May 2007 Volume 75

RM 1.00

Sabah Fest 2007

Giving Thanks:
Harvest Festival

INSIDE: Seafood Special, D’Bor Neobayu Spa, Slagon Homestay & many more!
 Contents
ADVISOR YBhg. Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin

EDITOR Melissa Leong

DESIGNER Trevor Thomson Lam C.W.

PUBLISHER Sabah Tourism Board

51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

TRANSLATORS Chin Yen Sang (Chinese)

Rie Harada (Japanese) 2 Calendar of Events
Emzee Lee (Korean) Cover photo by Lim Sheng Haw, © Sabah Tourism Board

DESIGNED & PRINTED BY 3 Happenings & Highlights

Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd
(Publisher of The New Sabah Times)
Sabah Fest
Jalan Pusat Pembangunan Masyarakat, Sembulan
Crafts Exotica
88100 Kota Kinabalu
Patterns & Colours of Sabah
Ever y ef for t has been made to ensure that the information is
correct at the time of publication. The publisher cannot be held Sabah World Museum Day
responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions and alterations which
may occur as a result of last minute changes. No par t of this
Harvest Festival - Grand Finale & District dates
magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of
the Sabah Tourism Board.
6 Eating Out

Editorial 7
Seafood Special

Spa Essentials
Neobayu Spa

P
esorongkam , which means
welcome in Bajau, to all our
readers. The month of May is 8 Places of Interest
truly an exciting one for us all in
Sabah and we are glad to welcome Slangon Homestay
friends from far and near to be a part
of this excitement.
10 Feature
For starters, the month-long Tadau Kaamatan - Giving Thanks
celebration of the Harvest Festival
(Tadau Ka’amatan) takes place in
May, a time of thanksgiving for a 12 Through The Lens
bountiful harvest among the
Kadazandusun community. The Faces of Sabah
festival culminates at the KDCA Hall
during the Grand Finale of the Tadau
Ka’amatan – an event full of 14 Culture
traditional rituals and merriment not The Gambus
to be missed. May is also the time to
catch the 2007 Sabah Fest. This updated with more upcoming events
spectacular cultural extravaganza so be sure to pick up a copy! 15 What’s New at Kadaiku
features an assemblage of Sabah’s
various ethnic groups under one roof, With all these events and more, Sabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts
celebrate through music, dance, Visit Malaysia Year 2007 is set to be
fashion, food and a display of action-packed and fun-filled to make
traditional craft. This year, the Sabah your holiday to the Land Below the 16 Bahasa Malaysia Section
Fest takes place over 2 days, May 3 Wind an unforgettable one. Selamat
and 4, at the Magellan Grand Datang once again to all and wishing
Ballroom. The show starts at 7:00pm you a pleasant stay. 18 Chinese Section
and the exhibition begins from
10:00am to 10:00pm. Don’t miss our
daily cultural shows at selected 20 Japanese Section
venues in conjunction with Sabah
Fest. Bring your family and friends to
enjoy this annual cultural event, the 22 Korean Section
biggest of its kind in Sabah.

