SIMANGGANG: The curtain came down on the much-anticipated Pesta Benak 2025 last Sunday (Sept 21) with the thunderous beats of Festival Gendang Sarawak, marking the end of two exhilarating weeks of sporting and cultural festivities along the mighty Batang Lupar.

The celebration began on Sept 7, drawing thousands of visitors and participants for a vibrant line-up of signature events such as the Benak Road Trail Run, the glamorous Miss Tourism Benak pageant, and the adrenaline-charged Regatta Benak Batang Lupar.

The highlight of the closing ceremony was the Raja Sungai (King of the River) showdown, the festival’s ultimate regatta race, where 30 paddlers powered their longboats across the swirling waters of the Batang Lupar.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the tightly fought contest reached its dramatic climax.

The coveted Raja Sungai title and grand prize of RM25,000 plus a championship trophy went to Landas Cahaya Helang Tasik, whose crew displayed flawless coordination and raw endurance to surge ahead.

They were followed closely by Todak Berjaya, which took second place with RM10,000 and a trophy, and King Paddle GT, which claimed third place with RM5,000 and a trophy.

Burung Garuda finished fourth, earning RM3,000 and a trophy, while Mahkota Dewa Gedong secured fifth place with RM2,000 and a trophy.

Adding celebration to the evening, Head of State Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar personally presented the winner’s trophy to the triumphant Landas Cahaya Helang Tasik team.

For the record, Khazanah Kasihnya Warisan (2024), Burung Garuda (2023), Cahaya Helang Tasik (2022), Cahaya Putri Ruai (2019), Mahkota Dewa MRT Gedong (2018), Bujang Simanggang (2017), Landas (2016), Sinaran Ratu Siska (2015), Enraz Cahaya Zen (2012, 2013, 2014), and Bujang Sigat Simanggang (2011) are among the past winners of the Raja Sungai Benak Batang Lupar title.