Miri's Imperial Grand Suites offer luxurious living

MIRI: Imperial Grand Suites will be the jewel in the crown for one of Sarawak’s largest Shopping Malls, Boulevard Shopping Mall Kuching.

The latest entry is designed by award winning architect and developed by reputable Sarawak based Group of companies, Boulevard Enterprise (Kuching) Sdn Bhd.

Once completed and adjoining the mall, it will feature two blocks of contemporary three-room and four-room luxury sky view suites, where each apartment suite features a balcony with unblocked view, furnished with high quality internal specifications a complete kitchenette.

The suites offer unparalleled luxury living with exclusive beautiful landscaped terrace gardens, gymnasium, sauna and a roof top swimming pool as well the multiple-tier security with CCTV and other recreational and leisure facilities- all which redefine urban lifestyle.

A 40,000 square feet area of lifestyle and wellness zone located on the fourth floor where saunas, steam rooms and whirl pool, spa, reflexology, aerobics, yoga equipment and gymnasium will pamper you all the way.

Over 10,000sq ft of function concourse situated on the ground floor enables all kinds of trade exhibitions and fairs to promote trader’s businesses and products, as well caters for stage performances and shows.

With 1.7 millionsq ft of retail extravaganza, the new wing of Boulevard Shopping Mall will prefigure a new shopping kingdom with more exciting retail choices.

Residents are poised to enjoy the best of both worlds, tranquil service suites apartments, 24-hour concierge service, personalised service for housekeeping and dining and thriving shopping mall and hotel with a purpose built bridge linking both worlds.

Doorstep convenience, amenities and entertainments for movie buffs, games and karaoke, ample car parking (underground & multi-storey car parking complex) and hi-speed Wi-Fi broadband will add value to the suite apartments.

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2012 Borneo Jazz Festival: Musicians to come up with local jazz music

KUCHING: Sarawak can produce its own style of jazz music and present it to the world, says Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He thus challenged all jazz musicians here to compose a unique blend of jazz music by fusing it with the sound of the local multi-indigenous music scene.

“We have the capacity to do so. While it is good to hear foreign bands playing jazz music here we too need to present our own blend of jazz music to the world,” he told a press conference about the upcoming 2012 Borneo Jazz festival to be held at ParkCity Everly Hotel in Miri from May 11-12.

The two-day show is organised by Sarawak Tourism Board Leisure and Properties, a subsidiary of STB and Tourism Ministry.

Abang Johari, who is also Housing Minister, said that for a start, jazz musicians might have to prove their talent before they could be selected to present the state at any level.

“We have personalities such as Bob, Hafiz and many others who have competed in the Akademi Fanstasia and who can contribute to the local music scene,” he added.

On Miri as the venue of the jazz festival, the minister said Miri was an ideal venue in keeping with its status as a resort city and its natural ambience by the sea.

“Also, Miri straddles Sabah and Brunei which have a sizeable number of expatriate populations who love jazz music.”

Meanwhile, STB chief executive officer Datuk Rahsid Khan said the (jazz) festival would be able to create an economic spin off to the tune of RM15 million to the local economy this year..

“It generated an income of RM13 million last year and we hope to record more this year,” he added.

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Borneo-China 4×4 Autumn Expedition

MIRI: Extreme expenditure lovers are invited to join the third series of Borneo-China 4×4 Autumn Expedition organised by Borneo Automotive Leisure Tour Agency to be held in Oct next year.

According to the organising chairman, Dr Ling Tung King, registration has been launched and members of the public are invited to register fast to avoid disappointment.

“The fee will only be informed later as we have not worked out the full details yet.

“You can either join us as passengers or drivers of your own vehicle. I can assure that this journey will be very special because we will be going various places in China,” he said.

He added that some places which they would visit might not appear in travel agents’ list making the journey worthwhile.

The co-organising chairperson, Irene Xie, of China City Zone Tour is in Miri to work out the details of the journey with Dr Ling.

To promote the event, Miri Photography Society will be holding a day photo exhibition on the first and second series of the expedition at Pustaka Miri today.

