BNF Offers Chance To Learn Sape, Explore Sarawak Culture

By Suraidah Roslan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Visitors to the Borneo Native Festival (BNF) 2026 are being offered the opportunity to learn to play the Sape, a Sarawak traditional string musical instrument, while gaining exposure to the state’s cultural heritage.

Sarawak Unity Foundation manager Roslin Latip said the initiative was aimed at introducing Sarawak’s traditions to a wider audience while fostering understanding among Malaysia’s diverse communities.

“Visitors from within the country and abroad are not only given the opportunity to learn to play the traditional instrument, but can also gain some insight into the culture of the people of Sarawak. 

“We know there are places in Kuala Lumpur that teach people how to play the Sape, but access is limited. That is why through festivals like this, we organise Sape learning classes while also introducing visitors to the Sarawak language,” she told Bernama.

She said their exhibition booth had become one of the festival’s attractions since its opening yesterday, with Sape performances drawing steady interest from visitors.

Roslin said the foundation's participation in BNF was intended to introduce Sarawak’s traditional heritage not only to Malaysians in Peninsular Malaysia but also to international visitors attending the festival.

On the uniqueness of the Sape, Roslin said the instrument was originally used by the Orang Ulu community in Sarawak for healing purposes.

“In the past, the Orang Ulu community lived in poverty and in remote forest areas, leading them to create the Sape, whose calming melodies were used for healing purposes.”

“However, as times changed, the instrument evolved beyond its traditional role and became part of cultural performances as well as contemporary music,” she said.

Despite the wider use of the traditional instrument today, she said efforts continue to preserve its traditional elements to ensure the authenticity of Sape music remains intact.

BNF 2026, held at Central Market from May 22 to 24, is an annual event organised by the Kuala Lumpur Arts Enthusiasts Association (Sukaseni) in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival in Sabah and the Gawai Dayak celebration in Sarawak.

-- BERNAMA