Padawan International Festival set to debut in October 2026

The Padawan district is officially stepping into the international spotlight with the launch of its very own signature event, the Padawan International Festival, scheduled to make its grand debut in October 2026.

Organised by the Padawan Municipal Council (PMC), this exciting new addition to Sarawak’s vibrant event calendar aims to elevate the district’s tourism and showcase its breathtaking natural attractions and rich heritage to a global audience.

Collaboration with ‘What About Kuching’ (WAK)

To ensure the festival’s success and international appeal, PMC is teaming up with the highly acclaimed What About Kuching (WAK) festival network.

PMC Chairman Tan Kai highlighted that this strategic collaboration will ensure the festival is both meaningful and attractive.

With WAK celebrating its 8th edition in 2026 under the dynamic theme of “Shoots,” the partnership is expected to inject a vibrant, creative energy into Padawan, drawing in both local creatives and international tourists.

Immersive Three-Day Adventure Packages

What sets the Padawan International Festival apart from other events is its focus on experiential tourism.

PMC is moving beyond the standard festival grounds by preparing a special three-day package tailored for foreign participants, allowing them to truly experience the beauty of the Padawan district.

Visitors will be able to customise their itinerary based on their time and interests and the curated packages will include visits to some of Padawan’s most stunning tourism hotspots, such as:

• The majestic “Jurassic World” vibes of the Bengoh Range Adventure.
• The authentic cultural heritage of the Annah Rais Longhouse.
• The breathtaking “village above the clouds” at Kampung Sapit.
• Nature-centric activities, including serene bird-sighting tours and glamping experiences.

The Thrill of the Padawan Raft Safari

A major highlight woven into the festival’s schedule will be the popular Padawan Raft Safari.

Foreign guests and festival attendees will have the option to dive straight into the action by participating in the river safari themselves, or simply relax by the riverbanks to watch the competition and soak in the lively atmosphere.

A Spectacular Cultural Grand Finale

The festival will culminate in a vibrant cultural night programme designed to foster international cultural exchange.

This grand finale will be a melting pot of local traditions, featuring captivating singing and dance performances from the Bidayuh, Malay, Chinese, and other local ethnic groups.

Adding a true international flair to the night, PMC will also be inviting performing troupes and singers from their friendship cities in China, South Korea, and Indonesia to take the stage, making it a truly global celebration of arts and culture.

Padawan’s New Annual Signature Event

While the Padawan district has long been recognized as a treasure trove for eco-tourism, it has lacked a unifying, flagship annual event.

PMC hopes the Padawan International Festival will fill that gap and become the district’s definitive signature event for years to come.

By transforming local highlights into comprehensive tourism products, the initiative is expected to support local businesses, benefit the community, and cement Padawan’s profile as a premier eco-tourism and cultural destination in Borneo.

Info source: Sarawak Tribune