Sri Aman's Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Festival)




Would you dare to be on a surfing board and battle a tidal bore in Sarawak’s Batang Lupar River, famed for its crocodile-infested waters? Dare-devils should look no further then Sri Aman, 170 kilometres from Kuching. This natural phenomenon where river tide can go as high as 1.5 metres has become a hit among tourists recently who hunger for extreme sports.

Pesta Benak is one of Sarawak's iconic event and celebrated on a grand scale. Centered in Sri Aman, there will longboat paddling competition, tidal bore surfing, water sports, food and trade fair and; nightly entertainment. Sri Aman is located about 194 kilometres from Kuching and the road journey takes 2 to 3 hours.

The Sungai Skrang, a tributary of the Upper Lupar, is a very scenic river and equally popular among tourists. The longhouses of the native Ibans along the Skrang River are always open to visitors and if one is lucky, one might chance upon an Iban ceremony or celebration in progress.