Sabah Malaysian Borneo - A land of Glory!

2007-05-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Sabah Malaysian Borneo - A land where nature comes alive in all its glory

Here you’ll find an Incentive and Meeting destination that’s totally unexpected, offering the world’s oldest rainforests, endless pristine white beaches, unique flora and fauna and a skyline of mountains that range among the highest in the region. Sabah’s stunningly beautiful from every angle – whether from a luxurious 5-star hotel room or out in the wild. Few Incentive and Meeting destinations offer first-rate facilities combined with such unique and memorable experiences for delegates.

Your Journey To The Warm Heart of Borneo Starts here...

Sabah's population is heterogeneous and culturally diverse, with more than 30 different ethnic races and over 80 local dialects spoken. Traditions and customs have long been part of our daily lives. Most of it has survived for eons; others have barely endured, touched by other influences that have led others yet to be forgotten altogether.

Well known as the Land Below The Wind and also Land Of The Sacred Mountain, Sabah is a land of varied landscapes and natural wonders. One will normally ask what kinds of people live in this land of eco-treasures? Often by further understanding our spectrum of cultures, you will find the answer as all types, colours and creeds. All these ethnic groups live together harmoniously while at the same time preserving their own culture, traditions, festivals and customs to make Sabah a multiculturally exotic experience unlike any other that you might have already experienced.

Like the rest of the Southeast Asian archipelago, Sabah has been culturally affected by the powerful external, continental influences from mainland Asia. However the heterogeneous population often dramatically reveals its well-preserved wonderful customs and practices. Though the country modernizes, and certain rituals and special ceremonial occasions are less frequently performed, one can still experience and observe Sabah's rich tapestry of custom in the local population's daily life as well as their special local festivals.

This segment will take you through a virtual experience in getting to know Sabah through the understanding of our traditional musical instruments, costume and ethnic lifestyle. The interactive on-line video streaming featuring Sabah - Malaysian Borneo in general will give you an insight of our unique customs and a special section on the wonderful sounds of Borneo will captivate your heart and soul.

Come to Sabah and let us show you the way to indulge yourself in our most precious custom and shower you with endless affection in our very own unique Sabahan way.

The People of Sabah

With around 32 indigenous groups in Sabah, one can expect to see tribal dresses of various styles. Most of these have retained much of their original design and color.

Many of these traditional costumes are of black material, and one of the reasons for using such a sombre color is that in the past, the people could rely on a few types of vegetables and plants from which to extract dye to color the cloth. If they needed to add color to the black, beads of red, orange, white and green were sewn on.

Traditional costumes also included antique bead necklaces and belts, antique hand-engraved silver jewellery, and belts of old silver dollar coins. Most of these accessories have been handed down from generation to generation. All are very valuable and priceless.

The Kadazandusun

This is the largest ethnic category in Sabah and is predominantly wet rice and hill rice cultivators. Their language belongs to the Dusunic family and shares a common animistic belief system with various customs and practices. Their ancient beliefs on the verity that everything has life - the rocks, trees, and rivers are all living things.

They have souls and spirits that must be appeased from time to time through specific rituals. In these modern times, some of the rituals are less performed accept during certain festivities.

Customs & Beliefs

Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival is a unique celebration of Kadazandusun society. It's a celebration to honour the Rice Spirit - Bambaazon or Bambarayon and giving thanks for yet another bountiful year. The festival begins on the first of May at many district levels. The rites and customs of the Pesta Kaamatan is a tribal practice of Kadazandusun and also Murut peoples. The Bobohizan or Bobolian who are the High Priests or Priestesses (depending on the district/area undertaking the preservation) will conduct the ritual. In different districts, the priests or priestesses may be addressed to differently, for instance in Tambunan district they are known as Bobolian, in Tuaran as Tantagas and in Penampang as Bobohizan.

