KUALA LUMPUR: The sounds of laughter, traditional music and spontaneous group dances filled Central Market as visitors immersed themselves in the cultures of Sabah and Sarawak during the Borneo Native Festival.
For many living far from their hometowns located across the South China Sea, the festival became a heartfelt reminder that even hundreds of kilometres away, home can still be found in familiar food, music and community.
Tina Loh, 33, said the vibes here made it feel like a home away from her home in Kuching.
“Food like mee kolok and Sarawak laksa are generally quite common to find in the Klang Valley, but here, we get to once again taste the more unique delicacies such as dishes using tapioca or cassava leaves.
“The entire atmosphere was really heartwarming and energetic as seen through the activities and camaraderie,” said Loh.
Bejay Giloi Yapp, 31, said the programme has improved compared to when he attended several years back.
“The handicraft and food, among others, have really gained attention.
“Even though there is a slight drizzle, you can see how the people are still coming in the droves and having fun,” said Yapp who is from Tuaran, Sabah.
His wife, Kellystar Joe, also found the experience completely unmissable as it reminded her of home.
“I will not be going back to my hometown in Bintulu this year, so this experience definitely eases some of the homesickness.
“The vibes here are unique, especially through the sounds of the sape reverberating both within the complex and around the stage area.
“Foods like the linopot also give a glimpse into the various delicacies of Malaysian Borneo,” said the 31-year-old.
For another Sabahan, Christal Jem, 27, the festival ended up being a mini reunion with her friends based in the Klang Valley.
“The best part is that none of us planned to meet here. We just found ourselves bumping into each other before we all sat down and had dinner together.
“It’s been years since most of us have actually gathered, and in the festival’s setting, it really feels like we’re just all back home,” said Christal, who is from Tamparuli, Sabah.
Many other Malaysians also came to experience the cultures of Borneo.
Among them were Sandra Khoo, 29, who is from Klang.
“We always see and hear about the diversity of Sabah and Sarawak, and now, we have the opportunity to see it right in our capital.
“The atmosphere has been extremely uplifting and I really enjoyed the performances by the various artistes from Sabah and Sarawak,” said Khoo, who is a manager at a social enterprise.
University student Siti Maisarah Abdullah, 24, said she and her friends decided to spend their time over the weekend here.
“The most exciting parts were joining in the group dances where all strangers just became friends,” she said.
Checks at the event yesterday saw a variety of Sabah and Sarawak delicacies sold such as linopot and ambuyat sets, pansuh chicken and Sarawak laksa.
Adding on to the carnival-like atmosphere were flash mobs that just broke into dance to the tunes of Sayang Kinabalu and Bekikis Bulu Betis.
The three day-festival, which ended yesterday, was held ahead of the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals which are celebrated in Sabah and Sarawak on May 30-31 and June 1-2 annually, respectively.