As we approach the middle of the 24 Directory Listings

year, many more exciting events
await you. The month of June
promises to be a busy one with the 25 Sabah Map & Listings
Sabah Dragon Boat Race (June 17),
the Dama Orchestra concerts in General Manager of Sri
Sandakan (June 21) and Tawau (June Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. 26 KK Landmarks
23) Our publication will keep you Sitti B. Damsal
Tabin Wildlife Photo Hunt
May – July 2007
Kill nothing but time, shoot nothing but pictures in Tabin. This is a com-
petition open to all those who visit Tabin Wildlife Reserve between the
months of May to July this year. Participants are required to take pic-
tures of items of interest in Tabin during their stay and submit their photo
entries with creative captions to the organizer. Great prizes await the
winners.
Organisers: Tabin Wildlife Sdn Bhd
Intra Travel Service Sdn Bhd
For further info: Alixon Hoo
Tel: +60 88 260558, 262558 Fax: +60 88 267558
Email: enquiry@tabinwildlife.com.my
Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festival)
1 – 31 May 2007
Kaamatan is a tradition unique to Sabah where the Kadazandusun
communities offer thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. The festivak is
observed at district level before oncluding at the State Level in
Penampang. It is also the time the Harvest Queen or Unduk Ngadau is
selected. This is the best time to witness and experience the
fascinating Kadazandusun cultures.
Organiser: Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA)
For further info: Benedict Topin
Tel: +60 88 713696 Fax: +60 88 713350
Email: bovis@asia.com
Crafts Exotica
2 – 27 May 2007
This yearly event intends to ensure the sustainability of Sabah’s local
traditional arts and cultural endeavours. With a population of more than
30 different ethnic groups, Sabah has a wide variety of arts and cultur-
al handicrafts produced in the various districts. In the month of May, the
Sabah Museum will be holding crafts and arts demonstrations and clin-
ics at the Sabah Museum Heritage Village. The public will have a rare
opportunity to view and have true hands-on experience on some of
Sabah’s “Orang Sungai” or “River People” rare arts and crafts.
Organiser: Sabah Museum
For further info: Datuk Joseph Pounis Guntavid
Tel: +60 88 253199 Fax: +60 88 240230
Email: Muzium.Sabah@sabah.gov.my
Sabah Fest 2007 – Cultural Extravanganza
3 – 4 May 2007
Sabah’s most anticipated cultural event where ethnic groups in Sabah
dislay a rich and colourful generations-old cultures and traditions.
Sabah Fest is the prelude to the statewide celebration of Harvest
Festival. A unique assemblage of Sabah’s colourful cultures presented
through dance, music, crafts, fashion and food, which is a must-see for
all.
Organisers: Sabah Tourism Board
Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd
For further info: Susan Shahira
Tel: +60 88 212121, 232121 Fax: +60 88 212075, 265540
Patterns and Colours of Sabah
10 May – 4 June 2007
This annual exhibition features various art forms created, produced and
developed by the multi-ethnic communities in Sabah. Enthusiastic
craftsmen will show new samples of their intricate combinations of pat-
terns and colours that make Sabah unique.
Organiser: Sabah Art Gallery
For further info: Datuk Mohd. Yaman Hj. Ahmad Mus
Tel: +60 88 268875 Fax: +60 88 210040
Email: gallery_9@msn.com
Sabah International Fishing
Tournament 2007
10 – 13 May 2007
Sabah waters have one of the best sites for the challenge and excite-
ment of game fishing. The tournament not only promotes the sport, but
also hopes to encourage preservation, conservation and protection of
rich marine resources from exploitation.
Organiser: Sabah Angler’s Association
For further info: Albert Yong/ Richard Leong
Tel: +60 13 8586626, 019 8818015 Fax: +60 88 318051