It is believed that rice in whatever form embodies Bambaazon that must be protected from harm. The homecoming of Babaazon is an integral part of the Harvest Festival. Ancient folklore tells of the ultimate deed of Kinoingan or Minamagun - The Almighty God or Creator, who sacrificed his only beloved daughter, Huminodun so that his people would have food. Various parts of her body were planted from which plants grew. During the Magavau ceremony, the Bobohizan will select some stalks of rice that are left undistributed until the harvest is over. In some districts, the chosen stalks are cut before the field is harvested and are then brought into the owner's house. The task of Bobohizan is to search and salvage the lost Bambaazon who are hurt or separated from the main mystical body. In the old days, this ceremony was often performed in freshly harvested fields during the first full moon after the harvest to invoke the rice spirit.

The language used by Bobohizan is archaic whose meanings have been buried in time and known only to the few remaining Bobohizan these days. The vital aspect of Magavau is the paraphernalia used to summon Bambaazon. The sacrament of Magavau may vary according to district practices but the ceremony always ends with food offerings to Bambaazon and merry making for the village folks.

The highlight of Pesta Kaamatan is the selection of the pageant queen or "Unduk Ngadau" which can be literally translated as "Zenith of the Sun". It conceptually derives from the sacrifice of Huminodun. The maiden who has the honour of being selected should bear semblance to Huminodun and will represent all that is virtuous in the revered Huminodun.

2007-05-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sabah Weather Forecast

Sabah has an equatorial climate. Temperatures rarely rise above 32°C (90°F) except on exceptionally hot days, and along the coastal areas rarely drop below 20°C (68°F) at night.

In the interior and at higher altitudes it can get quite cold at night. Relative humidity is usually 85-95 per cent.

Rainfall is common throughout the year, and varies from about 150 cm (60 inches) to over 450 cm (180 inches) per year. In most parts of Sabah the wetter period occurs during the North East Monsoon from October to February and the drier season during the South West Monsoon from March to September but often there is no really sharp division between the two. It is sufficient to say that on the whole, sunny blue skies are the norm but when it rains, the heavens open. Click here for more on Sabah's climate.

Living in a tropical climate, we dress very informally (e.g. lightweight linens & cottons, T-shirts, shorts, jeans). For dinners and night spots, smart casual wear is the norm.

Transportation Services

Getting around in Sabah is easy. Depending on the destinations that you wish to visit, different modes of transport are available such as:-

CAR RENTALS

Car rentals are easily available in Kota Kinabalu City, and in major towns. The best point to hire a car is from Kota Kinabalu. Types of vehicles available range broadly from basic sub compact sedans to vans and coaches depending on your travel needs. To find out more on car rentals rates and availability, click here.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There are two types of public transport. One is the 'normal short distance' within the city or town limits and the other is the 'long distance' with taxis and busses/coaches. To travel by public transport is the most economical way to get to your destination in Sabah. The journey might take longer than by private transport, but you will be compensated by the scenic surrounding environment on the journey, and by the fact that you can mingle with the locals. To find out more about long distance taxi and bus stations in major towns and in the city, please click on the following links. You will be taken to a city map of the town, from where you can look up the taxi and bus stations in the legend section of the map. PDF maps can be downloaded if you wish to have a detailed map of the city and towns below.

lounge suits are acceptable for business meetings.

RAILWAY

There is only one railway which connects Kota Kinabalu with Tenom on the west coast of Sabah. As a matter of fact, it is the only railway in the whole of Borneo! Train services are still very basic in Sabah and are still confined to trains that were in service since the colonial period. This gives travellers an additional touch of nostalgia when taking the West Coast tours of Sabah, where you could stop by small towns and enjoy the scenic environment at your own pace. The towns along the west coast, like Membakut, Papar, Bongawan, Beaufort and Tenom, have retained much of their rural charm ever since the colonial period. The journey by train from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom takes between five and six hours. There are two daily departures.

The route from Beaufort to Tenom is especially exciting as the train travels through a tunnel of forests and along the Padas Gorge cutting through the Crocker Range. This is a standard journey for travellers taking the white water rafting adventure tour on the Padas River. Let yourself be inspired by that journey.

