New lease of life for Pesta Babulang

A grandmother and her grandchild in traditional Bisaya attire.
Buffalo racing and the Pesta Babulang could become an annual feature in Sarawak's tourism itinerary.
A major Bisaya festival - the "Pesta Babulang" - took place at Kampung Batu Danau in Limbang early this month, the first time it has been held in 30 years. The fest was officially opened by the Sarawak Tourism Minister, Datuk Seri Abg Hj Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abg Hj Openg.
In his address, Abg Hj Abdul Rahman Zohari expressed his pleasure in seeing the Bisayas still holding on to - and practising - their cultural traditions.
A series of buffalo races, the most popular sport amongst the Bisayas, was also held that day to add more colour to the gala. In fact, Abg Hj Abdul Rahman Zohari gave his full support to the idea of turning the race into an annual event, and making "Pesta Babulang" into an item in Sarawak's tourism calendar. Also present at the fiesta that day were the Limbang MP, Richard Wong Shoon Fook, as well as state government officials.

By Musa Manggai
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