KUCHING: It is the third consecutive year the Almaty Dragons from Kazakhstan have raced at the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR), and they keep returning for the competition, the hospitality, and the smiles.
Team manager Smailkan Altynbek said Malaysia holds a special place in their hearts, calling it one of the most welcoming countries they have visited.
“To be honest, Malaysia is the number one country for me. I’m not lying or trying to sound good. I’ve been to a few countries, but Malaysia is very comfortable for me.
“As a Muslim, it’s very comfortable for me. People are very polite, always smiling. I don’t know, I just feel very good here,” he said.
The Almaty Dragons first competed in Kuching in 2023 and have returned every year since, drawn by the warmth of the people and the strong sense of community around the event.
“We love this place. That’s why we come every year,” Altynbek told Sarawak Tribune at the Kuching Waterfront here today (Oct 26).
This year, the team from Kazakhstan secured second place in the DB12 Premier Open with a time of 1:15.478 and first place in the DB12 Premier Mixed category with 1:22.709, an impressive showing for a squad that competes purely for passion.
“Dragon boats are not so popular in Kazakhstan. Very few people do it, but we try our best,” Altynbek said.
For the Almaty Dragons, paddling is more than a sport — it’s a shared passion and a way to build friendships across borders.
“It’s not full-time; it’s our hobby, more than a hobby, it’s a passion,” he added.
Outside of racing, the team took time to explore Kuching and immerse themselves in local culture.
“We visited some villages and mosques. I saw how Malaysian people live — it’s very interesting. I even joined a local community event where I tried home-cooked food and sweet desserts,” he said.
Altynbek also praised Malaysian cuisine for being flavourful yet healthy.
“The food here is very good, not oily like in some other places. I can choose anything and it always tastes good,” he said