The ultimate nostalgic train experience is the North Borneo Railway, which has recently been revamped and now operates a 90-ton Mid-Century steam train: "The Vulcan" takes now again visitors along the west from Kota Kinabalu to Papar, and back. This train, which leaves on schedule every Wednesday and Saturday, is very popular amongst tourists, so please be sure to make early reservations.

BOATS AND FERRIES

Island destinations such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TAR), Turtle Island Park, Sipadan, Langkayan, Kapalai, Mabul, Pulau Tiga, and Labuan are accessible by ferry services. To find out more please click on the maps above for exact location of the ferry terminals. Some destinations require pre arrangements for ferry services. This includes islands such as Pulau Tiga (from Kuala Penyu), Turtle Islands from Sandakan Town, Mengalum and Mantanani. Layang-Layang Island is only accessible via air. Labuan Island is also accessible by ferry from Kota Kinabalu city and from Menumbok town near Kuala Penyu and the Klias region. From Kota Kinabalu, there are two ferry departures to Labuan daily. The journey takes 3 hrs and costs around US$10 for a return trip.

Ferries to TAR leave from the newly upgraded Kota Kinabalu City Ferry Terminal near the Sabah Ports Authority and the Marine Police Jetty. There is no schedule and you can hop on and off anytime you like. Fares ranges from US$2.50 to US$4.00 per person and you can bargain. At the City Ferry Terminal you have to pay a port tax. Ferry operators will be happy to assist you, but please ensure that you only board licensed boats with proper insurance, and make sure you wear a life vest as it is required by the Marine Department (licensed boat operators have life vests and will require that you wear them). The exact location of the ferry terminal is B1 on the KK City Map.

MARINAS

For seafarers and sailors, there are marinas available around Sabah. The most prestigious is the Sutera Harbour Marina, located in the Sutera Harbour Resort complex in the south of the city. Other places to berth at Kota Kinabalu include the Tanjung Aru Marina, located at the Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort, and the Kota Kinabalu Yacht Club. Many sailors just berth in front of the city near the Waterfront Esplanade.

More marinas around Sabah: Sandakan: Sandakan Yacht Club; Tawau: Tawau Yacht Club; Kudat: Kudat Marina & Golf Club. Labuan Island has another world class marina at the Labuan Waterfront Hotel. For major repairs, three boat yards are available in Kuala Penyu, Labuan and Kudat.

AIR

Most major towns in Sabah have airports for domestic travel. Heli-charter is available from Sabah Air in Kota Kinabalu to some destinations on the islands, and also to Kundasang at the foot of Mt Kinabalu. Helicopter sightseeing is getting more popular, and are reasonably priced. The Layang-Layang Island is only accessible by air. Planes to this haven for divers depart from the Old Airport Terminal, much like the direct flights to Mulu National Park in Sarawak. Please refer to the Kota Kinabalu city map for exact location of the old airport.

2007-05-04T04:58:00.000-07:00

Wildlife Of Sabah

LIKE THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE, WILDLIFE VIEWING MAY BE HARD WORK BUT THE REWARDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS

ONE OF THE RICHEST AND MOST DIVERSE COLLECTION OF ANIMAL LIFE on this planet lives in Sabah. Yet, because most of it dwells in the dense rainforest, it is difficult to see – unlike the great herds of the African savannah – wildlife viewing is considered more like a gift than a given for travellers entering the state’s wild places.

All of Borneo’s 222 mammals are originally forest dwellers, linked in a complex web of relationships to the plant-life of the forest, an indication of how important the rainforest is for their survival, guaranteeing not only their habitat but their livelihood. Over half of Sabah is forested, most of it as forest reserves with the remainder in parks and wildlife reserves and other protected areas, totaling 5,270 square kilometers. This park system, linked to a forward-thinking, eco-tourism policy, ensures that Sabah’s varied eco-systems and its wildlife can not only survive but can also be visited and appreciated with a minimum of disturbance.

