Discovering the hidden gems of Kuching

I HAVE always lamented coming back to Kuching for my semester holidays.

Aside from frequenting the cinemas or kopitiam, I have no idea where else to go.

But my first visit to the recent Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) changed my perception about my hometown which actually has a lot to offer.

I was assigned to cover the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011 for three days.

The Bazaar was held in conjunction with RWMF 2011 at Sarawak Cultural Village to showcase arts and crafts from around the globe.

As I read the word ‘craft’ on the festival programme, my eyes lit up – it’s a perfect excuse to satisfy my craving to shop for handicrafts.

It has been years since I went to the Sarawak Cultural Village.

As I walked toward the Melanau Tall House where the Bazaar was held, the view of the Village took away my breath and filled me with awe.

Lush green rainforest surrounds the village, guarded by pristine Mount Santubong.

The gorgeous view was reflected by the placid lake in the centre of the Village.

I whip out my camera phone to capture the moment.

At the Bazaar, the soothing sounds of sape, played by a local musician on a nearby stage, welcomed local and foreign visitors alike.

The laid-back tempo seemed to slow down time, and offered a relaxing ambience.

The afternoon sun was scorching hot but the visitors were protected by Mother Nature with the thick foliage of the rainforest.

Being at the Bazaar felt like reverting back to the old days.

Many traditional crafts and games were displayed.

There were Malay children in their traditional Baju Melayu expertly spinning the gasing (traditional wooden top) while an elderly Malay man was in deep concentration, sculpturing a wooden doll with a sharp knife. Nearby, two women were sitting on the wooden floor, busy frying kuih bahulu in a wok.

The apetite-whetting aroma of these cakes filled the air and placated my growling stomach.

As I browsed around to find good bargains, I realised the wide array of the local handicrafts was more than an excuse to shop.

They showed an amazing display of Borneo’s rich and diverse cultures.

Every ethnic group has different crafts, artworks and jewellery yet when displayed together, the beautiful resemblance is evident.

Borneo handicrafts use a lot of colours, and when put together on one table, they are an amazing sight to behold.

An explosion of colours lit up the place — sunny yellow ethnic jewellery, fire-like orange beads, ocean blue ethnic pendants, deep green bamboo coin banks and brown and red weave baskets — all arranged neatly at the display tables.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Discovering the hidden gems of Kuching

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Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar continues to shine

SANTUBONG: The Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) was a big hit among locals, especially female entrepreneurs, judging by both the crowd and gamut of goods sold during the 3-day extravaganza.

Among those participating at the RWCB, which was held in conjunction with the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011, were four entrepreneurs sponsored by the Women’s Bureau of the Chief Minister’s Department.

The group’s representative Amal Hussain said this was the first time they participated in RWCB and they were thrilled to bits with the response from festival-goers.

“There are always customers at our booths and tourists just love our local handicrafts,” he said.

Amal said that he and his female friends did not want to miss the good business opportunity provided by the Women’s Bureau to promote their goods.

Among items sold at the bazaar were ceramics, traditional costume jewellery from various local ethnic groups and cakes.

“Most of the things we sold were purchased by foreign tourists because they said they wanted something that reflects the beautiful Sarawak culture.”

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar continues to shine

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Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival going through final preparations

KUCHING: Final preparations for the 14th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) are underway.

Project manager Pauline Lim held a meeting with the festival’s food and village market vendors yesterday to confirm their participation and brief them on the do’s, don’ts and the guidelines.

A total of 40 stalls will be set up for the festival at Sarawak Cultural Village of which 20 will offer food and drinks. Among the food on offer will be an assortment of western, Japanese, Middle Eastern and Thai cuisines.

Local food will also be available including Sarawak laksa, ayam pansuh, umai Sarawak, mee kolok and an assortment of Nyonya delights.

For children, there will be an assortment of finger food, French fries and ice cream. For those watching their diets, fresh juices and fruits will be in store.

Twenty others stalls will offer handicraft and festival memorabilia.

There will also be a stall doing airbrush ink and henna tattoos and another selling this year’s performer CDs and souvenirs.

The Rainforest World Craft Bazaar will feature handicraft items from various countries.

In line with the festival’s greening campaign, all vendors have been advised to use recyclable products while recycle bins will be provided on the festival grounds.

Food cleanliness and hygiene have been given emphasis and all food waste and regular rubbish is to be properly disposed of in the bins provided.

Continue reading at: Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival going through final preparations

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Sarawak Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar is back

KUCHING: The Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar is back this year at the Sarawak Cultural Village from July 8-10.

According to a press release, the Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar is sited right within the Rainforest World Music Festival venue, a cultural event that needs no description — it is the best in the region by any standards!

Over 20,000 music fans turned up last year, many of them ‘repeaters’ who are sure to make their way again to Damai in July.

The Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar’s theme for 2011 is ‘Green Crafts’, with crafts made from natural, sustainable and/or recycled materials being featured and promoted.

Local institutions of higher learning will be showing the way when it comes to putting almost anything to creative use.

Special stress is laid on practical craftwork this year. A number of skilled artisans will not only demonstrate their traditional skills, but also give hands-on lessons to anybody prepared to try out something that is old in itself but new to the eager learner.

Continue reading (incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar is back
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