There will also be similar exhibition to be held on the third floor of Bintang Megamall from Dec 16 to 26, which would be officiated at by Mayor Lawrence Lai at 7pm today.

Dr Ling revealed this after his meeting with Lai at the latter’s office to discuss the matter yesterday. Also present were Xie and other members of the organising committee.

Among objectives of the expedition is to promote Miri to tourists in China and to allow the participants to enjoy China on a bigger scale by paying less.

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Sarawak tourism players should join effort to promote local crafts

MIRI: Tourism players here should consolidate their efforts in promoting Miri city as well as its Sarawak handicrafts both to the locals and tourists.

Mayor of Miri City Council (MCC), Lawrence Lai in stating this regretted that there was still much to be done especially in promoting the handicrafts here.

“The council is only the facilitator to promote tourism, the stake holders like the hoteliers, travel agents, STB (Sarawak Tourism Board) and you as the handicraft sellers should enhance your cooperation in promoting the crafts,” said Lai when launching the arts and craft bazaar jointly organised by MCC and Miri Handicraft Centre here yesterday.

Among those present were Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and the organising chairlady Councillor Kijan Toynbee.

Lai, however, is optimistic that the bazaar will become an important platform to promote especially the local handicrafts, which will indirectly promote the rich heritage of its people and Miri as a whole.

A total of 20 manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers selling various arts and handicrafts as well as food and drinks are taking part in the bazaar which is open until tomorrow from 9am to 10pm daily.

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Outcrop along Airport Road as Miri's tourist and research attractions

MIRI: The outcrop along Miri Airport Road will be developed into a tourist and geological research destination soon.

Mayor Lawrence Lai yesterday said Miri City Council (MCC) would improve and enhance the landscape, including fixing some facilities such as tables and benches, for the benefit of visitors to the historical geological site.

MCC would also be working with Sarawak Shell to enhance the safety of visitors by constructing an overhead bridge crossing along Miri Airport Road – from Taman Awam to the outcrop.

“Shell has set aside some allocation for the construction of the bridge. We are going to call for tender for the project soon. Work is expected to start either by the end of this year or early next year.”

Lai said this when Philip Lesslar, one of the six authors of ‘Geological Excursions Around Miri, Sarawak’ paid a courtesy call on him. The call was meant to promote the hardcover book to the public through MCC.

The other authors are Mario Wannier, Charlie Lee, Han Raven, Dr Rasoul Sorkhabi, and Abdullah Ibrahim.

Currently, visitors are exposed to danger when crossing the busy road to get to the outcrop from the parking lot at Taman Awam. They have to park there as there are no parking lots at the outcrop.

Meanwhile, Lesslar said the guidebook was invaluable for visitors, especially students and researchers going to the site.

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Bigger Borneo tattoo exhibition in Miri on Oct 28-30

MIRI: A bigger tattoo exhibition is shaping up as this year’s event will also act as an international platform for tattoo artists from around the globe to converge on the city for the three-day event.

Event spokesman and organiser Felix Dixon said his team was better prepared this time around as compared to last year when they were doing it for the first time.

Felix said this year’s exhibition, from Oct 28 to 30, would focus more on Asia with just a bit of Europe.

“With the participation of the artists from around the world we are looking forward to correcting locals’ perception of the industry.”

According to him, the more than 30 artists who have confirmed their participation are from Bali, Jakarta, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, Hong Kong and Holland besides those from Miri, Kuching, Kapit, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Penang and Johor.

Themed “Tattoo For Unity”, the event will combine tattoo culture and visual art aesthetics.

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Limited air connectivity suffocating Sarawak tourism industry

MIRI: Poor air connectivity is biggest stumbling block in getting Miri on the international tourism radar, said Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin yesterday.

Lee said the local authority and tourism players had been striving hard to project Miri as a lively and vibrant resort city not only for the domestic and international markets but the response thus far had been below expectations.

“Although the city is blessed with a wide selection of tourism assets, without strong air connectivity support there is nothing much the operators can do,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Lee, who is also chairman of the Miri City Incorporated (MCI)’s Tourism Working Committee, said the limited air connectivity issue had frustrated the business community.

