KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) will host the inaugural Padawan International Festival in October, aiming to boost the district’s tourism, culture and showcase its unique local attractions to wider audiences.
PMC’s Chairman, Tan Kai, said the council will collaborate with ‘What About Kuching’ (WAK) to make the festival a meaningful and attractive event, especially for foreign participants who are expected to join the programme.
He said PMC is preparing a special package for international participants, which will not only allow them to take part in the festival but also experience some of Padawan’s tourism highlights.
According to Tan, the package will include visits to tourism destinations in Padawan, participation in or viewing of the popular raft safari, as well as participation and attendance at a cultural night programme.
“We will collaborate with ‘What About Kuching’ to organise the Padawan International Festival this year. For foreign participants, we are preparing a three-day package that will allow them to explore Padawan and enjoy what we have to offer,” he said.
Tan said PMC will list a number of interesting tourism destinations including Kampung Sapit, Annah Rais Longhouse, the Bengoh Range Adventure, bird sighting and glamping in Padawan for foreign participants to choose from based on their interests and available time.
He said the aim is to give visitors a fuller experience of Padawan beyond the festival itself, while introducing them to the district’s natural beauty, traditional heritage and community life.
Tan added that the raft safari would be one of the major attractions for participants and visitors alike.
Foreign guests may choose to join the activity themselves for a more immersive adventure, or simply watch the competition and enjoy the lively atmosphere surrounding it.
The cultural night, meanwhile, is expected to provide visitors with a taste of local traditions, singing performances and hospitality, further strengthening the festival’s role in promoting cultural exchange.
“We will invite the Malay, the Bidayuh, the Chinese and other different ethnic group to perform on the night, which serve as the grand finale.
“Aside from that we will also invite our friendship cities from China, South Korea and Indonesia to send their troupe or singers to participate in the grand finale night,” he said.
With the collaboration between PMC and WAK, the festival is expected to draw both local and international interest, while boosting Padawan’s profile as an emerging tourism destination.
The initiative also reflects the council’s commitment to turning local events into wider tourism products that can benefit communities, support local businesses and create greater appreciation of Padawan’s attractions among visitors from abroad.
“We want this event to be our annual signature event. We do not have the signature event yet and we hope this be the one, which is basically to promote tourism destinations in PMC area,” he said.
