KABONG: The 2023 edition of the Kabong International Kite Festival (KIKF) which ended yesterday attracted about 30,000 people over six days.
It is almost certain that Tanjung Kembang Kabong Beach is now a name etched in the hearts of kite sports fans and enthusiasts from the 36 participating countries.
For Swiss couple Marcel Burri and Jeannine who were fascinated by the beauty of the beach overlooking the South China Sea, it was their second outing to KIKF.
According to Marcel, Kabong and Tanjung Kembang Beach are very special attractions.
“I hope to come here again. The beauty of the atmosphere, the friendliness of the people and the variety of food will definitely be missed.
“That’s why since the first time we came to KIKF 2019, the intention to visit again has been there,” he said, adding their plans were thwarted by the Covid-19 pandemic for several years .
“Thankfully this year the situation has improved, my wife and I can come again. It’s fun and I’m very excited,” he told Suara Sarawak.
He explained that Tanjung Kembang Beach has great potential to be developed as a tourist attraction.
“It’s calm here. I’m sure if managed properly, improved in terms of facilities, this white beach will be visited by foreign tourists.
“Imagine how many countries participate in KIKF and when they go home with a sweet experience, they will invite more people to come in the future,” he said.
As for his wife, who is mother to Adrian and Manuel, it was more fun outing this time.
“The previous edition did not have so many countries, but this time there are more and this shows that KIKF is successful, and is already known abroad.
“Personally, I really like Tanjung Kembang Beach, it looks like it is being maintained well,” she said.
One of the local participants Awangku Wilajaya Awangku Basar, 56, from the Sarikei Gudi Club recommended that Tanjung Kembang to be developed and maintained as well as possible.
According to him, it is not impossible that in the future the whole world will come to Kabong.
“My hope is that KIKF is organised every year.
“As a Sarawakian, I am proud when I chat with my fellow participants from other countries, they say – Kabong is the best!
“In terms of the number of national participation, it is also clear that Kabong is now recorded on the map of foreign countries.
“For that reason, I recommend improving especially basic facilities such as accommodation because we don’t know in the coming years hundreds of foreign participants may come.
“Even now we see that there are many people. I believe this is a great potential for Sarawak in the future,” he added.
In addition to the enthusiasm of participants, visitors were also captivated by the glimpse of a “teddy bear” statue sitting on a chair holding a kite string.
At a glance, the statue seems to be playing with a kite that dances in the clouds.
The owner of the statue from England, Peter Hartt, said, he wants to make people smile.
“Everyone who sees my teddy bear must smile, they say it’s soothing.
“This is because normally flying a large-sized kite does not make one smile…with its strong load, it requires energy.
“So, I showed a difference – I prepared a chair for the teddy bear to sit on, as if it was flying a kite,” he said.
Asked about the organisation of KIKF, he described it as very lively.
“Our presence here was well received by the local community. Many liked the kites that were presented.
“Throughout the six days of the festival, the community was not awkward to greet and chat. I am excited and hopeful, hopefully KIKF can be organised again,” he added.
KIKF 2023 was launched by the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah on March 2.
Among the countries that sent participants were Australia, Austria, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, England, Francis, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Japan, Korea, Nepal, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Tahiti, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Vietnam and Wales.