“I would like to appeal to the government to, perhaps, grant more international routes to Miri … in addition to the current direct routes to Singapore provided by AirAsia.

“MAS should also consider redesigning another international connecting route for the Kuching-Miri-Hong Kong/China/Korea sector, instead of having a transit point in KK.

“KK is now overflowing with international flights. MAS should look into alternatives, probably making Miri another gateway hub of Sarawak to go overseas,” Lee suggested.

He added that the state tourism sector deserved better because places like Miri could offer culture, adventure and nature (CAN)-based tourism products which people from European countries adore.

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Riot of colour and culture expected at Baram Regatta

MIRI: Marudi will be a riot of colour and culture when the people of the Baram Basin don traditional costumes to showcase their rich cultural heritage in Baram Regatta 2011.

The historic regatta dating back over a century was a peace-making event to mark the end of tribal wars and headhunting.

Organising chairman Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran, who is also Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supplies) and Marudi assemblyman said the Baram Regatta would be an opportunity to showcase the cultural uniqueness of the people.

“I call on the people of Baram – Orang Ulu, Chinese, Iban, Malay and other communities – to come deck out in their traditional costumes on Oct 1-2 as this is the time to showcase our ethnicity and identity,” he said.

The carnival-like atmosphere will descend on Marudi, also known as Claude Town in the colonial days.

The carnival kicks off with the Baram Idol singing competition at Marudi town square on Oct 28; the semi-finals will be held the following night together with the finals of the sape competition.

Miss Baram Beauty Contest preliminary rounds will kick off on Sept 30 while Baram Idol champion would be decided the same night from the seven finalists in the 1Malaysia Cultural Nite programe.

The remote controlled boat competition and trade expo would be held during the day.

On Oct 1 morning, Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Mohamad Salahuddin will officiate at the opening of the 104th edition of the Baram Regatta as paddlers battle for glory in the Baram River.

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Bekenu, Miri spreads out tour attractions

MIRI: Bekenu is poised to be developed as a tourism hub especially for agro-tourism and homestay programmes.

Its assemblyman Rosey Yunus says as Bekenu is the nearest district to Miri city and it has good infrastructure, it has the potential to be developed into a tourism asset.

“We already have two homestays here — the Kedayan Homestay at Bungai and Rumah Panjang Patrick Libau.

“We are also going to have another homestay at Kuala Sibuti soon,” she told reporters after a Hari Raya open house visit by the Head of State and his wife at her residence yesterday.

The former educationist added that the beautiful landscape, huge orchard farms, unique Kedayan and Iban culture, the presence of archaeological heritage of Niah Caves and beautiful diving spots off Bekenu were some of the added advantage of the area.

“We are working closely with the Tourism Ministry as well as the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority to develop the cottage industry too,” she said, adding that she was also focussed on developing basic amenities for her constituency.

“For now we have managed to ensure that at least 90% of the people in Bekenu have basic amenities like roads, water and electricity,” she said, adding that the RM2mil Sepupok Water scheme launched this year would be completed by mid next year.

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Ancient crocodile effigies to lure eco-tourists to Sarawak

MIRI: Ancient crocodile effigies are set to become another of Sarawak's ecological tourism attractions to snap up the tourist ringgit.



Carved from earth and used as part of rituals practised by the Iban and Lun Bawang communities, the 3,000-year-old effigies symbolise the enduring spirit of the crocodile.



The tropical amphibious reptile, it must be noted, outlived the dinosaurs that ruled the earth millions of years ago.



Sarawak Museum director Ipoi Datan said the effigies, which symbolise the spirit of the crocodiles, were discovered in over 70 locations between Betong Division in the southern part of the state and Lawas, Sarawak's northernmost district.



"We have started carrying out a survey on the sites of the effigies in 2004 and the works were intensified, three years later.



"The biggest found so far, is about 53 feet (16.2 metre) long," he said here recently.



From survey works, he said, over 40 sites belonging to the Iban community were found between Betong Division and Balingian, in the Mukah Division.



