BINTULU (Sept 30): The 17th Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) was a spectacle of vibrant kites soaring high above the Old Bintulu Airport site.

A view of the numerous kites flying at the Old Bintulu Airport site.

The five-day event, which concluded yesterday, was a melting pot of cultures and friendships, providing unforgettable memories for attendees. A total of 170 international kite flyers from around the globe gathered to showcase their skills of flying intricately-designed kites against the stunning backdrop of the soon-to-be-completed Bintulu-Jepak cable-stayed bridge.

Fred Taylor, a 69-year-old kite enthusiast from Ontario, Canada, found the festival to be an exhilarating blend of kite flying and cultural immersion. “I enjoyed the night market and bought a lot of food items. Also, I had an opportunity to play guitar with one of the bands performing at the market. It was wonderful,” said Taylor with a smile.

A trip to the beach at Kampung Kuala Nyalau was another highlight for the Canadian, which he described as a ‘lovely experience’.

Meanwhile, expert kite flyer Craig W. Harby from the United Kingdom gave the thumbs-up to the festival, saying, “The festival is not just about participating in flying kites, but also to enjoy Malaysia’s local culture and cuisine.”

He added he enjoyed the local cuisine, and described a recent visit to a local village as ‘pleasant, with the surroundings ‘picturesque’. Hailing from New Zealand is Peter Lynn, who has been crafting and selling kites from 1973.

His products range from small kites slated for kids, to impressive inflatable pieces that have to be maneuvered by groups of individuals.  Over the decades, Lynn has become a beloved figure in the kite-flying community, celebrated for his innovative designs to be enjoyed by enthusiasts around the world.

“The first day of the festival presented difficult flying conditions. Despite that, I was determined to showcase my gorilla kites to fellow enthusiasts,” he said, adding that the second day brought lighter winds suitable for kite flying.

Lynn flew his ‘Maxi Terry the Turtle’ kite with its vibrant colours and intricate designs, captivating attendees and enthusiasts alike.


Taylor and wife Donna fly a kite during the last hour of BIKF 2024.

 

For Taylor, Harby and Lynn, BIKF was an opportunity to connect with enthusiasts from various backgrounds, learn about local traditions, and create lasting memories.

Among the evening activities held during the festival were traditional performances such as dancing, folk music displays, and singing by local and national artistes.