Borneo International Kite Festival 2023

September 28 - October 2

What about?

Great thrill and excitement

festival picture

Borneo International Kite Festival was held for the first time in Bintulu Sarawak in 2005.
Honorable Chief Minister of Sarawak came with the idea of organising this event.
Since then the event has great success and annually attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the world. Read more

history of kites

How to get rid of summer allergy symptoms

Urticaria is a skin condition that takes place when the body reacts to certain stimuli. This situation makes the immune system produce histamines in excessive amounts causing itching and irritation. This kind of lesions can affect a specific area or the entire organism. At oxyhives.org you will be able to acquire natural products which contain several organic ingredients which can fight against even the most persistent symptoms.

Diminishing and preventing allergy symptoms with natural resources

The most common signs attributed to urticaria include the presence of small elevations and hives. These are lighter in color in contrast with the rest of the skin that surrounds them which has a reddish pigmentation. These lesions are usually pruritic and, although they have a reduced size, they are usually associated with an intense itching.

These habonoid lesions can affect the entire surface of the skin and even the mucous membranes. Although these manifestations tend to disappear in a few hours, they reappear as soon as the person makes contact with the catalyst. In addition to these symptoms, some patients experience loss of appetite, discomfort, joint pain, headache, abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea.

Many of these reactions are triggered by factors like the intake of foods like shellfish, contact with metal materials, the use of cosmetics, insect bites and climate changes among others. Additionally, some medicines and the exposure to sunlight can also produce the emergence of mentioned signs.

To get rid of these annoying manifestations it is advisable to resort to treatments based on organic ingredients. That is the case of homeopathic products presented at http://www.oxyhives.org/. A professional team of experienced therapists has investigated the properties of many herbal compounds in order to find the most suitable combination to provide relief to these symptoms.

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As stated on WebMd the symptoms of urticaria can be prevented by avoiding as much as possible the detonating factors. However, during the summer what matters the most is to have fun and take full advantage of the season. Therefore, the best solution would be to resort to an effective product with the capacity to prevent the emergence of negative effects caused by allergies.

Forget about swelling, pain and itching once and for all

In normal conditions, the immune system works diligently to ensure our survival in a hostile environment that is full of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other parasites. Once it identifies such organisms it destroys them to prevent the emergence of diseases that can be caused by their spread.

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history of kites

Where do kites come from? A short history of kites

Many guys still debate the exact origin of the majestic flying products. Some evidence shows that kites were used by humankind 2000 years ago. But who invented it and why? Can you tell where do kites come from? Read here a short history of kites.

Where the first kites built?

An ancient Asian legend says that a Chinese farmer from Shandong tied a string to its hat, so it won’t fly anymore carried by the strong winds. He created a concept that did not die yet. The first flying items were made from durable materials that could have been found easily. People used paper or silk that was covered in a frame built from bamboo. Then, several emperors constructed wooden black-eared kites that would have held the weight of their soldiers. So, it has begun a long history of kites being used in wars and for surveillance purposes. They were employed in military applications, for observation, to signal, and even to deliver munition.

It sounds incredible, but the flying objects were used to prove that lightning is electricity. As the precursors to the traditional air crafts, kites could have lifted humans or scientific instruments that could measure the atmospheric conditions. Thus, they were useful in the beginnings of the weather forecasts.

Nowadays, we use them as a power source for kite surfing or lift them up in the air when we teach our children how to keep it up there. Kite sailing sports are actually trendy. Have you ever tried kite boating, kite landboarding, or kite buggying? If you have thalassophobia, try snow kiting for this winter holiday.

A short history that will surprise you

We must mention the importance of kites, how they bring people together, and how they were used to avert evil spirits in the sky and even enrich harvests. Buddhist priests used them in religious ceremonies to send prayers to the gods. In our days, the flying items are a common form of entertainment and are the centerpiece of many traditional festivals, local events, and international competitions. In Britain, there’s a tradition that lasts for centuries and reunites kite flyers from all over the world. Here, the participants demonstrate the most recent technical objects and display the unique art pieces.

Needless to say, they were and still are used in games, for recreation, and sport. Kites have now metal strings, glass-coated strings, Tandi, and strings covered in a mixture of glue and ground glass powder, among other features. Sometimes, people fly them from the rooftops, and beautiful masterpieces with different forms and designs color the skies.

You’ve learned now where kites come from. The short history of kites shows us that the beautiful pieces of art will not disappear soon. Attend to the spring festival in Pakistan, or listen to the heavenly music in Vietnam, where they attach small flutes to the kites, instead of tails. Will you visit China soon? Don’t miss Weifang, the city where you’ll find the largest kite museum in the world.
Do you know how to fly a kite?

Traditions in Borneo and Malaysia

5 unusual traditions in Borneo and Malaysia

The national culture of Malaysia – or kebudayaan Malaysia, in the national language – is an appealing mixture of Malay, Eurasian, Indian, and Chinese cultures with influences from the indigenous groups from north Borneo and the peninsula. We divide it into two distinct groups: of the mainly Chinese middle class and the Malay elite. With 23 million people and aiming to increase the national population to 70 million by the year 2100, no wonder that they have plenty of habits and customs. Discover 5 unusual traditions in Borneo and Malaysia.

Celebrations and habits in Borneo and Malaysia

Whether you arrive on the Peninsula of Gold during winter or summer, you will love their traditions. Their cultural disputes with the neighboring countries aren’t a mystery. Some would say that the national anthem has influences from the Indonesian culture. However, these are their most unusual traditions:

  • 1. They use music for storytelling, harvest, and when celebrating life-cycle events. Malaysians have more than 14 types of traditional drums that are made from natural materials. Back in their past, music was a form of long-distance communication. An interesting way to deliver the good news! Aruh Ganal Suku Dayak is a thanksgiving ceremony celebrated through a special Belian spiritual dance after harvesting. It’s only one occasion to play their traditional music.
  • 2. Gawai Dayak – is an annual festival that takes place on 31 May and 1 June. It is considered a Thanksgiving Day for the bountiful harvest and a symbol of unity. People from the interior of Borneo prepare for this holiday by tidying up, decorating the house, and making food. Their cakes – kui sepit, cuwan, sarang semut, and penganan iri – are savored at one or two glasses of the traditional drinks – tuak or arak tonok. It’s the time when they wear the traditional dress named ngepan.
  • 3. Borneo traditional tattooing. The thick black tribal work is executed with two sticks, and the designs may have various meanings. The primary focus is nature (leaves, flowers, animals, fruits, etc.). The first tattoo receive by the Iban individuals is the eggplant Borneo flower. Later in life, they can tattoo Bungai Terung to mark Bejalai – the Iban tradition for a journey of wisdom and knowledge. The dark sign is inked on the shoulder, to prepare the person to carry the weight of their own world.
  • 4. The Tidong people of Borneo don’t use the bathroom for 3 days after the wedding. They say it will protect the new couple from infertility, miscarriage, or a broken marriage. The good thing about it? It bonds the life partners as nothing else would. After these 3 days when they also have to consume a minimal amount of water and food, they can finally enjoy their honeymoon.
  • 5. Borneo International Kite Festival – Although not quite an unusual tradition, as many other states host various kite festivals, it is held in the seaside town of Bintulu and gathers over 400 kiters from 25 different countries. The consistent flying conditions are perfect for lifting the objects up in the air. No wonder how they earned numerous records of magnitude number of kites!

Impressive traditions you should know about

Many other unusual traditions in Borneo and Malaysia astound people from all over the world. The farmers still appeal to the spirit of the rice paddy! What we should learn from the Dayaks is their emphasis on not wasting animals or forest products. They minimize stress to the environment and ban the use of chemicals that could damage their hunting grounds. Whenever you arrive in Borneo, be certain that you get to know their culture and taste their delicious foods!

Things to do in Bintulu

Things to do in Bintulu, Borneo

They say that Bintulu is the place where nature connects with the human life. The airport is placed at approximately 20 kilometers from the city, a road where you will get to take a peek at their trees, roads, and logging activities that support the industry within Bintulu. Once you have arrived in the city, make sure that you will not miss the best things to do in Bintulu, Borneo.

Discover the wonders hidden in Bintulu

You’re probably hungry after your flight to Borneo. The first thing you have to do is stop at the famous street food stalls of Pentai Temasya Tanjung Batu. Savor the local produce, taste Buntut Ayam (chicken tails), and Air Batu Campur (a bowl of mixed ice and syrup), then walk on the beach. Remember that the waters are dangerous for swimming, the strong currents can quickly take you away.

Now that your batteries are charged, head to Similajau National Park – Taman Negara Similajau, where you will enjoy nature and jungle trekking. It doesn’t have easy access – you’ll have to take a taxi – but it’s quiet, and you will never see crowds here. Visit the Turtle Beach 1 and 2, admire the squirrels, monkeys, lizards, and birds that you will meet on your way, and have fun exploring the ups and downs of the challenging trail. If you are an adventurous person, trek to the Golden Beach. Here, the green turtles lay their eggs, and where you can also spot leatherback and hawksbill turtles.

Go back to the city and visit Tua Pek Kong Temple. It will take you only 10 minutes to explore its colorful displays. Have some peace of mind, then go for lunch at the fruit and vegetable market Pasar Utama. The upper floor has dozens of Malay and Chinese food stalls, where you ought to try Nasi Dagang (a tasty dish with rice steamed in coconut milk, Solok Lada, fish curry, vegetable pickles, and fried shaved coconut). Relish Bakuteh (fatty pork ribs simmered in a broth of spices and herbs), and Hokkien mee (yellow noodles in Chinese style, with squid, dark soy sauce, cabbage, fish-cake, and cubes of crispy fried pork lard).

Things to try in Borneo

You shouldn’t miss the Council Negeri Monument, the best place for a selfie in Bintulu. Then, take a stroll on Tanjung Batu Beach. You could also come here early in the morning, for a refreshing jogging session, or admire the sun setting in the windy atmosphere. You don’t have to pack a snack because you will find plenty of food stalls serving barbecue, rojak, coconut drinks, and ais kacang, among many other Borneo tasty dishes.

Do these things in Bintulu, Borneo, and you will not get bored. Are you looking for a secret and quick getaway? Visit Pulau Batu Mandi, a less crowded beach perfect for those who love camping and the seaside. Whether you come to Borneo alone or with your family, you must explore the wonders of this little heaven on earth.
Plan your trip thoroughly, and be confident that you will appreciate your holiday in Bintulu!