Secretive, endangered animals like the Sumatran rhino are rarely sighted even by long-term researchers, and Asian elephants with their legendary hearing will seldom reveal themselves: even a spotting of their footprints or their dung is a thrilling sight. But not all of Sabah’s creatures are as difficult to hear or see. To maximise your chances, visit during the fruiting and flowering season (March-October), and avoid the heat of the day, just like the animals – early morning and late afternoon are best.

The following alphabetical checklist of Sabah’s major parks, conservation areas and reserves gives an indication of the huge variety of wildlife that Malaysia’s most ecologically varied state has to offer.

Crocker Range National Park Vast mountain range in western Sabah. Good for bird watching such as the golden-napped barbet, and many more rarities. Likely wildlife sightings include mountain squirrels and mountain tree shrews, rarer sightings include orang-utans, the ferret badger and Hose’s civet.

Danum Valley Conservation Area and protected forest region in the southeast. Supports impressive animal life including 124 species of mammals, such as Asian elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, wild cattle, sun bears and clouded leopards. Excellent bird watching including all hornbill species in Borneo!

Kinabalu Park The Kinabalu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mountainous region with a huge range of different altitudinal eco-systems. World famous for bird watching: so far 326 species (33 endemic) have been recorded, representing more than 50% of all bird-species in Borneo. Specialities include the Kinabalu serpent eagle, the Kinabalu friendly warbler, the crimson-breasted wood partridge and the Borneon mountain whistler. Some more impressive figures: 90 species lowland mammals; 22 species montane mammals; 61 frog and toad species; some 200 species of butterfly have been recorded plus 112 ‘macro’ moth species that can be found at 2000m and above; and 40 species of fish (representing 9 families). And the plant life is no less impressive: in the Kinabalu National Park are represented 5,000 – 6,000 species of vascular plants, comprising of over 200 families and 1,000 genera: 1,000 orchid species, including five species of slipper orchids; 608 fern species; 9 Nepenthes species (pitcher-plants, including 4 endemic species); 24 Rhododendron species (5 species are endemic to Kinabalu); 78 Ficus species (over 50% of the 135 species found in Borneo); 52 palm species; 6 bamboo species and over 30 ginger species

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Vast, riverine floodplain in the northeast. Good chances to see proboscis monkeys, leaf monkeys, crab eating macaques, mud-skipper “walking” fish and estuarine crocodiles. With some luck and during the right seasons visitors can spot Asian elephants, Borneon gibbons, otters, monitor lizards and deer. Rare sightings of orang-utans, Malayan sun bears, clouded leopard and smaller wild cats. Bird watching is spectacular. Hornbills, including the rare wrinkled and helmeted varieties, endangered Sunda ground cuckoos, as well as kingfishers, Brahminy kites, Raffles malkohas, and red-crowned barbets.

Pulau Layang-Layang Coral-reef island 300 kilometres northwest of Kota Kinabalu. Excellent opportunities for viewing big fish like Napoleon wrasse, manta-ray, giant humphead wrasse, hawksbill turtles, and white tipped and hammerhead sharks.

Pulau Tiga Park Marine national park comprising three islands off the west coast of Sabah. Most famous for its megapode birds on the main island, and for "Snake Island" with its large (over 800) population of sea snakes (yellow-lipped-sea-kraits).

Klias Wetlands An area of mangrove forest reserves with wildlife such as proboscis Monkeys, gibbons, crocodiles, water birds and a superb display of glowing fire flies at night. Watch also bats rule the skies at dawn as they swarm out to look for food.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary World-famed facility in the Kaibili-Sepilok Forest Reserve outside Sandakan. Rehabilitates orang-utans confiscated from captivity or displaced by forest clearance.

Sipadan and the Semporna Islands marine and islands’ park in the southeast. Excellent opportunities to see a wide range of fishes.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve Haven for large endangered mammals in the southeast. Set up to protect Asian elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros and Asian wild cattle.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Marine and islands’ park off the shores of Kota Kinabalu City. Marine wildlife sightings include whale sharks. Very popular week-end destination for locals.