Email: hangon@streamyx.com
Harvest Festival for Kota Kinabalu City
13 May 2007
The Kaamatan (harvest) festival is celebrated as a thanksgiving in
honour of the bambaazon (rice spirit) for a good harvest by the
Kadazandusun communities in Sabah. This is the city-level Kaamatan
celebration which include highlights such as the famous Harvest Beauty
pageant or the Unduk Ngadau, Sugandoi (singing) competition
featuring Kadazandusun songs, drinking of rice wine (lihing)
competition, local food tasting and many more. All are welcome to join
the city folks in the merriment, Sabahan-style!
Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall
For further info: Elizabeth Borubui
Tel: +60 88 521800 Fax: +60 88 316137
Email: elizabeth@dbkk.sabah.gov.my
Sabah World Museum Day 2007
18 – 23 May 2007
In conjunction with World Museum Day, the Sabah Museum will be
celebrating and hosting an open house on 18 May. An assortment of
traditional arts and cultural performances and demonstrations will be
held at the Sabah Museum Heritage Village and Sabah Museum
Complex’s premises. This year’s World Museum Day theme ‘Museums
and Universal Heritage’ focuses museums as a centre of propagating
and communicating the preservation and conservation of some of our
common heritage of humanity. This day recognizes us as an important
resource and entity as the prime mover and motivator in shaping world
national cultures, economies and social entities. Special interactive
cultural and arts programmes and activities are set for all people to
experience, enjoy and learn. Bring your families to this event. Free
entrance on 18 May.
Organiser: Sabah Museum
For further info: Datuk Joseph Pounis Guntavid
Tel: +60 88 253199 Fax: +60 88 240230
Email: Muzium.Sabah@sabah.gov.my
Harvest Festival (Sandakan)
19 May 2007
Everyone is invited to celebrate Sandakan’s Kaamatan (Harvest
Festival) that includes signature events such as the sugandoi (singing)
competition, colourful cultural performances and the Unduk Ngadau
(Beauty Queen) pageant. The winner will represent Sandakan for the
State Level contest which culminates at the Hongkod Koisaan Cultural
Building in Penampang on 31 May 2007.
Organiser: Sandakan Municipal Council
For further info: Catherin Chua
Tel: +60 89 275400, 229751 Fax: +60 89 222964
Email: Catherin.Chua
Harvest Festival Golf Tournament
20 May 2007
Held in conjunction with the Harvest Festival celebration month, the
tournament is open to men and ladies with a handicap index of 23.6 for
men and 35.2 for ladies.
Organiser: Sutera Harbour Golf Club
For further info: Communications Department
Tel: +60 88 318888 ext 3341
Fax: +60 88 303338
Email: communications@suteraharbour.com.my
Harvest Festival Regatta
26-27 May 2007
Held in conjunction with the Harvest Festival holiday season, sailing
enthusiasts from all over Borneo gather to celebrate this merry occasion
with a regatta.
Organiser: Kinabalu Yacht Club
For further info: Johnny Tan (Vice Commodore)
Tel: +6088-268875
Fax:+6088-243007
E-mail: kyctaru1@streamyx.com
Grand Finale –
Tadau Kaamatan Celebrations
30 – 31 May 2007
A celebration by the largest ethnic group in Sabah – the Kadazandusun
and Murut communities. Held annually to give thanks for a bountiful
harvest of rice, this event culminates at the State level in the district of
Penampang. Here, visitors can witness and experience the
Kadazandusun culture at its grandest scale. Join the local folks sing,
dance, eat and play traditional games! This is also the time the Harvest
Queen (or Unduk Ngadau) is selected.
Organiser: Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA)
For further info: Benedict Topin
Tel: +60 88 713696 Fax: +60 88 713350
Email: bovis@asia.com
Happenings & Highlights 3
Sabah Fest 2007, 3 & 4 May 2007
abah’s cultural extravaganza is back! This year, the much-anticipated

