STF - Sarawak Tourism Federation

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STF - Sarawak Tourism Federation

THE FORMATION OF THE SARAWAK TOURISM FEDERATION

(STF) is an evolution in the development of the private sector's involvement with tourism.

The STF is a non-profit organization with the aim to collaborate and walk alongside the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and other tourism related state agencies such as Sarawak Tourism Board and Business Events Sarawak. Its immediate predecessor, the STA (Sarawak Tourist Association), was set up in 1963 as a private sector initiative bringing together all the key

tourism players in Sarawak.

40 years on, as the industry has grown, there are many more players and stakeholders in this important industry. The need to focus the players becomes more important; individual players are now grouped under their own related association. The STF was formed to become the umbrella organization of all tourism related associations. STF was officially registered on the 11 February 2004. In part this was inspired by a suggestion of YAB Chief Minister of Sarawak that the various individual members of the STA should be grouped into their respective associations and then come together as the STF. The formation of the STF will help to provide a broader based representation in the tourism industry both sectorally and, as Sarawak is a very large state, regionally. This represents yet another milestone in the development of tourism in the state. LOOKING AHEAD

The Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) will continue to bring together all the key and important players in the tourism industry in Sarawak, both regionally and in the various tourism sectors. We see our primary goal as setting high quality standards of service for visitors to Sarawak and to this end we will assist the tourism associations that require attention for them to attain this goal for their members. Presently, under the Federation, we have developed , domestic tour packages with our National Carrier, MAS, in conjunction with MAN (Sarawak Chapter) and ASIA (Association of Sarawak lnbound Agencies). Under this package we have brought about 30,000 West Malaysians to our state. We are helping to organize seminars and workshops that will benefit the tourism industry as well as to run relevant frontliner courses for our member associations. We hope that in the very near future, we shall formulate and benchmark the quality of service in the state of Sarawak.

13/08/2026

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17/07/2026

📸 STF GAWAI OPEN HOUSE & PARADE IN BETONG 2026

📍 Day 2 | Part 2
Traditional Welcome & Miring Ceremony

Following the vibrant Gawai Parade Procession, guests gathered at the main celebration venue where they were warmly received through the traditional Ngelalu Pengabang ceremony, a cherished Iban custom that symbolises goodwill, friendship, and heartfelt hospitality.

The welcoming ceremony continued with the sacred Miring Ceremony, a significant Dayak ritual performed to seek blessings, express gratitude, and pray for harmony, prosperity, and a successful celebration. Rich in symbolism and tradition, the ceremony offered guests a meaningful insight into the spiritual and cultural values of the Dayak community.

These timeless traditions remain an important part of the Gawai Dayak celebration, reflecting the community's deep respect for their ancestors, culture, and the spirit of togetherness.

27/06/2026

📍 Day 2 | 6 June 2026
🎭 Gawai Parade Procession & 🏰 Betong Heritage Walk

The second day of the STF Gawai Open House & Parade 2026 came alive with the vibrant Gawai Parade Procession, celebrating Sarawak's rich cultural diversity and unity. A total of 32 contingents participated in the colourful parade, which commenced from Kompleks Sukan Betong and made its way through the heart of Betong Town, concluding at Pasar Lama Betong.

The event was graced by YB Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, and YB Dato Dr Richard Rapu, Member of Parliament for Betong, together with community leaders, tourism stakeholders, local residents, and visitors who gathered to celebrate the spirit of Gawai Dayak.

Following the parade, participants embarked on a Betong Heritage Walk, exploring two of the town's iconic landmarks including Fort Lily, one of Sarawak's oldest forts built in 1858, and Siang Ti Temple, a century-old Chinese temple that reflects Betong's multicultural heritage and history.

The day's programme beautifully showcased Sarawak's cultural richness, living traditions, and harmonious multicultural community, offering visitors an authentic and memorable Gawai experience in Betong.

24/06/2026

📸 STF GAWAI OPEN HOUSE & PARADE IN BETONG 2026

📍 Day 1 | 5 June 2026

Guests arrived at Rumah Engkeranji and received a warm traditional welcome with Ai Tuak known as Ai Ngelalu Pengabang. The day continued with a CSR fish release activity at Campsite Nanga Mujau, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation.

Participants then enjoyed a traditional Pansoh cooking class and an introduction to authentic Iban flavours, followed by a memorable Longhouse Dinner. The cultural experience was further enriched through a handicraft workshop conducted in collaboration with Borneo Glamping, where local artisans showcased the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Iban community.

A meaningful day of culture, learning, community engagement, and unforgettable Sarawak hospitality.

06/06/2026

🎶🎤 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! 🎤🎶

The Gawai Kaamatan Concert 2026 is happening tonight in Betong!

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, culture, and celebration featuring an outstanding lineup of local artists:

🎶 Datuk Francis Landong
🎶 Hairee Francis
🎶 Tinoamee
🎶 At Adau

✨ Special Performance by KDCA Sarawak

Celebrate the spirit of Gawai and Kaamatan as we come together for a night of entertainment, unity, and festive cheer.

📅 Tonight | Saturday, 6 June 2026
🕤 9:30 PM
📍 Rumah Veriland, Engkranji Layar, Betong

Gather your family and friends and don’t miss one of the highlights of the Gawai season!

See you tonight! 🌾🎉✨

Get your ticket now: https://ui.bts.fimt.payandgo.link/

05/06/2026

STF Gawai Dayak Open House 2026 – Day 1

A meaningful start to our Gawai Dayak Open House in Betong. Today, at Nanga Mujau Longhouse, we carried out a CSR fish release program, releasing approximately 3,000 fish fry into the river as part of our commitment towards environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The visit also gave us the opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of the local community through demonstrations of traditional pansoh cooking and bamboo weaving. Beyond the activities, the warm hospitality, cultural exchange, and meaningful interactions with the residents made the day truly memorable.

A wonderful blend of community engagement, cultural appreciation, and environmental stewardship.

31/05/2026

28/05/2026

Following the Miring Ceremony, guests were warmly welcomed through the traditional Ngelalu Pengabang ceremony, an Iban welcoming tradition before entering the longhouse and joining the Gawai celebration. ✨

The ceremony reflects the warmth, hospitality, and togetherness of the longhouse community. Guests were welcomed with cultural performances, traditional greetings, music, and friendly interactions as a symbol of respect and goodwill. ❤️

Looking back at these memorable moments, the atmosphere in Betong came alive with cultural exchange, laughter, and meaningful connections shared between local communities, invited guests, and visitors from near and far.

From welcoming smiles to traditional performances and shared experiences inside the longhouse, every moment reflected the true spirit of Gawai and Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage.

✨ Don’t miss this unique cultural experience in the heart of Betong.
🔗 For more information, visit: https://sarawak.travel

📍 STF Gawai Open House & Parade 2026
📌 Betong, Sarawak
📅 5–7 June 2026
✨ Open House admission on 6 June 2026 is FREE

Address

Sarawak Tourism Federation, ICube, Icom Square, Tower B2, Level 4, Jalan Pending
Kuching
93450

Website

http://sarawak.travel/

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