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Cultural treasures from Sarawak highlands

Traditions and heritage still alive and kicking in Bario and Ba Kelalan



WHEN young Jenette Ulun first saw her great-aunt expertly crafting the famous Kelabit beadwork, she knew then it would be her calling to continue the legacy.



Little did she realise, however, that her own daughter would carry on the tradition in her own right.



“I was delighted when Nicolette, my eldest daughter, showed interest in the beadwork,” the 53-year-old craftswoman told thesundaypost during a recent visit to her handicraft shop – Bario Unique Trading – in the town centre of Bario.



“I’m proud and happy to see that the tradition will be preserved, at least by another generation.”



Born and raised in the highlands, Jenette opened her shop in Bario about 10 years ago after spending most of her adult life with her husband in Miri before the couple decided to retire in their hometown.



Cosy and quaint, Bario Unique Trading showcases a kaleidoscope of intricate beadwork items – most noticeably the traditional Kelabit women headdress called ‘peta bao rawir’. A simple piece without much elaborate beadwork design would take Jenette at least two days to complete.



She cautioned with a smile: “Simple as it is, don’t make any mistake about it being cheap. The lowest it can go is about RM800 per piece. The highest offer I ever got was RM1,500. This is only for the ladies’ headdress.”



The fully-adorned traditional costume worn by Kelabit women, called ‘sapa harit’, could go for twice as high or even higher.



Apart from the meticulous details and toilsome effort needed to produce even a plain peta, Jenette said the high price would also be factored into the main raw materials – the beads, either clay or glass – which have to be imported from neighbouring Indonesia.



“While I’m happy to see that Nicolette and other young women here are keen to continue the tradition, I believe more should be done to encourage the younger generation to do the same.



“I truly believe Bario should have an industrial centre for manufacturing beads – just like what I’ve seen in Lawas. Apart from manufacture, the centre should also provide beadwork classes to those interested who now have to travel to Miri (the nearest point) to learn the craft,” she suggested.



Jenette, a member of the Sarawak Craft Council, also highlighted the government’s efforts in upgrading the basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity and clean water supply in the area.



“Still, much more can be improved – perhaps 24-hour electricity supply for all of Bario soon,” she added.



Bario is home to about 1,200 people, predominantly Kelabit. While regarded as quite isolated compared to the other towns, it has, however, seen tremendous growth over the past 10 years with the latest development project being the e-Bario, an information and communication technology (ICT) community programme undertaken jointly by National ICT Malaysia Council, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and Mimos Bhd.



As much as beadwork is regarded as the trademark of the Kelabits, the traditional bamboo windpipe instrument, collectively named as ‘bas suling’, will be identifiable with the Lun Bawangs of Ba Kelalan, a sister highland town about 70km north of Bario with a population of about 1,500.



Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Cultural treasures from Sarawak highlands

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Rainforest World Music Festival

By George Francis

MIRI - There was no rain in Santubong last weekend despite its name tagged..Rainforest.. as it usually rains during this time of the year; there was no resounding rhythms of the rain but forest, yes! Thanks to the good weather for entire three-day of the 14th edition of Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011, which offered more than 20,000 enthusiasts a fantastic concerts by top musicians.

There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of a music festival. Then again, there's nothing quite like the RWMF!

It was where people regardless of their ethnicities, cultural backgrounds and music interests came together to have a blast of musical fun.

The festival continued to grow and attracted attendees from around the world with more bands and artistes with bigger international names, said its organisers, the Sarawak Tourism Board.

Apart from main-stage night concerts, attendees were caught up with daytime musical workshops, sunset concerts or group jam sessions as well as delighted in cultural displays, craft displays as well as variety of food stalls.

Running from July 8 to 10 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, 35 km from state capital Kuching, under the imposing shadow of Mount Santubong in the midst of virgin rainforest the festival emphasised the use of traditional acoustic world instruments with of course, common electric instrument accompaniment. It really was reconnecting the world with nature once more through music and culture!

