Callum dressed in traditional Dayak attire at the Niti Daun parade. – Photo by Aliah Abdullah
KUCHING (June 20): What began as a journey to experience Sarawak’s renowned wildlife has turned into a deep appreciation of its vibrant indigenous culture for several foreign visitors, who were captivated by the colours, traditions and community spirit on display during the Niti Daun Parade.
Held in conjunction with the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 at Tun Jugah Shopping Centre, the parade drew thousands of participants and spectators, including overseas visitors who described the experience as both inspiring and unforgettable.
Among them was 20-year-old Callum Blake from England, who has spent the past six months volunteering in wildlife conservation in Sarawak.
Dressed in traditional Dayak attire borrowed from friends and proudly sporting a Bungai Terung tattoo, Callum said taking part in the parade felt like a natural extension of his time in the state.
“One of my friends that I work with invited me to join the parade today,” he said.
He was leading the Dayak Kuching Community Culture and Charity Club contingent.
Although wildlife — particularly orangutans — initially brought him to Sarawak, he said it was the state’s rich indigenous heritage that left the strongest impression.
“I came here because I love the wildlife and orangutans, but one of the things that has really kept me here is the culture.
“I find the culture here fascinating and really inspiring because I think it’s a very rare example of an indigenous culture that has survived and thrived so well. It’s not something you come across often, or at least I haven’t,” he said.
His admiration for the culture even led him to get a traditional Bungai Terung tattoo just a month after arriving in Sarawak.
“I knew I wanted to get a tattoo before coming here. Then I learned about the Bungai Terung, what it means and what it symbolises.
“I felt it really resonated with me,” he said, adding that he ensured it was culturally appropriate before getting inked.
Looking at the lively procession of traditional costumes, music and dance, Callum said the celebration reflected Sarawak’s unique multicultural identity.
“I love it. It’s really cool seeing such a massive mix of different cultures. It’s so vibrant and so alive. It’s very inspiring,” he said.
Meanwhile, fellow English volunteer Rosie Blake, 29, who works at Matang Wildlife Centre, said she was excited to witness what she described as the biggest Gawai celebration she had attended since arriving in Sarawak nearly three months ago.
“Our organiser at Matang told us that we could come and watch the end of the Rice Harvest Festival, so we’ve come to see the parade today, and we’re really enjoying our time here,” she said.
Rosie (left) and Bree pose for the camera during the parade. – Photo by Aliah Abdullah
Blake said the parade offered a valuable insight into the state’s cultural diversity.
“It’s been awesome to see all the traditional costumes and see hundreds of people involved and genuinely excited to celebrate it,” she said.
For American volunteer Bree Street, 21, who joined Rosie, the experience was even more remarkable, having arrived in Sarawak only a day and a half earlier.
Despite her short time in the state, Bree said the parade had already given her a memorable introduction to Sarawak’s cultural richness.
“I think it’s beautiful. The parade is super creative and I love seeing people come together,” she said.
As gongs echoed through the city and participants in colourful traditional attire paraded through the streets, the celebration not only showcased Sarawak’s rich Dayak heritage but also highlighted its ability to connect with people from around the world.
