LONG LAMA (Nov 30): The usually quiet Long Lama Bazaar here was transformed into a lively hub of excitement and cultural celebration, as the highly anticipated Baram Basin Indigenous Cultural Festival (BBIC Fest) kicked off today.
Taking place over the weekend, the inaugural event celebrates the diverse traditions of the indigenous communities in Baram.
Thousands of visitors from Long Lama and beyond have flocked to the bazaar since Friday, and the two-day festival features a variety of activities including traditional folk games, an ethnic beauty pageant, ‘Tekna’ or Kayan traditional songs, sape performances and longboat paddling races.
Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau said the festival has huge potential to becoming a significant tourism product for Baram that can elevate the socioeconomic status of the Orang Ulu people.
Thus, he suggested the festival be included in the tourism calendar to attract more visitors from outside the region.
“I have attended Pesta …