This year featured 22 bands including international names: Grammy nominated Lisa Haley and the Zydecats of USA, award winning Blue Canyon Boys of USA; famous world music IIgi from Latvia, Kissmet of UK and from Georgia, The Shin.

A special addition side performance this year, saw the Leweton Women's Water Music Group of Vanuatu. They performed daytime in the cultural village lake showing their beautiful percussive water music....as the water itself is the instrument. The water is beaten in rhythmic dance of bodies and waves producing a wide range of sounds intoxicating rhythms.

Among the myriad performers were Masters of Sape (Sarawak, Malaysia), AgungBeat (Sabah, Malaysia), DuOud of Tunisia/Algeria, Frigg (Finland), Iskwew (Canada), Joaquin Diaz of Dominican Republic, Kamafei (Italy), Kamerunga (Australia), Kenge Kenge Orutu System (Kenya), Malike Pathe Sow (Senegal), Mamak Khadem (Iran), Pacific Curis (New Zealand, Paddy Keenan (Ireland), Startijen (France), Victor Valdez (Mexico) and Warsaw Village Band of Poland.

The grand finale featuring all 22 bands on stage wrapped up a superb three-night concert; proven to be a hit with audiences with many foreign music lovers promised to come back next year.

RWMF has been voted for the second consecutive year as one of the Top 25 Best International Festivals by renowned world music magazine, Songlines, elevating its status in the international music scene as the festival, which has well and truly put Sarawak on the world tourism map.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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2011 Iban Kumang Gawai Harvest Festival Queen

MIRI: Twenty-one-year-old Velentine Hellyiza Stephen from Ulu Sebauh, Bintulu was adjudged ‘2011 Kumang Gawai’ of Miri City.

Velentine outshone five other contestants in the Iban category of the Kumang Gawai (Dayak Harvest Festival Queen) contest at the ‘2011 Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak Celebration’ at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here on Monday night.

The first runner-up was 22-year-old Elizabeth Gia Amui of Kanowit, while Shandra Petrus Juline, 25, from Nanga Geremai, Kanowit was the second runner-up.

In the Bidayuh category, the Gawai Kumang title went to 23-year-old Jennifer Ubung Nawan of Kampung Skiat, Bau.

She beat five others, including 20-year-old Venezia of Kampung Benuk, Padawan and 18-year-old Marie Paye Steve of Kampung Tanjong Poting, Singai who were second and third place winners respectively.

18-year-old Stephanie Singa from Trusan, Lawas was adjudged ‘Gawai Keligit’ in the Orang Ulu category, defeating five others.

Jessica Bulan Stephen, 20, of Long San, Baram took the second place and 19-year-old Karen Disa from Long Selawan, Ulu Baram came up third.

The three ‘Kumangs’ each brought home RM1,000 in cash plus a sash, a trophy, a certificate of participation, a hamper by Maggi and bouquet.

As for the first runners-up in each category, everyone received RM800 and the second runners-up RM600 each, plus a trophy, sash, hamper and bouquet.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: 2011 Iban Kumang Gawai Harvest Festival Queen
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Borneo Jazz finale draws 5000 crowd

MIRI: The weather was good when an audience of more than 5,000 gathered for the finale of Borneo Jazz 2011 on Saturday night.

The festival running into its sixth year drew lovers of jazz music from Malaysia, Brunei, the peninsula and overseas.

A random survey conducted by The Borneo Post at the event that night revealed a large number in the audience who want Malaysian jazz queen Sheila Majid to perform in the next edition of Borneo Jazz.

A fan believed Sheila could attract more locals and Bruneians. She would stir interest in and awareness of jazz music among the people.

“I think it would be interesting if we could see Sheila Majid perform in this festival and I’m sure she will attract more people. I have never missed this festival and always wonder if she is among the performers,” she added.

“If they can invite famous jazz performers such as Maria Muldaur and John Hammond from US, why can’t the organiser invite Sheila. I believe most of her fans and jazz music lovers wish to hear her sing in this festival,” she added.

Muldaur and Hammond were the main performers in Borneo Jazz 2011 which concluded Saturday.

