and see it for themselves.
“I was very excited to witness the tidal bore,” she said.
Intan Syafiqah was also impressed by the range of activities and competitions held throughout the festival.
“This will bring in youth to take part in the various events,” she said.
Paddlers racing in longboats in the Batang Lupar Regatta during the Pesta Benak in Simanggang.
Miss Tourism Benak contestant Intan Syafiqah Yunus said she was excited to witness the tidal bore phenomenon.
Crowds lining the bank of the Batang Lupar in Simanggang to watch the tidal bore phenomenon.
Members of the Borneo Tidal Bore Surfers Club taking part in a surfing demonstration during the festival.
Cultural performers in traditional attire welcoming visitors to the Pesta Benak in Simanggang.
