A day trip to experience Sematan's atmosphere by a group of friends

 

We, a group of friends, were in Sematan over the weekend, partly to pay a Chinese New Year visit to a friend, Andy Ling, a businessman and owner of Sam Chai Seafood Restaurant, and partly to experience the Sematan atmosphere.

 

  Sematan is a small town in Lundu District, and it lies approximately 67.5 kilometres (42 mi) west-north-west of Kuching which is a two-hour drive or driving at a speed of 90km per hour.

A tourist brochure describes Sematan as a fishing village looking out over the South China Sea.

It has reasonably clean beaches, a promenade along the waterfront and a concrete pier into the sea.

At the north end, there is a park celebrating early Malay fishermen in the Sematan area.

When we arrived on the hot Sunday afternoon, the town was rather empty, probably because it was a fasting month for the Muslims or maybe visitors did not come in the afternoon and only came in the evening to see the beautiful sunset and to feel the sea breeze blowing as they walked along or relaxed at the waterfront.

As we reached Sematan just at noon, we went straight to Sam Chai Seafood Restaurant. Andy was there waiting for us.

The restaurant was packed with people. Lucky for us, Andy, as the owner of the restaurant, had booked a table for us. 

Sematan waterfront is exceptionally attractive and something to be proud of.

I visited Sematan many years ago, and there was no “modernised” waterfront then.

Now, any visitor who has not been to Sematan would be surprised to see the new waterfront, needless to say, a place that tourists should visit.

Outside of Sematan town, there are beautiful beaches. I know these to be true as I had been to the beaches before.

If a tourist wants to venture further than Sematan, they can go to Telok Melano, which has beautiful golden beaches.

I had been to Telok Melano after the road to this tourist spot was open to the public a few months earlier.

I wonder if the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has listed Sematan and its beautiful beaches on the tourism calendar of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

 

(Letter to Editor) Dayak activist extends congralutations to newly formed Gawai Dayak organising committee 2026

By Peter John Jaban

Congratulations to the New Gawai Dayak Organising Committee 2026
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed lineup of the Gawai Dayak Organising Committee 2026.

Peter John Jaban: Gawai Dayak is not simply a festive gathering. It is a sacred season of thanksgiving, renewal, and honouring the blessings of the land and our ancestors

Your appointment is not merely a ceremonial recognition, but a responsibility entrusted the new committe to safeguard, elevate, and strengthen the true spirit of Gawai Dayak a celebration that reflects our gratitude, identity, unity, and cultural pride as the people of Sarawak.

Over the years, the Gawai Dayak Parade has grown into one of Sarawak’s most significant cultural highlights.

 With the continued commitment and support of the Sarawak government, this annual celebration has evolved into a powerful symbol of heritage and harmony, drawing more than 3,000 participants from over 100 contingents representing Sarawak’s rich and diverse communities.

The Dayak community respectfully conveys its sincere appreciation to the Sarawak government for its consistent support and for the confidence and privilege entrusted to us in organising the parade each year.
 This commitment has enabled the event to flourish as a platform that celebrates Dayak traditions while strengthening unity and community pride.

As we build upon this success, we respectfully call upon the Sarawak government to consider increasing the funding allocated for the annual Gawai Dayak Parade. Enhanced financial support would allow organisers to expand the scale of the parade, improve its overall quality, and diversify participation  including inviting more contingents from across Sarawak and also Dayak communities from Sabah & Kalimantan, Indonesia.

With greater resources, the parade can be elevated into a premier international cultural event that enhances Sarawak’s global visibility, strengthens tourism, and benefits all Sarawakians.

 We reaffirm our full support for the state’s cultural and tourism development vision and remain committed to working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and other relevant agencies to ensure its continued growth and success.

In the spirit of upholding the dignity of our customs and ancestral wisdom, we respectfully propose that, should the parade be held in Kuching, it commence from the ulu (upriver) and proceed in accordance with the natural flow of the river.

The Iban worldview the river is not merely a physical feature it represents the flow of life, sustenance, and cosmic order. Our forefathers lived by the rhythm of the river, and direction carried meaning beyond geography.

Among elders, the expression “mali nanjak ai” serves as a reminder not to move against harmony and balance. It reflects the philosophy that human actions should align with nature rather than oppose it. In ceremonial contexts especially, symbolic direction matters because it reflects intention, respect, and spiritual awareness.

Gawai Dayak is not simply a festive gathering. It is a sacred season of thanksgiving, renewal, and honouring the blessings of the land and our ancestors. 

Therefore, ensuring that the parade moves in harmony with the natural flow would symbolise continuity, prosperity, and alignment with adat values handed down through generations.

This proposal is made not as criticism of past practice, but as a sincere effort to deepen cultural authenticity and reinforce the spiritual meaning of our celebration. By observing such symbolic alignment, we affirm that Gawai Dayak remains rooted in its true heritage while growing in scale and recognition.

We also propose that the Gawai Dayak Parade conclude with a vibrant Gawai Food Fair in Padungan. ( Finishing point )

 This would not only offer an opportunity for all participants and visitors to experience the rich culinary heritage of the indigenous people of Borneo, but also create a festive, family-friendly atmosphere that celebrates unity, culture, and community spirit.

To the new committee members, may your leadership be guided by wisdom, integrity, inclusiveness, and teamwork. May Gawai Dayak 2026 truly embody the spirit of "Segulai Sejalai" walking together in unity.

Note:
Peter John Jaban 
Founder 
Gabungan Orang Asal Sarawak ( GOAS )