The other performers were SIU2 from China, State of Monc (Holland), Les Doigts De L’Homme (France), Yuichiro Tokuda’s Ralyzz Dig (Japan), Cunha E Piper (Brazil/Australia), Victor Yong and The Electric Carnival Band (Malaysia/Canada), Dhruv (India) and CQuence (Miri).

The audience was captivated by Muldaur’s energetic performance and powerful voice.

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Miri can be jazz haven

MIRI: With its mix of multi-racial and cosmopolitan society, Miri should be able to become a jazz music centre in this region.

Expressing this optimism, Minister of Tourism and Heritage Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was inspired by the good response from performers and jazz music lovers at the Borneo Jazz 2011 which concluded on Sunday night.

“We have two international music festivals in the state, namely the Rainforest Music Festival in Kuching and Borneo Jazz here in Miri. Rainforest Music Festival has become the icon of the traditional, ethnic and folk music and songs internationally,” he said.

Abang Johari, accompanied by his wife Datin Jumaani and permanent secretary to the Ministry of Social and Urban Development Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, was among the audience at the festival held at ParkCity Everly Hotel here.

Abang Johari noted that the festival had attracted a growing following every year and more participation from places beyond Asia such as America, Canada and Europe.

“Apart from that, Miri is also located near Brunei which is where we could tap into the international visitors and tourists including the expatriate communities to come as tourists to Miri,” he added.

The presence of Miri born Victor Yong and The Electric Carnival Band also boosted his confidence.

Born in Miri and now living in Canada, Victor marked his musical return to Miri through Borneo Jazz with his Latin inspired Carnival Band.

Though growing up with rock and roll, Victor’s love for jazz eventually moved him into a career as an international guitarist.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Miri can be jazz haven
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Borneo Jazz kicks off with a preview

MIRI: The Borneo Jazz 2011 kicked off with a welcoming dinner and preview show held at Marina Bay Restaurant on Thursday night.

The dinner for performers, sponsors and invited guests was graced by Assistant Minister of Tourism Mong Dagang and Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication cum Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin as well as Miri mayor Lawrence Lai.

“This event is very appropriate. It has put Miri and Sarawak on the world map where jazz lovers from all over the world gather to be part of the event,” said Mong in his address.

He revealed similar events in the pipeline apart from Borneo Jazz and Rainforest World Music Festival to make Sarawak known among music lovers of various genre all over the globe.

The event on Thursday was also to give the audience a sneak peek at what will be served at the actual event last night (May 13) and tonight.

Entertaining guests at the preview show or opening concert were Miri’s own ‘CQuence’ and ‘Dhruv’ all the way from India.

There was a cultural performance by the Orang Ulu community to the accompaniment of live sape music by local musicians.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo Jazz kicks off with a preview
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Royal Brunei Airlines gives Sarawak tourist destinations a boost

MIRI: Sarawak was given a boost yesterday when Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) brought in Australian travel agents to the state on a familiarisation tour.

“There is certainly a market for jazz and this is definitely a product catering for different segments of the market. After trekking in the tropical rainforest, they can relax and have a good time in the festival,” said RBA sales account manager Carol Baker.

The airlines yesterday played host to 10 Australia agents on a familiarisation trip to both Mulu National Park and Borneo Jazz.

According to Baker, the agents on the trip were mostly Borneo wholesalers and specialists offering special packages to Sabah, Brunei and Sarawak.

“They specialise in adventure and trekking holidays. They have come to experience what Sarawak has to offer to different Australian tourist market,” said Baker adding that Thailand, Fiji and Bali were traditional destinations among Australians.

The airline is looking at Borneo as a new exciting and energetic destination.

It is becoming a trend among Australians to appreciate nature through activities such as jungle trekking, caving, and boating.

The familiarisation trip is also to illustrate to the Australian agents the easy connectivity from Brunei to Miri by road (three-hour drive).

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Rashid Khan told The Borneo Post that the initiative was in response to the board’s trip to Australia where they had marketing talks with Royal Brunei Airlines in Brisbane and Tourism Malaysia’s Sydney office.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Royal Brunei Airlines gives Sarawak tourist destinations a boost
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Borneo Jazz 2011 kicks off today

MIRI: Borneo Jazz 2011 commences today until Sunday at ParkCity Everly Hotel.

