KUCHING: Bau will come alive starting on Friday (May 8) with culture, music and food at its first-ever tourism festival.
The inaugural Bau Cultural and Tourism Festival 2026 promises two days of vibrant cultural showcases, traditional delicacies and entertainment for visitors eager to experience the rich heritage of the district.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in collaboration with local agencies and community groups, the festival will be held at REDEEMS Centre Bidayuh Cultural Village (BCV) in Singai here for the first time until May 9.
Described as a rare and memorable gathering of cultures, the festival is expected to draw visitors from across Bau and beyond.
Among the main attractions is the Exhibition of Bidayuh Culture and Customs featuring the various tribes in Bau District, namely Jagoi, Singai, Krokong and Tringgus, Bratak, and Serembu.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore exhibition booths highlighting the culture and customs of other ethnic communities, including the Salako Rara community from Lundu, as well as the Malay and Chinese communities in Bau District. The Bau District Women’s Association will also take part in the showcase.
The festival opens on Friday from 10am to 10pm, with a wide range of activities lined up throughout the day.
From 10am to 6pm, visitors can browse through handicraft sales and exhibitions, sample authentic Bidayuh food and drinks, enjoy photo booth attractions and view an electric car exhibition at the robuh or open space area. A car boot sale will also be held at the BCV basement car park.
Traditional games and sports enthusiasts can catch the Bidayuh Traditional Sports Competition from 10am to 5pm at the Baruk Redeems Compound.
Entertainment will continue into the evening with a cultural concert and busking performances from 3pm to 11pm at the Baruk Stage.
The celebrations continue on Saturday with the cultural exhibitions running from 10am to 10pm. Handicraft exhibitions and sales will continue throughout the day, while authentic Bidayuh food and drink stalls will operate until 11pm.
An open house hosted by participating communities will take place from 6pm to 10pm, offering visitors a chance to experience local hospitality and traditions firsthand.
The highlight of the festival will be the grand opening ceremony, cultural performances and entertainment show at Dewan Datuk Peter Nansian from 6pm to 11pm on Saturday.
MOTAC Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is scheduled to officiate at the ceremony.
Adding excitement to the festival are performances by popular entertainers, including Baby Shima, At Adau and Depha Masterpiece.
