Tambunan rice wine has great tourism potential

TAMBUNAN: ‘Lihing’, the KadazanDusun version of rice wine, has great tourism potential in the open market.

Tambunan lihing producer David Francis, the owner of Lihing No. 1 at the Tapai Factory Tambunan Village Resort Centre (TVRC), did not waste time to introduce the local alcoholic drink to members of the Innovation Walk delegation to the Tambunan district recently.

The delegation was led by deputy secretary general (policy and innovation), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Dato’ Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad during the visit and explore innovation at the factory.

“Previously and until the present day, lihing is a tonic (good health drink) to a mother who has just given birth to a new baby and those who lack blood can cook chicken with lihing to make chicken soup,” said David during his briefing to the delegation.

David said his rice wine factory has been in existence for 30 years ago, but he took over the factory about 10 years ago.

He said the ingredients for making lihing are cooked glutinous rice and yeast.

David also explained in detail the lihing-making process.

He said his factory could produce about 2,000 bottles per month with a market price of RM6.50 per bottle.

Continue reading at: Tambunan rice wine has great tourism potential
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Sabah cultural village set to be latest attraction at KDCA compound

PENAMPANG: There is no better way to promote the rich cultural diversity in Sabah than allowing one to experience it themselves.

And with that in mind, Datuk Richard Bainon took up the challenge to redevelop the existing cultural village within the compound of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), also known as the Hongkod Koisaan (Place of Unity).

With the addition of a suspension bridge, a handicraft centre, a landscape garden with a pond and a fully functional stage as final touches to the area, it is set to be the latest attraction complementing the 11 traditional houses at the cultural village.

Developed at a cost of nearly RM1 million, the place is run by KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between a private company and the association which aims to turn the Hongkod Koisaan into a one-stop tour attraction to woo guests all year long.

Dubbed the KDCA Cultural Village, Bainon, who is the venture’s chairman, said the area complements Hongkod Koisaan, which is already a magnet for revelers during the final week of the month-long Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival celebration in May.

“But it remains idle the rest of the year except for a few activities. So we thought that since Hongkod Koisaan is already a household name for cultural programmes, why not make full use of the advantage and turn it into a one-stop centre to further promote the rich cultural diversity from Sabah.

“They will stage shows with performances from the various ethnic groups in Sabah by our very own dance team. In fact, we are also encouraging locals from different ethnics and districts to come and stay at their respective ‘houses’ to promote their handicrafts. This interactive exhibition will be done inside the 11 traditional houses,” said Bainon,who is also KDCA deputy president.

At the new cafe, the public will be served with traditional delicacies.

“We want to present our food in such a way that it can be savoured and appreciated by visitors … you are bound to find hinava, bambangan and basung fish on the menu,” he said when hosting a get-together with tour agents and other tourism players recently.

Continue reading at: Sabah cultural village set to be latest attraction at KDCA compound

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Sabahans celebrate Tadau Kaamatan in the UK

Malaysia’s Sabahan residents in the United Kingdom and Europe held a fantastically successful Tadau Kaamatan celebration during the long holiday weekend from 26 to 28 August 2011.

While London was holding the world famous Notting Hill Carnival, the Kadazan-Dusun festival was held at an idyllic country setting in the middle of the Dartmoor National Park, Devon. Just as well – because the party went on well past midnight on Friday and Saturday to the sound of sweet music and endless renditions of Sabah songs, gongs, karaoke and sumazau “pangkis”, with only the birds being subjected to the cacophony of sounds.

More than 40 people attended from as far as Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands and from all parts of the UK.

This is the first time that a well-organised celebration of Tadau Kaamatan has been held in England, after a lapse of more than twenty years.

And all this has been the culmination of the great initiative of a group of a close friends living in the UK, led by Alfred “Mon” Edward, from Penampang!

He received superb support and outstanding efforts from Nelda Marcus Hendon, Leo Rita Henry Stubbs, Victoria Taib Stickler, Nora Tanggau Gower, Eva James, Jenny Peter Yaacob (and her husband Subiraj Doraisingam from KL), Leona Poulton, and Vella Bernard etc., dutifully and ably assisted by their respective English husbands/partners, especially Mark Stickler and Mike Hendon.

The event began on Friday when car loads of beddings, cooking utensils and foodstuffs were brought to the Princetown Dartmoor Training Centre by the organisers. The enterprising Kadazan-Dusun womenfolk had their usual gotong royong spirit in preparing food for all the guests throughout the two nights and three days of festivity.