S Sabah Fest will be held over two days at the Magellan Grand Ballroom,
Kota Kinabalu, with the Grand Launch on 4 May. The show celebrates
Sabah’s melting pot of cultures through a display of dance, music, handicrafts,
fashion and food. See how age-old customs and rituals are still very much alive in
today’s society, passed down from generation to generation. Visitors can browse
through the various exhibition booths set up outside the ballroom between 10:00
am and 10:00 pm. See craftspeople at work and marvel at their exquisite prod-
ucts. Sample some of Sabah’s very own food and beverages and learn how
Sabah batik is made. Sabah Fest is undoubtedly one of the premiere events of the
year – a cultural fiesta that keeps you wanting more! Don’t miss the daily cultural
shows at selected venues:

Dates Time Venue

5 May 2007 10.00am – 10.30am Sabah Museum
1.00pm – 1.30pm Palm Square, Centre Point Sabah
1.00pm – 1.30pm Wawasan Plaza
7.00pm – 7.30pm Jesselton Point
7.30pm – 8.00pm Warisan Square
6 May 2007 10.00am – 10.30am Sabah Museum
1.00pm – 1.30pm Karamunsing Complex
1.00pm – 1.30pm Warisan Square
7.00pm – 7.30pm Jesselton Point
7 May 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Centre Point Sabah
8 May 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Wawasan Plaza
9 May 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Karamunsing Complex
10 May 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Warisan Square
11 May 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Palm Square, Centre Point Sabah

