INTRODUCED in 2005, the successful Borneo International Kite Festival has put Sarawak on the world map.

Organised by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), the event is held annually at the town’s old airport.

Hundreds of participants – locals and foreigners alike, have been showing their skills and talent by flying beautiful kites with the Bintulu skyline as its backdrop.

Apart from the local and international competitions, visitors were also treated to traditional kite making workshops hosted by experts.

Last year, a remarkable feat was achieved by the participants where a total of 1,655 kites were flown simultaneously for 20 minutes.

This spectacular aerial display and performance was an attempt to enter the Malaysia Book Of Records with an initial target set at 1,500 kites.

Held for its fifth consecutive year, the Borneo International Kite Festival will be held from Aug 2-9.

More local participants are expected to sign up this year as the organisers has started laying ground work and kicking off the event’s publicity campaign.

Some 105 participants from 13 foreign countries took part last year and BDA is hoping to receive a higher number despite the economic slowdown.