The festival promises an enjoyable experience with artistes hailing from every corner of the globe – India, China, Japan, France, Brazil, Holland, Australia, United States, Canada and Malaysia.

The event, organised by Sarawak Tourism Board hopes to generate RM10 million in revenue and targets a crowd of 10,500 this year.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Rashid Khan yesterday disclosed that responses from the tickets sales are very encouraging.

He also said around 60 per cent of the crowd are from outside Sarawak.

Eight bands will heat up the festival’s stage this year.

They are Maria Muldaur (USA), State of Monc (Holland), Yuchiro Tokuda’s Ralyzz Dig (Japan), Victor Yong & Electric Carnival Band (Malaysia/Canada), Les Doigts De L’Homme (France), John Hammond (USA), Cunha & Piper (Brazil/Australia) and SIU2 (China).

Four bands will be performing each night.

Opening the festival will be the respected guitar player from Mumbai – Dhruv.

He will perform at the opening night, tonight at Marina Seafood Restaurant.

Joining him will be ‘CQuence’, a band formed in 2008 by a multicultural group of friends in Miri.

The opening night is open to the public and dinner is included in the cost of tickets.

Grammy award winner, John Hammond who has repeatedly been voted as one of the top 10 blues artistes in the world, will take the stage tomorrow night with his combination of brilliant guitar and rack harmonica performance.

Hong Kong’s Ng Cheuk-yin, a sheng (mouth-organ) wizard, will also be present and he will be taking this five thousand year old instrument well into the 21st Century, promising to produce an unimaginably rich and unique new jazz sound.

His ‘SIU2’ augments the traditional jazz rhythm section of bass, drums, and piano with other traditional Chinese instruments such as the ‘sanxien’ and the ‘zheng’.

Les Doigts de L’Homme will take gypsy jazz to the next level.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo Jazz 2011 kicks off today
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Borneo Jazz 2011 goes green

MIRI: Borneo Jazz 2011 is also promoting and creating awareness on environmental and green issues to those attending the festival from May 12 to 15.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan in a press conference here yesterday said: “Miri is always far ahead in terms of environmental issues and STB wants to play some role and contribute towards this effort by trying to reduce the amount of waste, especially plastic waste.”

“As you can see in any event, wastes are created by attendees. We will be working with the city and other agencies on these matters,” said Rashid, adding that they have been working closely with Miri City Council and got the framework from Natural Resources Environmental Board.

Drinks vendors have been advised to use bamboo to reduce or minimise the usage of plastic cups or mugs to serve beers and other beverages.

“We have engaged with vendors to make sure that they comply. The concept of using bamboo is not only environmentally friendly but also unique. We have tasted it before and it didn’t affect the taste or quality of the beer,” he added.

Bamboo has been widely used as drinking cups by people in this part of the world. It is part of the culture and lifestyle of Asians here, he added.

The introduction of bamboo cups or mugs would be a unique experience for both locals and foreigners going to the festival.

Continue reading at: Borneo Jazz 2011 goes green
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Bike Week as part of Sarawak's May Fest celebration

MIRI: Sound Stage Events will be organising a Miri City Bike Week this coming May 13 -15.

According to the organising spokesperson, the event in conjunction with May Fest celebration will be taking place at Taman Selera Tanjong Lobang Miri from 10am until midnight.

The event is being organised following the success of organising the first series last year held at Saberkas Commercial Centre, which has attracted some participating crowds of 2,000 to 3,000.

For the event this year, the organiser has lined up various interesting activities such as car and bike exhibition, bike competition in different categories like The Best American Custom Bike, The Best Japanese Custom Bike, The Best Local/Rat Bike, The Best Extreme Scooter, The Best Extreme Kapchai, The Best Classic Bike/Vespa and The Best Airbrush Bike.

Other events are Mr Miri Bike Week 2011 and Arm Wrestling.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Bike Week as part of Sarawak's May Fest celebration
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