Dayak – Banja Luka gondola

When traveling to Venice, everyone certainly has a great desire to take a gondola ride to really feel the charms of Italy, but did you know that the spirit of Italy is somehow also present in Banja Luka? True, not in the literal sense of the word, because there are no gondolas on Vrbas, but there is another form of a boat – DAYAK.

The name Dayak was derived from the pole (dayak) used by the Dayaks and which allows the boat to move. So, if you have decided to visit Banja Luka, be sure to add the dayak ride to your travel planner, and believe me, having experienced the ride even 3 times, I am a personal witness that you will not regret it!

Dayak boat, Photo: Rade Nagraisalović

HISTORY

The Zamolo family is responsible for this Banja Luka attraction. Namely, back in 1964, Antonio Zamolo built the first Dayak boat. He named his firstborn LOTOS, after the lotus flower. Later, Andrej Zamolo, Antonio’s son and an excellent Banja Luka Dayaks, continued in his father’s footsteps. His dayak boat is also named lotos to preserve the memory of his father. At the time when the dayak was created by Antonio Zamolo, the boats weighed around 200 kilograms and were over 9 meters long. Today, thanks to Andrej, the boat is twice as light, and its length is about 6 meters.

The fairy-tale boat was once intended exclusively for the transport of goods and people and also enjoyed the reputation of a status symbol. With the modernization and construction of bridges, its primary role is slowly fading, and today, it is used for enjoyment and sports recreation.

You’re probably wondering how I know these details… The Dayak people are responsible for a pleasant and safe ride, but also are in the mood to share with you these, and many other stories and anecdotes related to this tourist attraction. Save the questions – the answers will surprise you!

Dayak racing, Photo: Jovica Panić

SUMMER – A “FULL SUCCESS” FOR RIDING THE DAYAK

When the water level of the river is reduced to a minimum, then Banja Luka, with its river Vrbas, is perfect for a slightly different kind of enjoyment. From May until October, if the weather allows, you can get to know the town on Vrbas in a different way. You will drive along a part of the river from which you will be able to see and hear interesting stories about the sights of Banja Luka. You will enjoy the incredible view of Kastel Fortress. You will pass under as many as three bridges – Venice, Gradski and Green bridges. You will get to know the city beach, but also the Banja Luka raft, which offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the Fortress. All this will be spiced up by the beauty of nature, greenery, the smell of flowers, and pure human happiness.

Here’s me on a dayak ride around Vrbas, Photo: Ana Timarac

DAYAK CLUB AND SUMMER ON VRBAS

Today, Banja Luka is richer for several Dayak piers and Dayak schools, and in 2010 the Dayak club was founded, and since that year, unreal rides have become available to tourists.

Dayak boat races are also held as part of the Summer on the Vrbas event. This is also the oldest event in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and this year it will be held for the seventeenth time. It is worth visiting and then embarking on an adventure because there is no place for fear on a Dayak boat – the only thing that matters is that you let all go and enjoy!

In the way described, the boat can be driven on extremely few rivers. The most famous places where water can be managed in this way are CAMBRIDGE and OXFORD, but these are still canals. So it could be concluded that no river in the world is suitable for this type of driving except Vrbas!