Borneo Raft Safari Empowered As A World-Class Eco-Tourism Product
KUCHING: The Borneo Raft Safari will be further empowered as Sarawak's iconic eco-tourism product through the implementation of a platform that enhances the professionalism of organising traditional bamboo raft races, thereby strengthening the state's position as a destination for nature- and cultural heritage-based tourism.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the platform was established to standardise the organisation of bamboo raft races across Sarawak through an integrated online registration system, public liability insurance coverage, event branding, wider promotion, and the delivery of international-standard events.
“This race is far more than just a sporting event. It celebrates our rivers, preserves cultural heritage, strengthens community ties, and creates meaningful economic opportunities for rural societies,” he said.
He said this during a press conference for the Borneo Raft Safari 2026 at the Baitulmakmur Building, Kuching, on Tuesday.
According to him, four events have been confirmed to join this year's Borneo Raft Safari League, namely the Mulu Eco Challenge, Selangau Raft Safari, Mukah Raft Safari, and Padawan Raft Safari, which are expected to attract more participants and increase tourist movement to various destinations in Sarawak.
In the meantime, the state government also aims to form a traditional bamboo raft racing network involving Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei Darussalam, and Kalimantan, Indonesia, to bolster regional tourism cooperation, encourage cross-border tourism, and promote Borneo as a unique eco-adventure destination in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Borneo Raft Safari Race Director Awang Saifeluddin Awangku Karim stated that the total cash prizes offered for the four series of the Borneo Raft Safari League this year amount to more than RM100,000, with the prize pool for each location varying according to the scale of organisation.
“Overall, the four series of the Borneo Raft Safari League this year offer cash prizes exceeding RM100,000,” he said.
Also present were the representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dr Elena Gregory Chai, Selangau Carnival 2026 Organising Chairman Councillor Minggu Angga, Padawan Raft Safari Organising Chairman Councillor Tito Grabo, as well as Borneo Raft Safari Race Director Awang Saifeluddin Awangku Karim. — UKASnews