The celebration really kicked off when alcoholic beverages and great food was served, followed by sumazau and western-style dancing to the sound of throbbing Western and Kadazan music.

On Saturday, even the slightly cool weather of the moors did not dampen the enthusiasm of the organisers and their guests. They carried on with sporting events such as tug-of-war, arm wrestling and egg and spoon races etc. for which prizes were presented later in the evening.

In the evening, a traditional feast of all kinds of Kadazan-Dusun food such as Bambangan, Tuhau, Pinasakan, Hinava & Sup lihing etc was served much to the delight of the guests. Many of them have not tasted such delightful dishes for many years. The lavish dinner was followed by a short speech by the guest of honour, Johan Padasian, who happened to have been the oldest Kadazan present.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabahans celebrate Tadau Kaamatan in the UK

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Sabah holds celebrations for World's Indigenous People Day

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People today is being celebrated in Penampang, Sabah.



Several orang asli communities of Peninsular Malaysia, Dayak communities of Sarawak and Kadazan Dusun Murut communities of Sabah have been present at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association's Cultural Village since the four-day national level celebrations began on Saturday.



The annual celebration, which alternates between Sabah and Sarawak, is organised by the Indigenous People Network of Malaysia (Joas) and a few other indigenous non-governmental organisations.



The focus this year is on the contributions of indigenous women and youths in the economic sector and forest management.



Suhakam, a co-organiser for the event, conducted a forum on Indigenous Economic Development yesterday.



Suhakam commissioner Jannie Lasimbang, who presented a paper on “Economy, Traditional Occupation and Technology” at the forum, said the national human rights institution was aware that the rights of the indigenous peoples had not been adequately protected or promoted, and was seeking ways to improve the situation.



She said Suhakam was currently conducting Malaysia's first ever national inquiry into the land rights of indigenous people and working on their right to participate in all levels of decision-making.



Continue reading at: Sabah holds celebrations for World's Indigenous People Day

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Agung Beat to represent Sabah at Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival

One of Malaysia's two representatives performing at the 2011 Rainforest World Music Festival in the Malaysian state of Sabah is Agung Beat, a nineteen-member gamelan ensemble covering new arrangements of traditional Sabahan music, as well as their own contemporary compositions.

Led by composer and lecturer, Roslee Haji Wahid, the ensemble's members are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds that include Kadazan, Dusun, Chinese and Malay, all majoring in music performance at University Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

Agung Beat actively performs in numerous festivals and events in the region such as the Festival Gamelan IPTA, and the Festival Gamelan Sedunia. This is the first performance of gamelan at the Rainforest World Music Festival.

The gamelan is an ensemble of metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs native to Malaysia and Indonesia. Each region has its own particular style and repertoire, with gamelan ensembles ranging in size from five or six persons to more than two-dozen performers. Depending on the region, style, and function, gamelan music can range from trance inducing floating melodies, to fiery displays of virtuosity.

Agung Beat is scheduled to heat up the Rainforest World Music Festival stage by being the first performing act on the first night (July 8). Agung Beat will also perform at the daily Musical Workshop at Dewan Lagenda within the festival site and will involve drummers and dancers. This unique 'Drum Dance' session will comprise a mix of musical performances by musicians from Canada, Georgia, Kenya, UK and USA.

The Rainforest World Music Festival has been voted for the second consecutive year as one of the 'Top 25 Best International Festivals' by renowned world music magazine, Songlines, elevating its status in the international music scene as a festival, which has well and truly put Sarawak on the world tourism map and extends its appeal to the shores of neighbouring countries.

Special promotional tickets are currently on offer at the Sarawak Tourism Board's Visitors Information Centres (VIC) in Kuching (082-410944) located at the Sarawak Tourism Complex, Sibu (084-340980) located at Jalan Tukang Besi and Miri (085-434180) located at Jalan Melayu. A three-day ticket will cost RM180 and is only valid between June 20 and 26. The ticket price will return to its original RM300 price once the promotional period is over.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Sumazau dancers create record

KOTA KINABALU: One thousand traditionally-garbed performers danced their way into the Malaysia Book of Records with the graceful Kadazandusun sumazau to mark the highlight of the Tadau Kaamatan Malaysia open house here last night.