The cultural show on 3 & 4 May begins at 7:00 pm. For more information
and ticket enquiries, please contact Sabah Tourism Board at 088-212121 or
Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. at 088-232121.
E-mail: shahira@sabahtourism.com or visit www.sabahtourism.com/events
©Sabah Tourism

Crafts Exotica, 2–27 May 2007

his month, be sure to visit the Sabah Museum experience in creating the traditional craft of the

T Heritage Village to discover the fascinating

history, use and production techniques of
Sabah’s many crafts. From hand-carved musical
instruments to rattan baskets, the exhibition will
highlight a myriad of cultural handicrafts from various
districts. Visitors can also have a hands-on
Orang Sungai people of Sabah.
Sabah Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to
5:00 pm. Entrance fees apply.
For more information, please contact the Sabah
Museum at 088-253199 or fax 088-240230. E-mail
Muzium.Sabah@sabah.gov.my
4 Happenings & Highlights

Sabah International Fishing

Tournament 2007
10–13 May

©Sabah Tourism
hip out that hook, line and sinker for this year’s

W Sabah International Fishing Tournament! With the

theme 'Save Our Seas', this year’s tournament will
see top anglers from around the State and beyond competing
for the catch of the day. Participants can compete as a team
or individually, with exciting prizes to be won. Registration and
briefing will take place on 10 May at the Sutera Harbour
Marina Golf & Country Club and anglers depart from the
Sutera Harbour Marina the next day. International Game Fish
Association (IGFA) Rules apply.
For more information, please contact Tan (019 831 6963),
Lu Tzie Lin (016 845 5554), Richard Leong (019 881 8015)
or Albert Leong (014 865 1060) of the Sabah Anglers
Association or the Sutera Harbour Marina office at
088-308 128. Entry forms are also available at Sabah
Tourism Board and Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd.
offices. E-mail hangon@streamyx.com

Patterns and Colours of Sabah

10 May–4 June 2007
he patterns and colours of Sabah are immortalized

T during this art exhibition held at the Sabah Art Gallery.

The exhibit will highlight various art forms created and
developed by the various ethnic communities of Sabah. Come
and see some of Sabah’s top talents pay tribute to the beauty
of their homeland through their masterpieces.
The Sabah Art Gallery is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00
pm. Entrance fees apply.
For more information, please contact the Gallery at
088-268798 / 268806 / 268875 or e-mail
gallery_9@msn.com. Visit the website at
http://www.sabah.gov.my/artgallery/
Happenings & Highlights 5
Grand Finale – Tadau Kaamatan Celebrations, 30–31 May
s the month of thanksgiving draws to Membakut, Paitan

A an end, the Grand Finale of the

Harvest Festival or Tadau Kaamatan
takes place at the Hongkod Koisaan (KDCA
May 13 Kota Kinabalu City, Kota
Belud, Tanjung Aru, Sook
in Keningau
Hall) in Penampang. The Harvest Festival is May 16 Nabawan, Pagulungan
celebrated by the Kadazandusun and Murut May 17 Matunggong, Telupid,
communities each year to give thanks for a Kemabong
bountiful harvest. During the Grand Finale, May 19 Labuan, Sandakan,
the communities flock together in merriment, Putatan,Papar,
celebrating through a display of dance, song Menumbok,
and traditional games. The highlight of the Beaufort
celebration is none other than the crowning May 20 Pitas, Kota Marudu
of the Harvest Queen, also known as the May 21 Beluran
Unduk Ngadau. You can also visit various May 24 UITM Sepanggar,
districts to experience the Kaamatan Kota Kinabalu
festival: May 30 &31 Kadazandusun Hongkod
Koisaan (KDCA),
Dates Venue Penampang
May 1 Ranau (LaunchVenue)
May 2 Kunak, Lahad Datu, ** Dates are tentative and should be
Semporna, Kuala Penyu periodically verified with Benedict Topin
May 3 Tawau from KDCA at 088- 713696
May 5 Tambunan For more information, please contact
May 6 Keningau Benedict Topin of the Kadazandusun
May 8 Tuaran, Tamparuli, Kiulu Cultural Association (KDCA) at tel. no
May 10 Sipitang, Tongod 088-713696, fax no. 088-713350 or
May 12 Kinabatangan, Tenom, e-mail bovis@asia.com
©Sabah Tourism

