BATU DANAU – The Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race 2025, held from June 27 to 29 in Batu Danau, Limbang, served as a vibrant platform to showcase the cultural richness of the Bisaya community and stimulate tourism in Limbang and Lawas.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, officiated the event, emphasizing its role in highlighting the region’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.
“This iconic festival not only celebrates our heritage but also boosts tourism in northern Sarawak. I hope next year’s event will be even grander,” Awang Tengah said, announcing plans to include the Babulang Festival site and Bisaya Cultural Building in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA).
Additionally, a proposed Batu Danau Cliff development project will be incorporated into RMK13 to further enhance the area’s appeal.
The 20th edition of the festival featured a variety of activities, including the iconic buffalo race, a Fun Run, Ratu and Panglima Babulang pageants, football and tug-of-war competitions, handicraft sales, and cultural performances like gong displays and traditional dances.
New additions, such as raft and small boat races, added excitement, drawing thousands from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and beyond.
Awang Tengah, joined by Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Batu Danau Assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, former Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong, and other dignitaries, participated in the buffalo race launch, underscoring community involvement.
The festival, a cornerstone of Bisaya heritage, aligns with Sarawak’s vision to promote cultural tourism and sustainable development under RMK13.
