Sarawak dragon boats roar

The Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta is a highly anticipated water sports event in the state. It usually takes place in the latter months of the year but the ongoing pandemic has led to the cancellation of 2021’s event. Let us reminisce about the event and look forward to future editions of the race.

A dragon head sits on the prow of one of the traditional race boats used during the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta. Pic: Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Sarawak

This event takes inspiration from the historic Sarawak Regatta and attracts many participants to vie for the title. The race sees teams compete for top honours against the backdrop of the Kuching Waterfront.

Competitors in action during an earlier edition of the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta. Pic: Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Sarawak

Traditional boats – brightly coloured and decorated with a dragon’s head and tail – are used during the regatta. The rowers put their all into the competition, cheered on by the excited spectators.

Dragon heads and tails that are used to decorate the boats used during the regatta. Pic: Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Sarawak

More information on the regatta can be found on their Facebook page here
https://www.facebook.com/sarawakdragonboatregatta/

Click on the link below for more information on some other festivals in Sarawak.
 https://chinese.sarawaktourism.com/story/you-dont-want-to-miss-these-amazing-festivals-in-borneo/