SRI AMAN: The annual Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Festival) returns to the vibrant town of Simanggang from Nov 29 to Dec 1, which is set to enliven it with a grand showcase of culture, tourism, and community spirit.
This year marks the 21st edition of the festival, featuring 16 activities aimed at promoting Simanggang as the “Tidal Bore Town” and a key tourism destination.
It will feature Regatta Benak Batang Lupar, the festival’s main highlight, Miss Tourism Benak 2024, Benak Run, Battle of the Bands, Benak Idol Contest, Bird-calling and Style Competition, Benak Surf Show featuring professional surfers.
Other activities include a Photography Contest, cultural performances, concerts, Bazaar Ria Benak, and a grand fireworks display.
The total prize pool for the regatta, including the coveted “King of the River” title, has been increased to RM147,000, with the grand prize now set at RM25,000.
In addition, the festival will host the Benak Run on Dec 3, which has attracted over 2,000 participants from towns such as Miri, Kapit, and Bintulu.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi are scheduled to grace the closing ceremony of the event on Dec 1.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, who serves as the festival’s committee advisor in a recent interview said the tidal bore, locally known as benak, is a natural phenomenon that occurs daily at Batang Lupar, with varying wavelengths and heights.
“This tidal bore phenomenon is unique to Simanggang in all of Sarawak and Malaysia.
“No other place has such a significant tidal wave phenomenon. We hope this unique feature will attract both domestic and international tourists and help promote Simanggang’s uniqueness,” he said.
Last year, Pesta Benak recorded a return on investment (ROI) of RM1.9 million which has benefitted small traders, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and homestays here.
This year, Harden, who is Simanggang assemblyman said the aim is to surpass that figure by attracting 60,000 to 70,000 visitors, up from last year’s 50,000.
“This justifies why the Tidal Bore Festival must remain a fixture in our tourism calendar.
“We hope this year’s festival will further boost our ROI by drawing more local and international visitors,” he added.
