Celebrate the Kaamatan Festival with us from May 29th to 31st, 2024. This joyous event honors the rich culture and traditions of the Kadazan Dusun community.
Our exclusive menu features traditional Kadazan Dusun dishes, prepared to delight your taste buds every evening. Enjoy Butod, Hinava, Linopot, and rice wine like Lihing and Tapai.
Show off your vocal talents or cheer for your favorite contestants in our exciting singing competition. Experience the magic of the Sugandoi Kaamatan, where voices soar in the Kadazan-Dusun language.
Experience the beauty and grace of traditional Kadazan Dusun dances each night. Witness the rhythmic beats of the Sumazau dance and the Bamboo dance, connecting you with the spirit of the festival.
Join us and immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration!
Wondering what to expect? Here's a quick glance:
The Kaamatan Festival is more than just a celebration; it's a way to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural heritage of Sabah's Kadazan-Dusun community. This annual event features heartfelt traditional rituals, energetic sports, enchanting performances, and tantalizing culinary experiences—ensuring a memorable three days for all attendees.
Join us at Mango Garden Restaurant to witness and partake in this unique festival that bridges tradition and modern celebrations. From traditional dances that echo with history to a delicious array of Kadazan-Dusun delicacies, Kaamatan is a feast for the senses.
The Kaamatan Festival, also known as the Harvest Festival, is a vibrant celebration rooted in the traditions of the Kadazan-Dusun community, the largest indigenous ethnic group in Sabah. Held annually on May 30th and 31st, this festival is a time of thanksgiving, where the community comes together to honor the rice spirit, known as Bambaazon or Bambarayon.
The heart of the Kaamatan Festival lies in its deep cultural significance. According to Kadazan-Dusun beliefs, Bambaazon is the spirit of the rice, embodying the essence of life and sustenance. The festival is a way for the community to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and show gratitude to Bambaazon for providing sustenance throughout the year.
Traditional Story: The tale of Kinoingan and Huminodun is central to the festival. Kinoingan, a deity, and his wife Suminundu sacrificed their daughter, Huminodun, to save their people from famine. Huminodun's body transformed into rice, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice and the birth of Bambaazon. This story is a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of life, nature, and community.
Kaamatan is not just about thanksgiving; it's a celebration of culture and tradition. The festival features a variety of cultural performances that showcase the rich heritage of the Kadazan-Dusun people.
Kaamatan is a time for the Kadazan-Dusun community to come together, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen communal bonds. It is a reminder of the importance of gratitude, unity, and the preservation of cultural traditions.
For more information on the Kaamatan Festival, you can refer to the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Facebook page or watch videos of the festival on TikTok.
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Kadazan-Dusun community with our special menu, crafted to delight your taste buds every evening for three nights. Our special drinks like Tumpung. Don't miss out on Losun, Tuhau,Tuhau is a traditional Kadazandusun condiment and delicacy from Sabah, Malaysia. It is made from the ginger-like rhizome of the Etlingera coccinea plant, which is native to Borneo. Tuhau has a strong and distinct aroma and flavor, somewhat similar to ginger or galangal but with its own unique characteristics, and Pinasakan
Show off your vocal talents or cheer for your favorite contestants in our exciting singing competition. Known as Sugandoi Kaamatan, this competition is a modern take on the traditional practice of Monugandoi, where songs of wit, poems, and praise were traded during the harvest season.
Participants will sing in the Kadazan-Dusun language, making it a unique cultural experience. Whether you're a contestant or a spectator, the energy and excitement will make this a highlight of your Kaamatan Festival experience.
Experience the beauty and grace of traditional Kadazan-Dusun dances performed live each night. The Sumazau dance is one of the most iconic dances you'll witness. Its graceful movements and rhythmic beats will leave you mesmerized.
Feel the rhythm and connect with the spirit of the festival by participating in the Bamboo dance, another traditional dance that requires agility and coordination. Our skilled instructors will guide you through the steps, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
Join us from May 29th to 31st, 2024, and immerse yourself in the joyous Kaamatan festival. Celebrate with us and create unforgettable memories!
The Kaamatan Festival is more than just a celebration; it's a showcase of traditional Kadazan-Dusun sports. These sports connect us to our cultural roots and bring communities together.
Here are some of the traditional sports you can look forward to:
These competitions are not just about winning; they are about celebrating our heritage and fostering a spirit of unity.
One of the most anticipated events of the Kaamatan Festival is the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant. This event holds deep cultural significance, as it honors Huminodun, the legendary figure who sacrificed herself to save her people from famine.
Unduk Ngadau translates to "the girl crowned by sunlight," and it symbolizes the beauty and virtue of Huminodun. Contestants from various districts compete in this pageant, showcasing their knowledge of the Kadazan-Dusun language and culture.
Each participant dresses in traditional costumes, reflecting their district's unique heritage. The pageant is not just about physical beauty; it celebrates the contestants' understanding of their cultural roots and their ability to represent their community with grace and dignity.
The winner of the Unduk Ngadau pageant becomes an ambassador for the Kadazan-Dusun community, promoting cultural awareness and unity. This event is a testament to the enduring legacy of Huminodun and the values she represents.
The festival also features traditional music and dances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The sound of gongs fills the air as dancers perform the Sumazau and Bamboo dances, captivating the audience with their rhythmic movements.
The Kaamatan Festival is a celebration of our past, present, and future. It brings people together, transcending cultural and religious differences, and uniting us in a shared appreciation of our heritage.
The Kaamatan Festival is a time of thanksgiving for the Kadazan-Dusun community. It honors the rice spirit, Bambaazon, and expresses gratitude for the bountiful harvest. This festival strengthens communal relationships and preserves the rich cultural heritage of Sabah.
The English translation of Pesta Kaamatan Sabah is Harvest Festival. It is a time to celebrate and give thanks for the harvest, showcasing the traditions and customs of the Kadazan-Dusun people.
The Kaamatan Festival is celebrated annually on May 30th and 31st. It is a state-wide celebration in Sabah, with various activities and events leading up to the grand finale.
At InSabah, we believe in offering more than just a vacation; we provide an immersive cultural experience. The Kaamatan Festival is a fantastic opportunity to dive deep into the rich traditions of the Kadazan-Dusun community. From traditional dances to delicious local dishes, this festival is a vibrant celebration of Sabah's cultural heritage.
Our eco-tourism initiatives ensure that your visit is not only enjoyable but also sustainable. We are committed to preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of Sabah while providing family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're joining us for the Kaamatan Festival or exploring other attractions like the Gems of Sandakan, we promise an unforgettable experience.
Join us in celebrating the Kaamatan Festival from May 29th to 31st, 2024, and create lasting memories while fostering a deeper connection with Sabah's unique cultural heritage. We can't wait to share this joyous occasion with you!
