BY DEZIREEN GALOH
KUCHING: Celebrating Hari Raya away from home can feel unfamiliar, but for some non-Sarawakians, doing so in Sarawak turned into a warm and memorable experience.
While many traditions remain the same, small differences in food, language and customs made the celebration feel unique for those spending Raya here for the first time.
For 23-year-old Ayman Youseff from Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, his first Hari Raya in Sarawak was filled with activity and new discoveries.
“My first Hari Raya in Sarawak was really eventful, full with activities from day till night. It started just like in Semenanjung, even the food was kinda similar,” he said.
As the visits continued, however, he began noticing subtle differences in what was served and how celebrations unfolded.
“People here wear their baju raya for up to seven days, and instead of cordial drinks, they serve carbonated drinks and also this drink called ‘Sundrop’,” he added.
Beyond the food and traditions, it was time spent with family that stood out the most for him.
“Just spending time with my big family at my grandpa’s house made me feel most at home. It brought back childhood memories,” he said.
Meanwhile, Siti Nurzulaikha, 23, from Puchong, Selangor, described her first Hari Raya in Sarawak as a refreshing change from her usual celebrations in Peninsular Malaysia.
She said visiting open houses in Matang gave her a glimpse into a more vibrant and diverse celebration.
“It was really nice to see how everyone was speaking in Bahasa Sarawak because my friend has Chinese guests too,” she said.
Food was another highlight, with dishes like laksa Sarawak, daging masak hitam and kek batik adding a different flavour to her Raya visits.
She also appreciated how the first day of Hari Raya was reserved for close family before open houses began.
“I would say that my experience in Sarawak was interesting mainly because of the language and food, seeing how vibrant the house decorations in Kuching, was also a nice experience,” she added.
For both visitors, their first Hari Raya in Sarawak was not just about celebration, but about experiencing a different side of Malaysian culture, one that felt both new and welcoming at the same time.