Sabah World Museum Day

18–23 May
n conjunction with World Museum Day, Sabah Museum will

I be celebrating and hosting an ‘open house’ on 18 May with

free entrance for all visitors. This is a fantastic opportunity to
explore the many facets of the Sabah Museum, including the
sprawling Heritage Village which features various authentic
traditional houses found around Sabah. Other activities
include cultural performances
and an assortment of tradition-
al arts displays. This year’s
World Museum Day
theme ‘Museums and
Universal Heritage’
focuses on museums
as a centre for prop-
agating and commu-
nicating the preser-
vation and conser-
vation of some of
humanity's common
heritage.
The Sabah Museum
is open daily from
9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Entrance is free on 18
May. Entrance fees
apply on other days.
For more information,
please contact
the Museum at
088-253199 or e-mail
Muzium.Sabah@sabah.gov.my.
E a t i n g O u t • 6

ST eafood
Special
hink seafood, think Sabah! Fresh, abundant and
served to perfection ñ Sabahís seafood promises
nothing less than the best. From giant groupers to
juicy oysters, our seafood will tantalize even the
fussiest of tastebuds. For starters, some of the
freshest selection can be found in KKís popular
©Sabah Tourism

favourites, namely Ocean Seafood Restaurant (next to Promenade

Hotel, 088-264701) and Portview Seafood Restaurant (The
Waterfront, 088-242875) where diners can pick and choose their crabs,
shells, obsters and fish straight from the tank and onto their table! For
a floating dining experience, visit Kg. Nelayan Seafood Restaurant
(Taman Tun Fuad, 088-269992) and enjoy a nightly cultural
performance. The restaurant can cater large groups at a time and is a
popular pick for tour operators. A leisurely 25-minute drive from KK city
are the Gayang (088-229066)and Salut (088- 301300) seafood
restaurants (both located along Jalan Sulaman, Tuaran) famous for its
great value and generous portions. Their rustic ambience and breezy
atmosphere makes dining here a relaxing experience. If itís endless
choice you want, then head over to the line-up of seafood restaurants
found at the massive Sri Selera Kampung Air (behind the Golden
Screen Cinemas movie theatre) where you can dine al fresco. If fresh
crabs are your thing, find your way to Lintas Square, where you will find
Hong Kong Restaurant (088-254927) famed for their mouthwatering
crabs (served to your liking) and delectable butter prawns. At Tanjung
Aru Seafood Restaurant (First Beach Tanjung Aru, 088-246911),
diners can have their seafood in the ocean breeze while enjoying a
beautiful sunset. Also at First Beach Tanjung Aru is the nightly Beach
BBQ (088-246911) where you can select a platter of seafood and have
it grilled to your preference. Your meal is then served with a selection
of sauces. For a wide range of affordable seafood and plenty of
seating, swing by Garden Seafood Restaurant (Jalan Mat Salleh,
Tanjung Aru, 088-215555).
S p a E s s e n t i a l s • 7
’Bor Neobayu Spa is
D modestly tucked away in the
township of Luyang. In fact,
blink and you just might miss it.
However, this jewel of a spa is a
treasure worth discovering and I
was lucky enough to stumble upon
it.
The spa, also referred to
simply as Neobayu, offers a
combination of Western therapy
and the healing traditions of
Borneo, promising you a spa
experience out of this world. The
invigorating scent of lemongrass
(or sogumau as the Kadazandusun
call it) greets you as you walk
through their doors. I was
fascinated that this establishment
is personallymanaged by genuine
traditional healers of native
Borneo: a family with a long
tradition of indigenous healing
remedies and one of the first to
establish a traditional health centre
in Sabah back in the 1980s. ‘Auntie
Rose’, as she is fondly known,
stands at the helm of this family
business, having been an
accomplished massage practition-
er for over 30 years. It is a ‘gift’
handed down over generations in
their family, and today her children
are also involved in the art of
traditional healing and therapy.
Another important focus for
Neobayu is ensuring their
establishment is family-friendly.
While parents enjoy their
reatment, they can be assured
their children are in good hands. A
studio on the first floor provides
space for the children to enjoy a
myriad of activities organized by
the spa, from learning how the
sumazau (the traditional dance of
the Kadazandusun people) to
playing traditional games.
One of the must-tries of
Neobayu Spa is their Neobayu
Sirih Pinang treatment. This
package was awarded one of the
‘Best Traditional Treatment’ during
the inaugural Malaysia Spa &
Wellness Awards 2006, held in
Kuala Lumpur. Wondering what the
fuss was all about, I decided to
give it a try. A decision that turned
out to be the best three hours of
my life! The treatment begins with
a pinang body scrub, to get rid of
the dead skin cells and give you an
all-over smooth feeling. My
therapist, Bibiana, continuously
ensured that I was comfortable
throughout my session, which
made me feel I was in good hands.
The scrub was then washed away
in a warm shower and after I had
wrapped myself in a towel I was
treated to a menanggas steam with
local herbs and plants (lemongrass
and daing serih with pandan)
which get rid of toxins and calm the
nerves. After some 15 minutes, it
was time for my traditional
massage. Do not hesitate to let
your therapist know the amount of
pressure you prefer during your
massage – the session should be
enjoyable, not torturous! After
almost dozing off, Bibiana informed
me that the final part of the
treatment was the application of
the sirih mask. The mask is applied
all over the body and is believed to
give your skin a tighter and firmer
feel. After application, I was
‘wrapped’ for 10–15 minutes to
allow the mask to dry, after which I
had to wash it off with a warm rinse
in the shower. Not only did the
mask smell divine; it made my skin
ridiculously smooth! To conclude
the treatment, Bibiana applied a
warm lemongrass compress on my
shoulders and back to further
relieve any aches and pains.
Needless to say, I slept like a baby
that night.
Apart from this award-winning
treatment, there are plenty of other
signature treatments to choose
from. One treatment that caught
my eye was the ‘baby massage’, a
tender treat that proves you can
never be too young to enjoy your
first massage! Neobayu also offers
a wide variety of individually
tailored packages for their clients
and referrals to alternative or
complementary therapy acupunc-
ture, herbalists, chiropractors and
such) as they are registered with
the Ministry of Health and are
monitored by the Malaysian
Society for Complementary
Therapies (MSCT). Under these
strict guidelines, you can be sure
that Neobayu is a trusted
practitioner. Neobayu also offers
gift vouchers and can help
organize home and in-spa parties,
particularly popular among
executives and teenagers.
Open daily from 10 am to 10
pm. Neobayu is located at Lot
2, Wisma HCS, Jalan Kolam,
Luyang (same block as
Emperor Restaurant). The
journey by taxi from Kota
Kinabalu city takes
approximately 15 minutes. To
make an appointment, please
call 088-216648/217889, fax
088-254488 or e-mail
neobayu1@streamyx.com
8 P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t

Slagon
Homestay
By Cruzellyn E. Alex

I
magine waking up to lush greenery and cool country
breezes, with the sound of a stream running softly in the
background. Home away from home is what Slagon
Homestay is offering to anyone who steps onto its green
pastures.

