Sri Aman,
The Batang Lupar flows 200km from its source in the Kapuas Mountains to
the Teluk Datu of the South China Sea. At its mouth the river forms the
broadest estuary in Sarawak, as well as accommodating the largest of the
four benak’s that occur in
Sarawak.Tidal bore or locally known as benak, occurs everyday
with different wavelengths and heights. However, during spring tide, normally
on the third and eighteen day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, tidal bores with
high magnitude can be observed clearly.
The ‘benak’ continues its journey another 30 km inland, ending
near the small village of Engkilili.
Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Carnival) in
Sri Aman is one of the yearly activities in the Sarawak tourism calendar. The
objective of Pesta Benak Sri Aman is to introduce Sri Aman town through tourism
and encourage tourist from in and outside the country to visit Sri Aman. Apart
from it, Pesta Benak is also to promote harmony among local community.In
conjunction with this phenomenon, many events were organized such as
exhibition, food fair, karaoke competition, culture and art performances and
others. Tidal wave festival has made the area a popular spot in Sarawak for
visitors; you can join in the fun and hitch a ride with the longboats or just
watch the boatman braving the waves. You can even immerse yourself with the
local culture at the food fair, good music and dance performances that are part
and parcel of the festival.