Turtle Island Marine Park A group of three islands off the northeast coast. Famous for green and hawksbill turtles, and observing hatchery procedures.

Ulu Padas and Long Pasia Mountainous region of montane and heath forests in the far southeast corner. Great for bird watching. Not well known for wildlife, but leopard cats have been sighted.

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Tamu Besar Kota Belud

Kota Belud situated 70 km northeast of Kota Kinabalu is about an hour drive by car. Known as the "Land of the Cowboys of the East", it is one of Sabah's most scenic and culturally rich districts. A melting pot of cultures and customs with a blend of the largely Muslim Bajau community and the many tribes of the Kadazandusun and the Irranun, Kota Belud has played a significant role as the cultural hub of northern Borneo for many centuries. To this day, the Kota Belud tamu (Sunday open market) has continued to maintain its role as a venue for the people of the various communities to meet and trade.

The best time to view Kota Belud's striking cultural potpourri is during the grand Tamu Besar. It is Sabah's biggest open-air market where farmers, fishermen and vendors offer their best produce and wares for sale to the public. The grand Tamu Besar is an annual event.

The event showcases the unique customs and traditions of the Bajau community. During this auspicious occasion, all the tribes will come out fully donned in their respective traditional costumes for three days of cultural extravaganza. The Bajaus will stage a grand parade of ponies in resplendent costume dresses and perform a spirited display of their riding skills. Besides the normal buying and selling, other organized activities include a display of farm produce and animals.

Visitors will definitely find Kota Belud's diversity of traditional costume displayed, dance, music and ceremonies a unique cultural experience, which renders an excellent attraction for those who come from other communities or live in the fast lane of city life.

Kiulu 4M Challenge

Kiulu is located about 60 km from Kota Kinabalu and is the venue for this traditional sporting challenge. The Kiulu 4M Challenge consists of four traditional sports. The ‘M' in 4M stands for the four Kadazandusun sports comprising of managkus (running 6 km), mamangkar (bamboo rafting for 5 km), manampatau (swimming with bamboo for 1.3 lm) and mamarampanau (walking with bamboo stilts for 0.2 km). All four are indigenous, adventurous and thrilling events that will test your physical and mental skills.

Besides being a sport event, the K4MC is also a noble endeavor to protect and preserve nature, in particular the Kiulu River. Among the objectives of the challenge are to promote traditional sports as an eco-tourism product of Kiulu to create opportunities for active local participation in the tourism industry and instill environmental awareness among the community.

Organizer of the one-day event have also introduced a new category called X-treme 4KMC for men above 21 years old only which involves running and bamboo rafting over a distance of 13 km.

Pesta Rumbia

Kuala Penyu, approximately 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu city celebrates this special event every year. Rumbia or sago comes from the family of palmae. It is mostly found in Kuala Penyu and the surrounding districts of Beaufort and Papar. The starch or sago that is rich in carbohydrate is an alternative staple food for the Bisayas and Kadazan (Dusun Tatana) people and is locally known as "ambuyut".

No part of the sago palm is discarded. The locals use the leaves as roofing materials and the branches (known locally as kumbar) for making their house's walls. Floor mats and baskets are just some examples of things made entirely from the plant.
A rumbia information center is located at Kampung Kasugira in Kuala Penyu and it also provides displays of sago and its uses, handicrafts as well as demonstrations of sago delicacies.

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The Festival: Pesta Ka'amatan

Sabah's indigenous peoples celebrate their colourful past and present in festivals of music, dance and food that are uniquely theirs. All the major religions of the world are practiced here and this blend of religious and cultural celebrations mixes so brilliantly to create an atmosphere of harmony and unity with an unmistakable Sabah flavour and charm.