Situated in Kampung Silou, Ranau, Slagon Homestay is about

two hours' scenic drive from KK City from which it is easily
accessible by road.
Owned by the warm and friendly Minudin family, Slagon
Homestay has 15 comfortable guest rooms (6 rooms with
air-conditioning and 9 rooms without air-conditioning). Delicious
home-cooked meals are also available at very reasonable prices.
Be pleasantly surprised by the newly built Sunsuyon, an open-
air structure which comfortably accommodates 70 people for
dinners or gatherings. A perfect place to gather with family and
friends for a BBQ or simply commune with nature. Seeing is
believing!
Among the activities available at Slagon Homestay are fishing,
mini jungle-trekking and fruit-hunting (there are loads of durian,
rambutan, mangosteen, tarap and starfruit trees, to name just a
few). Fruit season is usually from January till late March, although
sometimes if the trees are generous enough, they’ll even bear fruit
in August/September! And guess what? House guests get to eat
free-of-charge.
For golfer enthusiasts, Ranau Golf Club is just a 5-minute drive
from Slagon Homestay while fellow campers/ picnickers and river-
dipping lovers can hike their way up to Pialungan Park which is
about a 7-minute drive from Slagon Homestay along the new
Ranau-Tambunan road.
Peak period is from December till March as these are the times
when the Japanese come and stay for as long as 1–2 months to
escape Japan's cold winter.
So, for those of you who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of
the city, head out to Slagon Homestay and experience a
country stay like never before. Visit our website at
www.slagonhomestay.com or call us at 019-840 5211
(Cruz/Ceaser), 088-878187 (Homestay) or email us at
cruzellyn@yahoo.com for enquiries and bookings.
 10
Tadau Ka’amatan:
Gratitude, Reverence and Celebration
By Melissa Leong Photos by SH Lim, ©Sabah Tourism
ur plates were spotless after
“O every meal. To leave a single
grain of rice untouched was
utterly disrespectful,” I had heard my
grandmother once say. Many of us
underestimate the importance of rice,
particularly to the Kadazandusun
community. It is more than sustenance. For
generations, long days in the paddy fields
have been the livelihood of many families,
and rice embodies the trials and
tribulations of life. Above all, the spirit of
rice is revered and honoured and there is
no better time to witness this mystifying
ritual than during the Harvest Festival, also
known as Tadau Ka’amatan.
Sabah celebrates this annual festival
every May with complete grandeur. Each
district holds its own Ka’amatan
celebration, with the festival culminating
during the Grand Finale on 30 and 31 May
at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association
(KDCA) Hall. Despite all the merry-making
which takes place throughout the month in
various locations, the true essence of the
festival lies in the age-old beliefs and
rituals practiced to this very day.
The Kadazandusun believe that rice
has a spirit, which they refer to as
bambarayon or bambaazon. The rice spirit
lives in the paddy fields until the time of
harvest, when the spirit is invited to ‘move’
to the rice store in the barn. However,
before the harvest can begin, a female high
priestess, known as a bobohizan, must go
to the paddy fields and select seven of the
best rice stalks. These rice stalks are then
taken to a protected area while the rest of
the crop is harvested. When the harvest is
done, the seven stalks are presented to the
owner of the rice field, symbolizing the
homecoming of the rice spirit.
The magavau ceremony will then take
place. It is usually performed in the paddy
field on the night of the first full moon after
the harvest. This ceremony refers to the
gruelling task of searching and salvaging
‘lost’ or ‘strayed’ bambarayon/bambaazon,
which can happen when rice grains are not
handled properly or are disturbed by pests.
The ceremony is led by a male bobohizan
holding a sword. Behind him is a chain of
female bobohizans, who chant ritual
versus to summon home the missing
spirits. Each time a spirit is recovered, the
men will call out the pangkis, a shrill cry to
indicate triumph. Traditionally, this
ceremony can take place for hours and it is
important that throughout the ritual the
priestesses walk in a line with their hands
on the shoulders of the person in front of
them, forming a chain. This is to ensure
that nobody stumbles or strays from the
line, thus angering the spirits.
Another crowd-pulling event during the
Tadau Ka’amatan is the Harvest Queen
Pageant, better known as the Unduk
Ngadau. There is more to the pageant than
crowning the fairest of them all. The Unduk
Ngadau represents the sacrifice, beauty
and honour of Huminodun, the only
daughter of the almighty Creator,
Kinoingan who, according to legend, was
sacrificed to end a great famine. The story
goes that her flesh and blood gave life to
many of the crops we have today. They
believe her head gave rise to coconuts, her
flesh became rice, her teeth maize, her
blood red rice and her knees yams. Today,
the Harvest Queen Pageant is a grand
spectacle with beautiful maidens
representing the various districts in Sabah.
This is the best time to see the ladies don
authentic traditional costumes, each
district with its own unique style.
Tadau Ka’amatan is truly a time of mer-
riment, respect and, above all,
thanksgiving. To truly appreciate the
unique bond of the Sabahan people and
their pride in maintaining age old customs
and beliefs, come and celebrate the spirit
of Harvest Festival.
Feature • 11
12
Through the Lens
14 Culture

