Serian Rafting Challenge Festival offers thrills and beauty pageant

KUCHING: The 11th edition of the Serian Rafting Challenge Festival promises exciting experiences for visitors, with a variety of activities beyond the rafting competition and the ‘Ratu Bilanting’ beauty pageant scheduled for Friday and Saturday (Sept 8-9).
Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem announced that the rafting challenge, the main event, will feature 187 teams paddling up to 25km, starting from Kampung Tema Mawang, Tebedu, and ending at Kampung Tebakang Bidayuh.
“Participation has significantly increased this year (last year’s event attracted 140 teams), with teams not only from Serian, Padawan, or Kuching but also from various parts of Sarawak, including several teams from West Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said on Tuesday (Sept 5).
Contested categories include Men Open, Women Open, Youth Open, government/agencies combined teams (both men and women), and tourism agencies combined teams (both men and women).
Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to winners in the first, second, third, and consolation (fourth to 10th place) positions, with prizes ranging from RM1,500 to RM250.
Regarding the ‘Ratu Bilanting’ beauty pageant, Riot announced that the 10 finalists will showcase their talents on Sept 8, with the winner being crowned on the evening of Sept 9.
“The ‘Ratu Bilanting’ winner will receive a cash prize of RM1,500, a tiara, and a trophy, while the second and third-place winners will receive RM1,000 and RM750, along with trophies.
“Additionally, the fourth to 10th-place winners will each receive consolation prizes of RM200. There will also be a ‘Miss Photogenic’ award with a prize of RM400.”
The two-day event will feature various activities, including stage entertainment, a karaoke contest, sports, and booth sales. These activities will take place in and around Kampung Tema Mawang and the Tebakang Cina Bazaar compound.
The Serian Rafting Challenge Festival is organised by the Serian District Council in collaboration with the Serian Parliamentary Service Centre. It is supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, with a contribution of RM118,000 to ensure the event’s success. The festival is also listed in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar.