THOUSANDS of people, the majority of them ethnic Bidayuhs, took advantage of the public holiday today to make the annual trek up the 304m-high Bung Bratak in Bau, some 40km from Kuching.

The hill is of great significance – some even say it is sacred – to the Bidayuhs of the Jagoi-Bratak sub-tribe as it was where their forefathers settled after migrating from Sungkong in West Kalimantan 800 years ago.

Community researcher Peter Minos said it is believed some 35 Bidayuh villages in the Bau and Lundu districts today may be descended from the first settlers on Bung Bratak.

National diver Pandelela Rinong’s home, Kampung Jugan, is one of these villages.

The Sungkong migrants were farmers who came in search of fertile land. They found it at the foot of the hill and settled on the hilltop, which could be easily defended from hostile neighbours.

Minos said the migrants’ tranquil life was shattered in 1837 when their settlement was attacked and razed by a neighbouring tribe.

All the elderly were reportedly killed and the young kidnapped. The able-bodied young people, who were working the fields, were the only survivors.

They then sought help from James Brooke, the first white rajah, who in 1841 organised an expedition to rescue the captive children.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Hamzah, who joined this year’s pilgrimage, described Bung Bratak today, with its heritage centre surrounded by a beautifully manicured lawn, as a “jewel” that should be promoted by local travel agents.

He said the site has many features that would appeal to foreign tourists, such as the natural beauty of its surrounding jungle and the short hiking path.

Karim said Bung Bratak is one part of the rich culture of the state’s 31 ethnic groups, whose customs, food, dances, and ways of life should be promoted for tourism. – May 1, 2023.