Gawai Nyobeng is often described through its rituals, history, and stories of the past. But, what stayed with me were the people. Through shared meals, conversations, and moments of trust, I discovered a side of the celebration rarely captured in photographs. Somewhere between the Baruk, the stories, and an invitation to return, I found myself wondering whether a place can feel familiar long before it becomes home.

We were invited to witness Gawai for the first time. With the assumption that everyone will be drunk on Tuak, we prepared ourselves for the worst. But we didn’t have to, because that’s not what Gawai really is.

This is one of those moments where you stop mid-experience and think, How the heck did we end up here? That was us in Mukah, feet soaked in boat water, filming and helping to decorate a ceremonial boat for Pesta Kaul.