Pesta Kaamatan

Most native Sabahans consider rice to be more important than just the main staple food. There is a certain sacredness attached to it, for it is a food given to them by Kinoingan, the Almighty Creator so that his people should never want for food. He sacrificed His only daughter- Huminodun and from her body parts, padi (rice) grew. This was Kinoingan's ultimate act of benevolence and to this day, His people repay the deed by conducting various ceremonies to honour Bambaazon, the spirit of Huminodun as embodied in rice.

The most well-known of these is Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival which begins on the first of May and celebrated throughout Sabah. Of major importance to this thanksgiving ceremony is the Magavau - a ritual to invite Bambaazon to the Pesta and is conducted only by the Bobohizan or high priestess. Festivities cannot proceed without the presence of Bambaazon and it is through Magavau that the Rice Spirit is invoked.

In the past, Magavau was conducted in the padi fields on the first full moon night after the harvest. A party of Bobohizan led by the foremost senior, would weave a slow procession through the fields chanting prayers to Bambaazon. A male warrior would walk ahead of this group waving a sword in the air, to ward off any evil that might try to disrupt the ritual. The food offered must be of the best quality. When the spirits come, only the Bobohizan will be able to feel their presence. The spirits will find, neatly laid out for them on banana leaves, the choicest chicken meat, eggs, betel leaves and pinang (areca nut), tobacco and kirai ("rollie"). The finest tapai or rice wine is offered to the spirits.

A second offering arranged in a winnowing tray is placed on a specially built bamboo platform. This is for the spirits to bring back to the spirit world to feed those creatures that would otherwise feed off the padi. Pesta Kaamatan around the state culminates in the state level celebrations on May 30 and 31 every year with Magavau being enacted indoors before the celebrations begin.

Regatta Lepa Semporna

The Sabah East Coast Bajau community has a unique lifestyle. In their dialect, lepa means "boat". The lepa is usually made of Ubar Suluk or Red Seraya wood. The lepa is a cultural legacy inherited by the people from many generations ago. The existence of lepa is believed to originate from the fishing community who live in Bum Bum Island and used by the Pa'alau people along the coast of Semporna.

The Regatta Lepa has been celebrated every year since 1994 to commemorate the Bajau tradition of building these splendid boats. Semporna comes to life as the colourful sails take to the sea to compete for the prize of the most beautiful lepa. This is judged based on its decoration, local ethnic music and dances performed on board, sambulayang (sails) and tapis-tapis (small flags).

Other attractions include sea sports such as rowboat, sailing and kelleh-kelleh (small dugout boat) competitions, lepa tug of war, children swimming and duck catching competition. A colorful cultural night performance put on by this community is certainly not to be missed.

Visit Semporna and witness this spectacular annual event of the Bajau community in Sabah!

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The Bajau

The Kota Belud Bajau Horseman are the famous Cowboys of the East. During special occasions, the Bajau Horseman wears a black, sometimes white, long-sleeved shirt called badu sampit. Smart, gold buttons betawi run down the front opening and the shirt is also decorated with silver flowers called intiras.

The trousers are more tight-fitting than the bajau bridegroom's seluar sama. The horseman's seluar sampit is balck, and both the shirt and trousers have gold lace trimmings sewn on. He also wears a headpiece podong similar to the Bajau bridegroom's.

The Bajau horseman wears a silver-hilted dagger karis at his side. The sheath is made of wood and silver. He also carries a spear bujak and a shipping crop pasut.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Bajau horseman is his horse, or rather pony. It has its own costume and is more gaily dressed than the rider. The ourfit kain kuda almost completely covers the pony except for holes for the eyes and nose. This cloth is tied around the pony's legs to keep it in place.

The saddle sila-sila is not like the cowboy saddles of the West but rather a smaller piece of buffalo hide so shaped to fit the pony's back. A thick piece of cloth lapik is placed under the sila-sila.

Antique brass bells seriau, colourful reins tingalu and bridle kakang all make for a very festive pony costume। In all their finery, both ride and pony become quite an attraction.

