[Be Curious] Celebrating Gawai Dayak with Our Students in Sarawak

CHUMBAKA

September 19, 2025
3-5 Min Read

"This year, our students had the chance to truly embrace the Gawai spirit."

Embracing Gawai Dayak in Sarawak

In Sarawak, cultural diversity is at the heart of community life. One of the most meaningful celebrations is Gawai Dayak, observed annually on June 1–2. This year, our students joined the festivities by experiencing traditions that connect generations.

This year, our students had the chance to truly embrace the Gawai spirit. Guided by their teachers & mentors, they learned the Bamboo Dance – a lively highlight of the festival. The dance may look simple but stepping in and out of moving bamboo poles to the rhythm of traditional music requires focus, coordination and teamwork. Our students rose to the challenge with laughter and determination; the joy on their faces said it all. For many, it was their very first time experiencing this wonderful tradition.

The Bamboo Dance Experience

Guided by their teachers and mentors, our students learned the Bamboo Dance, a lively highlight of the festival. The dance may appear simple, but stepping in and out of moving bamboo poles to the rhythm of traditional music requires focus, coordination, and teamwork. For many, this was their first encounter with the tradition—and their joy and determination lit up the room.

Values Beyond the Classroom

The Bamboo Dance offered more than fun. It reflected the values we nurture at Chumbaka Kuching:

Curiosity – Asking questions about the dance and its cultural meaning.
Creativity – Adapting to the rhythm and expressing themselves through movement.
Character Building – Practicing teamwork, respect and appreciation of diversity.
Real-world learning – Discovering how culture and community shapes lives beyond the classroom.

The Bamboo Dance was more than just fun, it was a doorway into understanding the heritage of Borneo. It became a moment where music and movement connected hearts and diversity became something to celebrate.

A Cultural Celebration in Our Learning Space

We are especially grateful to our teachers: Ms. Martha, Ms. Ambiaty, Mr. Ricco and Ms.Steffi, who brought their traditions into our learning space. They transformed our office into a warm, festive “open house” filled with decorations and cultural touches that gave students an authentic and memorable experience.

Discovering Sarawak’s Heritage

To all Chumbakians near and far, if you ever visit Sarawak, we encourage you to experience our culture firsthand. Start with the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching then of course, drop by to say hello at Chumbaka Kuching. We’d be delighted to share a little of our world with you.