KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta Festival 2025 is set to be a grand affair with an expected record participation of 2,143 rowers from both local and international teams – the highest compared to last year, which saw fewer than 2,000 participants.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said this year’s festival attracted participants from 22 countries, with new entries from England, Ireland, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Macau and Mongolia.
“Not only has the number of rowers increased, but many of them are also bringing their families or partners.
“This brings a positive impact to the tourism industry as almost all hotels in Kuching’s golden triangle are fully booked throughout the festival, from five-star hotels to homestays,” he said at a press conference here today.
The festival, which will take place from October 24 to November 2 at the Sarawak River waterfront, will feature two main events: the 11th Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta from October 24-26, and the Sarawak Regatta from October 31-November 2.
The Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta will see 62 teams from more than 20 countries competing across seven categories, including the International Premier Open 20’s, International Premier Women 12’s, International Masters Open 12’s (40 years and above), as well as a new category, the 6-Paddler Dragon Duel, which will debut at the opening ceremony.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, said a total prize pool of RM100,000 will be up for grabs, along with trophies and medals.
As for the Sarawak Regatta, he said 43 races will be contested across both local and open categories.
“For the highlight event, the ‘Piala Raja Sungai’ (King of the River Cup) on November 2, it will be witnessed by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
“A total of 18 categories will be contested, among them the 30-Paddler Men’s TYT Cup and the 30-Paddler Men’s Borneo International Cup.
“This year’s regatta will also introduce a new 300-metre race category to encourage more participation from civil servants,” he added.
The total prize pool for the Sarawak Regatta is RM433,500, including trophies and cash prizes, with the King of the River winner taking home a challenge trophy and RM30,000 in cash.
Apart from water sports, the festival will also feature the Cultural Stage (October 24-30), showcasing events such as Borneo Cultural Night, Waterfront Idol, Battle of the Bands, and the Creative Ethnic Costume Competition.
“The Borneo Craft Festival will also gather 42 entrepreneurs from Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, targeting sales of RM1.8 million and attracting 105,000 visitors.
“In addition, the Sarawak Malay Drum Festival (October 30-Nov 2), themed ‘Rhythmic Pulse of Heritage’, will host competitions such as ‘bertandak’, ‘seh gendang’ and ‘bermukun’ , alongside performances by local and guest artists including Haqiem Rusly, Asmidar, Arthur Borman, as well as drum troupes from Brunei and Pontianak,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival not only serves as a platform to preserve the heritage of traditional water sports but also strengthens Kuching’s position as an international tourism destination.
