Andreas flying his 20m manta ray kite.
A GIANT whale soared gracefully in the air, joining a colourful flotilla of kites of every shape and size at the Borneo International Kite Festival in Bintulu.
Stretching an impressive 33m, the whale was the largest kite flown by Malaysian participant Kenny Foo and his team at the mid-September event.
“Altogether, our team brought over 70 kites to the festival. We have two or three in the overlarge category of 30 to 35m, including the whale,” said Foo.
It takes at least two experienced flyers to handle the giant whale, he explained, but in strong winds, four or five people are needed to keep it steady.
“For extra-large kites, we advise flying no higher than 20m – anything higher makes it difficult and challenging to bring down safely,” he added.
Brazilian participants Gheno Sandra and Guilerme Linates Palau flying a colourful flag at the festival. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
Foo, who works in Hong Kong, first discovered his passion for kite flying about 20 years ago after attending an international kite festival in Shenzhen, China.
“I met a team from Penang there,” he recalled. “Flying kites looked fun, so I decided to join them.”
He began with small kites before gradually moving on to larger ones and eventually taking part in international kite festivals across several countries.
His connection with Bintulu came when the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) invited him to the Borneo International Kite Festival.
Kites in the shape of toy figures and flowers sharing the sky at the Borneo International Kite Festival.
“I’ve been invited every year since, and this is now my 14th time. I’ll keep supporting the Bintulu kite festival as long as I can still fly kites,” he said.
Foo said the Bintulu Old Airport grounds – the festival’s regular venue – offers perfect conditions for flying, with its wide open spaces and strong winds.
“The culture in Sarawak is very friendly as well, which is another reason I love coming here every year,” he added.
Joining Foo’s flying whale was a 20m manta ray kite flown by another long-time participant who gave his name as Andreas.
The giant whale being launched into the sky.
The German, who was taking part for the 12th time, designed and built the brightly coloured manta ray himself.
“It can fly as high as it needs to. I managed to get it up to about 100m when the wind was challenging,” he said.
“I really enjoy coming to Bintulu, though the wind conditions can be tricky,” he added.
Kites of all shapes and sizes taking flight at the Borneo International Kite Festival in Bintulu.
Adding a patriotic touch to the skies were four kites in the colours of the Jalur Gemilang, flown by a four-member Malaysian team.
The kites were collectively called Revolution, said team member Jamal Ayub.
“It takes coordination and teamwork to create flight patterns in the air,” he said.
Kites of all shapes and sizes taking flight at the Borneo International Kite Festival in Bintulu.
First organised by the BDA in 2005, the Borneo International Kite Festival has become one of Bintulu’s signature events, drawing thousands of participants and spectators each year.
Now in its 18th edition, this year’s festival attracted 160 kite flyers from 29 countries.
The popular ‘Labubu’ creature making an appearance at the kite festival.
Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, who officiated the opening, said the festival had put Bintulu on the world map for kite flying and tourism.
The manta ray kite joining other colourful shapes in the sky.
“The festival is more than just beauty in the skies – it’s a driver of tourism, a boost for our economy and a vital platform for cultural exchange,” he said, adding that it also showcased Bintulu’s warm hospitality to visitors from around the world.
