SARAWAK MAKES HISTORY WITH 1,706.7KM GUINNESS WORLD RECORD DRONE JOURNEY
SARAWAK MAKES HISTORY WITH 1,706.7KM GUINNESS WORLD RECORD DRONE JOURNEY DURING NYE CELEBRATION AT KUCHING WATERFRONT KUCHING
1 January 2026 – Sarawak ushered in 2026 in celebratory fashion, combining a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration with a landmark Guinness World Record (GWR) achievement at the Kuching Waterfront, reaffirming the state’s position as the Gateway to Borneo and setting the tone for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Crowds gathered along the iconic waterfront on the night of 31 December 2025 to witness Countdown 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP). The celebration featured over 10 performances by leading local, national, and international artistes, culminating in a breathtaking musical fireworks display as the clock struck midnight. In a landmark milestone for the state, Sarawak achieved the Guinness World Record for the Longest Cumulative Distance by a Remote-Controlled Multirotor/Drone Relay, marking a first-of its-kind accomplishment. The record-setting journey covered 1,706.7 kilometres across Sarawak over six days, using successive GPS-tracked drones to trace an unbroken aerial path from Tanjung Datu to Lawas. The achievement was officially confirmed on stage by Guinness World Records adjudicator Mr Jacob Yip Chong Wai from Hong Kong, followed by the presentation of the GWR certificate to YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. “This Guinness World Record achievement represents Sarawak’s confidence as a progressive, united and forward-looking state,” said YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. “It reflects who we are today, a Sarawak that embraces innovation while remaining deeply rooted in our culture, people, and landscapes. As the Gateway to Borneo, this moment belongs not only to Sarawak, but to the region we connect and the future we are shaping together.” The announcement was accompanied by the world premiere of the “Gateway to Borneo” drone film, a cinematic showcase capturing Sarawak’s landscapes, cultures, and communities from a bird’s-eye perspective. MEDIA RELEASE Looking ahead to 2026, the milestone underscored Sarawak’s readiness to build momentum towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026, using creativity, technology, and storytelling to strengthen its positioning as a vibrant and globally relevant destination. The programme later featured a series of performances by Malaysia’s celebrated artistes KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah, Jatt Ali, and Naqiu, alongside showcases highlighting Sarawak’s creative talents through traditional dances, contemporary performances, and live sets by popular local artistes. The celebrations continued after midnight with an exclusive post-concert performance by internationally acclaimed Indonesian singer Judika, extending the festive atmosphere into the early hours of the new year. The successful staging of Countdown 2026 and the Guinness World Record milestone not only marked a proud moment for Sarawak but also left behind a lasting legacy of visual assets and global storytelling that will continue to promote the state throughout Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and beyond. With fireworks lighting up the Kuching skyline and history etched into the global record books, Sarawak welcomed the new year with confidence, creativity, and a renewed commitment to positioning itself as one of Asia’s most compelling destinations. END About Sarawak, Gateway to Borneo A kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals is the best description for Sarawak. Sarawak comprises 34 ethnic tribes with their own unique traditions, lifestyles, music and food, while sharing their warm hospitality. Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Its vast landscape spans over 120,000 sq kms, with towering mountains and cool highlands, jagged limestone formations and mysterious cave systems, winding rivers and quiet beaches; where adventures are waiting to happen. Festivals are hosted throughout the year celebrate the eclectic blend of modern and traditional culture, food, music and religious practices that can be found nowhere else. In Sarawak, there is always ‘More to Discover’.
About Sarawak Tourism Board Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is the State’s key tourism promoter and has built a strong track record of global recognition for its innovative campaigns, destination branding, and commitment to sustainability. In 2025, Sarawak earned major international accolades, including the Best Stand Feature Award at WTM London 2025 for its Gateway to Borneo Pavilion and a placement among the Top 10 Most Desirable Regions (Worldwide) at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2025. Sarawak also swept three honours at the TripZilla Excellence Awards — Best Adventure Destination, Best Nature Destination, and Best Music Event.
