Have Perut Will Travel...: Borneo Native Festival and Beyond!

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Saturday, 23 May 2026

Borneo Native Festival and Beyond!

Arriving at Central Market

We headed into Central Market to talk about the Borneo Native Festival (BNf), an annual celebration that brings the indigenous heritage, arts, and traditions of Sabah and Sarawak to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

The 2026 edition, themed “Reunited,” ran from May 22–24 across Central Market and the Dayabumi Complex. Organized by Persatuan Sukaseni Kuala Lumpur, it served as a lively preview to Pesta Kaamatan and Gawai.

Mathew Ngau and the Sape

We soon found ourselves captivated by Mathew Ngau’s sape performance. Recognised internationally as a Sape Ambassador, he opened the festival with gentle, flowing melodies from the traditional Orang Ulu instrument. For a moment, we simply stood still and let the music wash over us.

Back to Caroline’s Booth

A message from Caroline pulled us back outside. After exchanging affectionate hugs, Cat browsed her collection of Kabo necklaces, while I handed over my Lava beads bracelet to be restrung.

Lunch Break

Cat chose several pieces and asked for one necklace to be extended. Caroline told us to grab lunch while she worked on it.

We wandered around before settling on Tajudin Nasi Beriani, ordering:

Yellow Glutinous Rice with Onion Chicken
Nasi Beriani with Fried Chicken
Drinks

All for MYR29.70 (≈ USD8/EUR7). We also packed a Nasi Beriani for Caroline.

Collecting Our Haul

When we returned, Caroline had finished everything — my bracelet restring and the added beads on Cat’s necklace.

In total, four necklaces and two bracelets (with my restring free) came to MYR610 (≈ USD154/EUR133).

Heading to Bukit Bintang

We bade Caroline a fond farewell and walked to the Pasar Seni Bus Hub. A free, air conditioned GOKL Purple Line bus took us to Bukit Bintang, a cool break after the afternoon heat.

Into Pavilion

We got off at Wisma Cosway at 2:00pm, rode the escalator up to the footbridge, and crossed into Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, where the cool air conditioning greeted us instantly.

A Stop at Adidas

Inside the Adidas store, the helpful staff found the long sleeved Manchester United Home kit for the 2026/2027 season.

It cost MYR399 (≈ USD101/EUR87) — a small investment in the club I’ve loved since I was seven. Half a century of loyalty, and the joy still feels new.

Winding Down

After a short rest and a cool drink, we booked a Grab for MYR12 (≈ USD/EUR3) and headed home, happy and tired after a full day at BNf.

Next weekend, we’ll be driving up to Bentong to visit my parents and celebrate my mother’s recent birthday. We’ve prepared a little surprise for her — a Chromebook tucked away, waiting for the right moment. It’ll be a cosy family weekend with a simple meal, long conversations, and time with the people who matter.

Stay tuned!