With outstretched arms and swaying gracefully in unison to the beating of gongs, they were rewarded with loud cheers and applause by a crowd of thousands who braved the rain at the historic Padang Merdeka here.

Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin launched the celebrations, witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and other state and national leaders.

Musa told the crowd that Sabah's ethnic diversity was never an obstacle to unity among the people.

“Instead, this unique aspect has become our pillar of strength that has resulted in political stability, paving the way for economic and social growth,” he said.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Malaysia as a whole had reached a level of harmony that the people could be proud of.

In his speech, Dr Rais said the Kaamatan had become a renowned celebration and was among the basis on which the 1Malaysia concept could be built upon.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sumazau dancers create record
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Kaamatan promotes Sabah’s rich diversity

KOTA KINABALU: The Harvest Festival has indirectly help promote the uniqueness and diversity of Sabah apart from celebrating the cultural heritage of the Kadazandusun and Murut (KDM) communities.

The promotion through the concept of Malaysia Open House has also contributed to the increase in the arrival of tourists to Sabah which had recorded its highest growth so far of 2.5 million people in 2010.

“This is our uniqueness and I hope the spirit of Harvest Festival celebrations will continue to provide inspiration and strength for us to unite and strengthen the unity to ensure stability, peace and prosperity of our beloved state,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, at the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan here yesterday.

The official closing ceremony was performed by Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

“I myself had the opportunity to attend various celebrations and are pleased with the involvement and support of people of various races and cultures all over the state,” he noted.

Although the festival had reached its end, Musa believe the spirit of the celebration will continue and should be used as a platform to unite the people in the state, in line with the theme for this year celebration ‘understanding of the culture-wise step forward’.

He said the debut of some ethnic groups brought by KDCA at this year celebrations such as Tidung, Dusun Labuk, Sukang, Kuizau, Murut Tangala, Dumpas, Orang Sungai Kuamut and Orang Dusun Tabilung were to expose the uniqueness of their culture in a spirit of friendship, understanding and harmony.

He said the traditional performances presented throughout the celebrations by the various races and ethnic groups had further strengthen our cultural understanding, making Sabah an example for harmonious society as well as the best model for the 1Malaysia concept, achieved by everyone regardless of political boundaries.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan promotes Sabah’s rich diversity

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Hongkod Koisaan impresses with new look for Kaamatan 2011

PENAMPANG: The state-level Kaamatan 2011 has received thumbs up from regular visitors following a noticeable improvement of facilities at the Hongkod Koisaan, the permanent hosting site for the annual cultural extravaganza.

Kaamatan, the harvest festival of Sabah’s biggest ethnic group – the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM), is traditionally celebrated as a way of showing gratitude for a bountiful harvest of padi or rice.

Today, however, the Kaamatan festival is more of a celebration of culture and tradition, part of a continuous effort to preserve the colourful identity of an ethnic, and highly recognized as a tool for promoting inter-racial understanding.

And this year’s festival, according to visitor Shamsul Adzrin, is as grand as ever, only more joyous and festive with more people from all background coming to join the celebration.

“It’s more happening this year, that’s the vibe you get. You can see a number of new and upgraded structures, and more importantly there are more people and everyone is excited and happy,” said the 40-year-old from Johor.

Shamsul said he almost never missed coming to Hongkod Koisaan every Kaamatan since residing in Sabah 16 years ago, and noticed that the organizing of the event had continued to show gradual improvements over the years.

“I think this year’s improvement is quite noticeable. It is a job well done for the Kadazan Dusun Murut Cultural Association (KDCA),” he said, as unending flow of visitors continued to arrive despite the simmering hot midday temperature.

Over the years, local residents and tourists have been flocking to Hongkod Koisaan (which means the Unity Hall in the Kadazan language), for the state-level Kaamatan festival closing ceremony held every May 30 and 31.

However, this year, the organizer, KDCA, decided to go for a major revamping, offering visitors a refreshing change, both with the itinerary and facilities.

The renewal literally started at the doorstep, with visitors being greeted by the ‘KDCA Cultural Village’ arch which led them to a hanging bridge with a man-made pond underneath.

Continue reading at: Hongkod Koisaan impresses with new look for Kaamatan 2011

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Unlocking village's tourism potential at Kadazandusun Cultural Village

KOTA KINABALU: A new era beckons the cultural village in the compound of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association building, also known as the Hongkod Koisaan or "Place of Unity".

