Asia Beauty Spot – Asia Scenery

Sabah’s population is heterogeneous and culturally diverse, with more than 32 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.

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.

Dusun – The largest ethnic group in Sabah is the Dusunic family with 14 distinct languages make up one-third of the populations and occupying most of the west coast and interior region of the state. This family includes the Kadazan, Kuijau, Lotud and Rungus. Overall, this group of includes the communities which live along lowland rivers and on plains, and up through steep hill on the southern slopes of Mount Kinabalu. In memory of the great Kadazan worrier and headhunter, the village where Monsopiad lived is a historical site and the only Kadazan Culture village in Sabah. The Rungus people of the northern part of Sabah are unique within the Dusun-Kadazan group, Traditionally, the Rungus people live in longhouses built on stilts, but the shift to modern-day living has meant that the sight of such longhouses are getting more rare. In Kg. Bavanggazo near Tinangol in the Kudat district, you can still experience this fascinating communal lifestyle in a purpose-built longhouse constructed entirely of traditional materials but with added modern comforts like toilets and showers.

Murut – The Murutic people Family which contains 12 languages. Murut means ‘hill people” and they rarely use Murut as reference to themselves. Instead, they go by their individual tribal names, like Timugon, Gana, Nabai and Tagal/Sumanbu. They live in the hilly southwestern region of Sabah. They are renowned as hunters and even today, it is rare to see a Murut on foot without several hunting dogs in tow. They are mostly shifting cultivators, river fishermen, and any hunting done these days is restricted to blowpiping four-legged creatures only. Once longhouse dwellers, most Murut have adopted modern housing, but they still retain one important element of the longhouse in the village Balai Raya (community hall): the lansaran, an ingenious wooden trampoline that adds a very special touch to Murut celebrations.

Bajau – The Bajau, originally from the Philippines, sailed across the Sulu Sea to settle along the coasts of Sabah. On the west, the Bajau of Kota Belud is famous for their colourful costumes, and their skills as horsemen. One can meet up with the Bajau on the weekly market, or Tamu at Kota Belud, where they trade water buffaloes (essential for work in the irrigated paddy fields), cattle and horses. The Bajau’s skill as riders has led to their nickname, Cowboys of the East. Another group of Bajau, who speak a different dialect, settled on Sabah’s east coast, especially around Semporna. These Bajau Laut or Sea Gypsies were persuaded to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle only recently. Traditionally, they live on the lipa-lipa boats and only come to the shore for water, fire wood and to bury their dead.
The east coast Bajau and other traditional fishing folks such as the Suluk and Tausug, celebrate their colourful past each year in Semporna’s Lipa-Lipa Festival, when gaily decorated boats take part in races, and where other traditional games and dances are performed.