A 4X4 adventure brings visitors to Sarawak’s interior to discover its rich heritage, natural attractions and welcoming longhouse communities.
SARAWAK’s rich cultural traditions and natural attractions may not always be well known and appreciated, especially in hard-to-reach places in the interior.
Recognising this, Koperasi Bintang Tujuh Sarawak Bhd (KB7) and Kelab Peneresa Rampa Menua (PRM) 4X4 launched the inaugural Sarawak Interior Experience (SIE): Ulu Entabai Edition last month.
The event brought together visitors in 60 4X4 vehicles and people from 11 participating longhouse communities at Rumah Sang, an Iban longhouse in Ulu Entabai, about 140km from Sibu.
KB7 president Ellis Sebai Bandak said the inaugural SIE was conceived as more than a gathering, with the aim of fostering meaningful connections between visitors and the communities that call Sarawak’s interior home.
“Culture survives through participation. Nature survives through relationships. Our future depends on both. Nothing survives alone,” she said.
Her remarks reflected the event’s underlying philosophy: that cultural heritage, the natural environment and community well-being are interconnected, and that meaningful experiences can help strengthen these relationships while creating greater appreciation for Sarawak’s diverse communities.
Meluan assemblyman Datuk Rolland Duat, the event patron, said SIE allowed visitors to get to know Ulu Entabai and experience its culture, traditions and natural beauty.
“Programmes like this also help to promote Sarawak’s interior and open up economic opportunities for longhouse communities through tourism,” he said when flagging off the 4X4 convoy in Sibu.
Throughout the two-day programme, the participants experienced a range of cultural and outdoor activities, including traditional Iban customary observances such as “miring”, “naku kenyalang” and “naku antu pala”. Those looking to get closer to nature camped by the riverside and went on a river trail walk, where they had the opportunity to learn about the tagang system, a community-led method of controlled fishing to conserve aquatic life.
Beyond cultural and nature-based activities, SIE provided a platform for local heritage and community engagement.
Gerai Warisan showcased local crafts, while KPJ Sibu Medical Centre provided healthcare outreach.
The Sarawak Storytellers Association added another dimension through storytelling, celebrating the importance of preserving and sharing cultural knowledge across generations, while Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) contributed documentation and research on the cultural and community experiences during the programme.
At night, participants and longhouse folk gathered for a Concert Under the Stars, featuring Sarawakian performers Melissa Francis and Depha Masterpiece.
It was an evening of entertainment and camaraderie, complemented by lucky draws that added to the festive atmosphere.
Following the inaugural edition, the organisers hope to develop SIE into an annual gathering that continues to celebrate local traditions, encourage community participation and showcase the cultural and natural attractions of Sarawak’s interior.