A suspension bridge, a handicraft centre, a landscape garden with a pond and a fully functional stage look set to become the latest attractions complementing the 11 traditional houses at the cultural village.

Developed at a cost of over RM1 million, the place will be run by KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between a private company and the association which aims to turn the Hongkod Koisaan into a one-stop tour attraction to woo guests all year long.

Tapping Sabah's booming tourism industry, a team dedicated to promoting the assets within the Hongkod Koisaan grounds has been set up to showcase the unique cultures and traditions of the people here.

The venture's chairman, Datuk Richard Bainon, said the Hongkod Koisaan was a magnet for revellers during the final week of the month-long Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration in May but remained idle the rest of the year except for a few activities.

"We plan to bring guests from all over the world to the place regularly and introduce them to the culture and traditions we have in Sabah," said Bainon, who is also the KDCA deputy president.

There will also be stage shows with performances from the various ethnic groups in Sabah, interactive exhibitions inside the 11 traditional houses showcasing the lifestyles of the people and sale of handicrafts.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Unlocking village's tourism potential at Kadazandusun Cultural Village

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Kaamatan kicks off with fun and games

KOTA KINABALU: An age old Dusun ritual to appease the rice spirits took centrestage at the two-day state level Pesta Kaamatan harvest celebrations.

The ritual known as Bobogo to mark a bountiful padi harvest was performed by a group of Tatana Dusuns from Kuala Penyu in southwest of Sabah and leading them was a chief priest known as Babaga.

The ritual was then followed by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and Kadazandusun paramount leader (Huguan Siou) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan trying their hand at making a sago delicacy known as ambuyat.

Musa later beat the gong to mark the start of the Pesta Kaamatan celebrations at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association grounds in Penampang here yesterday.

The colourful annual celebrations of the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities saw a series of 11 traditional games, which included a tug-of-war match in which Musa and other VIPs took part.

Among the other games played were rampanau (bamboo stilt walking), mipulos (arm wrestling), momolistik (catapult), membujak (spearing), sumpit (blowpipe), pounding padi husks and gunny sack race.

Visitors were entertained with traditional music and dance by the various ethnic groups at this year's celebrations themed “Cultural Understanding The Way Forward”.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan kicks off with fun and games
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New Itinerary For This Year's Kaamatan Celebration

PENAMPANG (Sabah) -- Over the years, local residents and tourists have been flocking to Hongkod Koisaan (which means the Unity Hall in the Kadazan language), the venue for the state level Kaamatan festival held every May 30 and 31.

Regular or repeat visitors already familiar with the traditional houses, the multipurpose hall and the handicraft and food stalls erected around the vicinity know what to expect during the two-day programme.

However, this year the organizer, the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA)of Sabah, has decided to go for a major revamping, therefore visitors to the event can expect a refreshing change, both with the itinerary and the facilities for the harvest festival.

CULTURAL VILLAGE TO BE PROMOTED THROUGH TOURISM PACKAGES

The renewal literally starts at the doorstep, with visitors greeted by the 'KDCA Cultural Village' arch which leads them to a hanging bridge with a man-made pond underneath.

After crossing the bridge, there is a new open stage on the left, and just further up, a handicraft outlet awaits those interested in bringing home souvenirs. It would be hard not to notice the new cafe next to it.

Also, some of the traditional houses now sport a new look.

"Renovation work on landscaping and those on traditional houses started about two months ago."

"Most of the houses have been given touch-ups, but we even went to the extent of demolishing one of the houses, namely the Tambunan house, and erected a new one," said KDCA Secretary General Suman Yasambun.

CENTRE TO BE USED EVEN AFTER KAAMATAN

While some may think that all the preparations may be too much, compared with previous years, there is actually another reason for it.

After the Kaamatan celebrations end, the KDCA Cultural Village will be promoted as a tourism destination through a joint venture company to generate year-round economic activities at Hongkod Koisaan.

KDCA and Tombituon Enterprise had jointly established KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd to manage the Cultural Village, which would largely promote the 11 traditional houses through daily activities for visitors and tourists.

"Over the years, local and international tourists alike have been crowding this place during the Kaamatan state-level event.

"KDCA is embarking on this new area of advancement, we want to use these traditional houses for money-making activities," said Suman.

