Borneo International Kite Festival 2023 26 Sept -2 October 2023

The fact that I'm about to travel and take part in Bintulu, Sarawak's world-famous kite festival for the 7-8th time since 2012, has not surprised me in the least. Bintulu is my favorite city because of how welcoming its friends are and how its appearance has developed over time. Though the premium in participation, kite flying is adorable and overwhelming when the kites we carried soar in the skyline.

"To serve as a justification, I would accept bail. My phone's capacity was severely limited, but I managed to save some of the pictures you see here. Not many could be photographed."

I want to add a few images to what I mentioned will give you an overview.

Aparna with Guru Fred Taylor giving Revolution Kite training.

Twosome flying Kodimaram Kite, introduced in Bintulu from India.

Kodimaram Pattam

New Kite Flown in Bintulu.

A visual treat!

Snake boat kite flying in far! From KiteLife Foundation.

Aparna Nair in the field.

Since 2012, the author/kiter has participated in Borneo's famed kite festival, now in its 16th year, and has captured some breathtaking images that would thrill any kiter.

Bintulu Skyline.

The main stage during inauguration.

One of BDA's flagship events is the activity. This time, 185 kiters from 40 different countries have landed on the ground with their colorful, intricately designed kites.

The group photo!

This provided a visual delight because it appears as though these kites painted the skyline, and I'm glad our kites were too active. As a kiter, Bintulu holds a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to see what we've come up with.

Buddy Fred Taylor from Ontario, Canada.

With Bhai Andy Taylor, UK.

With Helmut (Austria) Eric Chew n friend ( Singapore)

With field mate Albert (Malaysia)

At Farewell dinner with field mates from Lebenon, Portugal, Italy and so on.

Recieving Certificate from Mr Sainudheen.

Farewell Dinner with field mates Palau, Christie, Gubbio, Luca, Samy, Aparna and myself.

Few more pics

With Mr Muammer, Ex BDA officer at Bintulu Airport came in surprise!

Bintulu Airport filled with kiters

This time, the roster included many fresh faces. Germany's Dirk and Sonja, Italy's Eola Gubbio duo, Guilherme Palau and his son from Brazil Scotland's Craig Harby, and India's Bhavna Mehta and Sailesh Mehta and Oman kite team led by Dr Ismail and also Kuwait team were also present.

Festival also missed a few long-time acquaintances, who appear to have been busy, I guess.

With Alphonse, our eminent volunteer on the kite field.

With Mr Momad of BIKF.

With Dirk & Sonja Kruger of Germany and Gary Mark of Canada.

With Oman Team.

With Ms Ruby of BDA and her family n kids at India stall.

With NS Goh, our old friend and an eminent photographer in Bintulu.

It is a fantastic trip to take a local tour to the New Long House. The entire group goes to the Long House, a classic elavated line house campus that has 13 homes or habitats and is a haven of peace and harmony. A reception with a specially prepared local feast, a welcome traditional dance performed in a distinctive story-telling format and offerings, though religious a bit followed by the tasting of the region's wine, "Burak," all served in conjunction with a reception that also exudes excitement.

Call for Pocho pocho.... Still music around😆🕺🏼

Wine!!!hmmmm😆 Did I see some one poking!

Once it elicited responses for singing and dancing, all hesitations went haywire. Me first, then Keith (SA), Linda (Auz), Palau n team (Italy), and so on till Malaysians burst in with a bang.

The KiteLife Foundation's Signature Kite. Thanks, you all made for a wonderful time. Your autographs are safe here, and we'll keep them in mind to symbolize the fellowship and unity of kite flying.

Signatures..... Signatures!

Khan Saab, the dynamic voice of Bintulu.

And it flies with loaded signatures!

With excellent field mates around, the 6-day event was the most fantastic. Let's go fly a kite again somewhere. 🪁🕺🏼😍.

With Danny Lau, Malaysia

Buddy Danny in the field and our kites.

Donita, Raj, Gadis and a friend at the hotel for a photo ops. Awsum!

With Kiters Sari and Kedak of Indonesia. India and Indonesia shared the same stalls. ❤

With friend Emin from Turkey during the briefing at BIKF 2023.

In the audience.

Kitists Audience

South Korea with Signature Kite.

Kevin Sanders (Auz), who was on the podium, represented kiters.

Spend quality time with Bhavna and Sailesh Mehta, Indian kiters who are completely gung-ho about flying at Bintulu's Borneo Kite Fest. This is their first time.🪁👍🏻.