The Rungus

The Rungus living in the Kudat district are known to have maintained their ancient traditions to this day. Even the traditional ladies costume has not many changes made to it. Some of the women still wear costumes made from cloth processed form hand-grown and hand-spun cotton.

The design of the Rungus costume is simple. A black cloth with little hand-stitched patterns worn from the chest to the waist becomes the blouse (banat tondu) and the skirt is a knee-length sarong (tapi rinugading) of the same material. Another length of black cloth, about 28-30 cms. Wide is slipped over the head and it rests on the shoulders draped over the arms like sleeves.

What makes this outfit very interesting is the belts and necklaces that go with it. Little brass rings and antique beads looped through thin strands of stripped bark (togung) becomes a wide and colourful hipband called orot. To wear this, the orot is slowly and carefully coiled around the hip. Then a last string of beads (lobokon) is hung loosely from the coil. The orot is hand made by the Rungus men as the technique is known only to them.

The Rungus are also well-known for their beadwork and the costume shows off some of their finest. Two shoulders bands (pinakol), about 6 to 8 cms wide are aworn diagonally over each shoulder and cross over in front. The bead-work often tell a story and this one in particular tells of a man going spear-hunting for a riverine creature. Usually the pattern must follow ancient designs when worn with this costume.

Long antique bed necklace (sandang) are also worn diagonally over the shoulders. These necklaces often include ivory-white discs, obtained from the shell of the kima (tridachna gigas) as well as animal bones.

Several necklaces of reddish-brown glass beads and the chocker-like suldau with the white kima as the centre-piece further adorn this costume. The large burambun and the smaller giring are antique brass bells that sound with the slightest movement.

The Rungus lady's hair is combed into a bun and a multi-coloured floral head-piece (titimbok) is worn. A thin band of beads strung together (sisingal) is tied around the forehead and then pieces of cloth sewn together in rows to form colorful pigtails (rampai) are tided at the nape.

This costume, with all the beads and belts, is worn during festivals। Rungus ritual specialist also wear the complete outfit when conducting rituals.

The Murut

Being one of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah, Murut comprise of subgroups such as Baukan, Gana', Kalabakan, Okolod, Paluan, Sulangai, Serudung, Tagal, Timugon and the Beaufort and Keningau Murut. Literally "Murut" means "hill people". They inhibit the interior and southeastern parts of Sabah and the territory straddling the Kalimantan and Sarawak borders. They are mostly shifting cultivators and hunters with some riverine fishing. Those of Murut origin speak 15 languages and 21 dialects. The language commonly used and understood by the large majority is Tanggal. Their language is also related to the Kadazandusun languages.

Once feared as fearless headhunters and longhouse dwellers, the Murut these days have abandoned much of their age-old traditions especially headhunting. They are also very skilled in hunting with blowpipe.

Customs & Beliefs

In the by-gone era, collecting heads of enemies served a very precise function in Murut society. A man can only get married after he has presented at least one head that he has hunted to the family of the desired girl. Heads also play a very important role in spiritual beliefs.

The essence of Murut tradition of feasts is distinctive. No merrymaking will end at least until sunrise and can last up to seven days later. This is especially the case with weddings or funerals. Through modernization, no more heads must be furnished for weddings but jars along with cloth, beads, gold and ivory bracelets have taken its place. All these dowry items will be proudly displayed at the ceremony. Jars or "sampa" holds a prominent status in their customs. The Murut know the age of sampa and treat them will due respect. Jars are also a place of spirits. Beads play an integral role in Murut life. Wedding beads must be presented in the form of belts, necklaces, headgear and decoration. The wedding ceremony must be held in the bride's longhouse, tapai or rice wine must be served and all the meat has to be pickled.

The Murut keep the bodies of their deceased in a jar and place them in colourful and elaborately decorated grave-huts along with the deceased's belongings. The body will be placed in the foetal position inside the jar and a gong will be placed over the mouth of the jar to close it. However this custom of burial is becoming rare with the availability of wooden coffins.