At the same time, they also hope to provide an educational avenue for students and younger people, to remind them of traditional cultures and their ancestor's activities through demonstrations to be held at the houses.

"Most of the youths nowadays are not familiar with their own cultural background, so if we introduce this tourism product, it can also give them some knowledge and maybe they will get to know traditional rituals or tools used from the olden days," he explained.

UNDUK NGADAU ON BOTH DAYS

On the itineraries, the highlight of the celebration is the Unduk Ngadau or the Harvest Festival beauty pageant.

George Mijin, the programme head for the state-level Kaamatan celebration, said that previously the event was held on the second afternoon with results expected at the end of the day.

However, this time around the first round will be held on the morning of the first day and the 15 short-listed finalists will continue on to the finals on the second day.

"The beauty contest is usually held inside the multipurpose hall, but this year we will hold the first round on May 30 at the open stage to accommodate a bigger audience."

At the same time, George said that this year's state-level Kaamatan celebration will also showcase, for the first time, a 'menabib' demonstration, which is the ancestral art of making 'lokub'(rope) using rattan.

This rope, back in the old days, was tied onto the buffalos' pierced nose and used to pull the animal, he explained.

"This demonstration is specifically requested by our KDCA President, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, and the art originates from Tambunan, his district of origin," he added.

Another new element that the public will get to see this year is the symbolic 'moginum orang tatana' ceremony during the launch of the celebration, which is unique to the district of Kuala Penyu, which is the district chosen for the launch of the next Kaamatan festival, said George.

Continue reading at: New Itinerary For This Year's Kaamatan Celebration
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Kadazandusun and Dayak Chambers to organise Kaamatan-Gawai celebrations

PENAMPANG: The Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sabah (KCCI) and the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sarawak (DCCI) will jointly organise the fifth Pesta Kaamatan/Gawai Dayak celebrations on June 24 and June 25.

KCCI’s publicity committee chairman, Pius Jaua told press members during a press conference held at the KCCI headquarters near here yesterday that the event will take place in the State capital.

Among the activities which have been lined up for the event will include a golf tournament to be held on June 24 at the Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club and members of both chambers vie for the Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok challenge trophy.

On June 25, there will be a business matching hi-tea where members will be briefed by the officers of th Federal Ministry of Finance on the ‘Teraju’ scheme.

There will be a signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between KCCI and DCCI and also between companies in the oil and gas, construction and tourism industries.

Jaua added that the president of KCCI, Alli Matajam and DCCI president, Tan Sri Leo Moggie will be attending the event.

Also in attendance will be several government and local dignitaries from Sabah and Sarawak.

“The purpose of organising this event is to come together in merry making, cultural exchanges and business networking and also to put into practice the call by the government for greater national unity and integration.

Continue reading at: Kadazandusun and Dayak Chambers to organise Kaamatan-Gawai celebrations
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KDCA Welcomes Suggestion For Kaamatan Festival To Become National Celebration

KOTA KINABALU -- The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has welcomed State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said Keruak's suggestion that the federal government should recognise the state-level Kaamatan Festival, observed annually on May 31, as a national-level celebration.

Deputy President Datuk Dr Clarence Bongkos Malakun said the move would allow the celebration to be organised on a larger scale.

"In the past, we had to rely heavily on sponsorships from corporate companies every year to make this event a success, since the state government could only give us a limited allocation.

"If it is elevated to a national celebration, then we hope we will get a higher allocation," he told reporters after signing a sponsorship agreement with DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd for the Kaamatan Festival, near here, today.

On Sunday, Salleh said that a national-level Kaamatan Festival would be in line with the government's goals under the 1Malaysia concept, which aims for unity within a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society.

Malakun, who is also the chairman of the Kaamatan Festival Coordinating Committee, said the Tourism Ministry and the Information Communication and Culture Ministry could play large roles in organising the festival given that it was one of Sabah's biggest tourist attractions, and promoted the cultures and traditions of the Kadazandusun and Murut.

Continue reading at: KDCA Welcomes Suggestion For Kaamatan Festival To Become National Celebration
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Activities planned in Sabah for cultural village all year

KOTA KINABALU: Year-round cultural activities are being planned for the Kadazandusun and Murut “village hub” at the Hongkod Koisaan (Unity Hall) in Penampang.

Traditional replica homes of various Sabah ethnic communities come to life annually in May as the indigenous communities celebrate Pesta Kaamatan but now the Kadazandusun and Murut Cultural Association (KDCA) plans to keep it alive all-year round.

KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is the Huguan Siou or paramount leader of the community, said they were identifying suitable cultural-based economic activities to be carried out within the hub throughout the year.

He said it would be in line with the promotion of cultural and economic activities that would be an added lure for the state’s tourism.

“Hongkod Koisaan has the potential that has yet to be unlocked and explored similar to other places of interest in Sabah,” he said when launching new facilities including a hanging bridge at the cultural village on Wednesday.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Activities planned in Sabah for cultural village all year

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A little taste of home in Klang Valley Tadau Kaamatan 2011

Being far away from home in the Land Below the Wind, proved no hindrance for Kadazandusuns in the peninsula who celebrated Kaamatan at Wisma MCA in Jalan Ampang on Saturday.

The Klang Valley Tadau Kaamatan 2011 was a hit not just for the Sabahan community but also their friends who came along to join in the merry-making.

Most claimed surprise and wonder as they witnessed and participated in one of Sabah’s major festivals.

“I have never seen this part of Malaysia before. It is latent but a real beauty. Great culture, I wish I had come in the previous years,” said Hendero Fin from Indonesia, who stopped by to support one of the contestants in the Unduk Ngadau contest.

“I’ve heard about this culture but I’ve never seen how it is celebrated before. It’s different from the three main cultures in Malaysia. I think a beautiful culture such as this deserves enormous exposure” said Keshen Antioni, a film student who is looking for inspiration in his next film project.

Many felt at home as they conversed in their native tongue or local Sabah dialect and enjoyed traditional food like the raw fish salad, hinava and traditional brew, lihing.

It was not difficult to get guests to join in the traditional Sumazau dance accompanied by the lively beats of the gong.

The Huguan Siou (Paramount Leader) of the Kadazandusuns, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan marked the start of the event by beating the gong which was met with thunderous applause and cheer from the crowd.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili was also present.

Kaamatan is a thanksgiving celebration after the rice is harvested and is also in commemoration of the legend of Huminodun, who was sacrificed by the creator, Kinoingan, to save the people from famine.

The celebration ends with the selection of the Unduk Ngadau beauty queen who is widely regarded to be a symbol of Hominodun.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: A little taste of home in Klang Valley Tadau Kaamatan 2011
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The first Sumazau dance of Kadazan newly-weds

Kota Kinabalu: Most Sabahans may think they have seen it all - the Kadazan Sumazau dance. But what about a specific dance called Sumazau mingkung - the first dance together for newly weds?

That could be new for many attending the Sabah Fest 2011 cultural extravaganza on April 30 and 1 May, at the Sutera Harbour Magellan Grand Ballroom.

For Kadazans of Penampang, the Sumazau Mingkung is a specific dance performed especially as a tribute to a newly-married couple.

On wedding day, the groom heads for the bride's house in a procession with the bridewealth (nopung) on hand.

On arrival, gongs beat and the nopung is taken from him, the bride appears at the entrance and the bobohizan (ritual specialist) uses a popodu - a bunch of five types of leaves to sprinkle water to perform a ritual called vokis, to bless the newly weds.

After the blessing, the couple place a foot each on a round stone called pampang at the bottom of the stairs while the bobohizan symbolically holds the conical hats called seraung, over their heads.

The stone and the hats symbolize strong and lasting marriage while the hats represent shields to protect them from evil on wedding day and thereafter.

After a few short mantras, the bobohizan would then enter the house.

In the house, the couple performs their first Sumazau dance together as a married couple with the bobohizan and other elders surrounding them, performing that specific dance called Sumazau mingkung.

Continue reading at: The first Sumazau dance of Kadazan newly-weds
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Tuaran to host the launch of the State-level Tadau Kaamatan festival

Tambunan: Tuaran will host the launching of the State-level Tadau Kaamatan this year on May 1.

However, Deputy Chief Minister cum President of Kadazandusun Murut Cultural Association (KDCA) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the traditional celebration of the KDM community has already started at village and mukim levels.

To this, he said the Kaamatan is traditionally held to enable the people or residents of a village living elsewhere to return home to unite with their families.

"It is also to remind them of their identities and the effort to preserve and conserve their culture," he said at the Mukim Monsorulung Kaamatan celebration recently.

The theme this year he said is "Cultural Understanding - The Way Forward", which also is a symbolic appreciation to kinorohingan (God).

As with previous celebrations, he said the event this year is to showcase the rich cultural heritage in Sabah.

He said there would be event such as sugandoi (singing) contest, Unduk Ngadau (beauty contest), traditional sports and also exhibition on agriculture and handcraft products.

In conjunction with the Kaamatan, he urged KDM community throughout Sabah to wear their respective traditional sub-ethnic costumes.

"We hope that the celebration this year will be aptly used to display the unique tradition and culture of the community in a locality," he said.

He said they should be proud wearing the traditional costumes because such display would also attract visitors to know more about KDM ethnic diversity.

Continue reading at: Tuaran to host the launch of the State-level Tadau Kaamatan festival
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Kaamatan focus on forgotten dances this time

Kota Kinabalu: The State-level Kaamatan Committee will showcase to the people never-seen-before cultural items, if any, during the Harvest Festival on May 30-31 at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall.

Its Chairman, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Development Minister, said he has given instructions that if there were cultural dances of the Kadazandusun and Murut (KDMs) community that have never been seen before these should be showcased during the Kaamatan.

Cultural items also include old songs that have artistic value, he said.

"So, if we discover this, we will showcase it to the people," he told reporters after chairing the Kaamatan Committee meeting on Tuesday.

On other developments, he said Tuaran would be hosting the State-level Kaamatan Festival this year.

He said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman would be launching the Kaamatan at Dewan Tun Hamdan in Tamparuli on May 1.

Following that, he said the various districts would be celebrating the Kaamatan on different dates.

Klang Valley, Beluran, Telupid, Paitan and Semporna would be celebrating it on May 7 while Kudat on May 10 and Matunggong and Tongod on May 12. The Kaamatan Carnival in Kota Kinabalu would be held from May 11-13.

Pagalungan would celebrate the Kaamatan on May 13 while Beaufort would celebrate it at the same time the Pesta Bengkoka is held from May 13-15.

Pairin said Penampang, Lahad Datu, Putatan and Kemabong would be celebrating the Kaamatan on May 14 while Sook, Tenom, Kota Belud and Membakut on May 15 and Banggi on May 18.

Tambunan, Ranau, Kunak and Kota Marudu would be having their Kaamatan on May 21 while Kuala Penyu, Menumbok and Keningau on May 22 and Sipitang on May 25.

Continue reading at: Kaamatan focus on forgotten dances this time
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Sabah Tourism: Pesta Gong Matunggong, Kudat

Date: 24 October 2010

The small town of Matunggong will once again be engulfed by the echoing sounds of gong beating as the Kudat Rungus community assembles to celebrate this vibrant festival. The Rungus—a subgroup of the Kadazandusun tribe—is one of the most culturally-preserved communities in Sabah.

Many Rungus families still adhere to the old ways; inhabiting ancient longhouses and practicing their age-old spiritual beliefs. The endearing charm of the Rungus people would most likely be rooted in their concept of communal living and sharing under one roof in the traditional longhouses.

Visitors will be entertained by dance performances, plus a singing, dancing and gong beating competition.

Further Information

Organiser: Matunggong Sub-District Office
Contact Person: Mr. Arnold Joibi
Telephone: +60 88 613762
Fax: +60 88 613786
Email Contact: Arnold.Joibi@sabah.gov.my
Event Website: http://pestagong.sabahtourism.com

Source: Sabah Tourism

NOTE: Photo Copyright to Sabah Tourism
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Sabah adopts rare and valuable Slipper Orchid as official orchid

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has adopted the rare and valuable Slipper Orchid as its official orchid.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman named the orchid when launching the five-day Borneo Orchid Show at the Suria Sabah mall here yesterday.

“I hope we will take this opportunity to learn more about this particular species of orchid, and strive to keep its habitat intact,” he said.

Commonly known as the Sumazau Orchid, the Slipper Orchid (Paphiodilum rothschildianum) has petals that resemble the hand gestures made in a Kadazandusun traditional dance.

Musa said it was appropriate for the Slipper Orchid to be named Sabah’s official orchid as it was picked as the most popular species in the Borneo Orchid Show in 2007.

He said more research was needed on the seemingly endless varieties of Sabah orchids, noting that the state was home to at least half the orchids found in Borneo.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah adopts rare and valuable Slipper Orchid as official orchid
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