The
Gambus
T
he gambus (lute) is
one of the oldest
stringed musical
instruments made
by the Brunei-
Malay community
who reside in the West Coast district of Sabah. The
rhythmic beat of the gambus, kompang and other
instruments is synonymous with the joyous celebrations of
this Muslim community. Its hollow body of nangka (jackfruit)
wood has the bore covered with lizard or goat skin, and the
neck coated with a thin wooden veneer. Its three pairs of
brass or gut strings are traditionally plucked with the claw of
an ant-eater. The gambus is played mainly for personal
entertainment, and its music imitates rhythm of Malay dances
such as joget and zapin. This month during the Sabah Fest, witness
the best gambus players from around Sabah come together to bring
you the first ever Gambus Orchestra. They will be joined by Fauziah
Suhaili, from Bongawan. Fauziah won first place in the 2006 ambus
Fest (Pesta Gambus) female solo performance competition. A
musical performance not to be missed!
16 Bahasa Malaysia
Pesta Sabah 2007, 3 & 4 Mei 2007

©Sabah Tourism

esta kebudayaan Sabah kembali lagi! Tahun ini, Pesta Sabah yang

P sentiasa dinantikan akan diadakan selama dua hari di Magellan Grand

Ballroom, Kota Kinabalu, dengan Pelancaran secara besar-besaran pada
4 Mei. Acara ini mempamerkan pelbagai budaya di Sabah menerusi Kunjun
gi ©Sabah Tourism

persembahan tarian, muzik, kraftangan, fesyen dan makanan. Saksikan

bagaimana pakaian lama dan istiadat masih diamalkan dalam masyarakat hari
Menara Tun Mustapha
enara Tun Mustapha adalah salah satu kerja seni bina
ini.
Pelawat boleh mengunjungi pelbagai gerai pameran yang disediakan di luar
ballroom antara 10:00 pagi hingga 10:00 malam. Saksikan bagaimana ahli-ahli
pembuat kraftangan melakukan kerja mereka. Anda pasti kagum dengan
M
70-an.
terbaik di Sabah. Ia dibina menggunakan konsep dan
rekaan yang jauh melangkaui masanya pada tahun

Berdepan lautan biru Teluk Likas, menara ini boleh dilihat

keluaran barangan perhiasan mereka. Nikmati beberapa hidangan dan minuman
sepanjang 11.2 km menggunakan jalan tepi pantai yang indah.
Sabah dan pelajari bagaimana batik Sabah dihasilkan. Pesta Sabah merupakan Dari jauh, ia kelihatan seperti sebuah menara silinder tetapi
salah satu acara perdana tahun ini – salah satu pesta kebudayaan yang pasti hakikatnya menara ini kelihatan merupakan poligon dengan 72
akan memuaskan hati anda! Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk menyaksikan bahagian berdindingkan 2.160 panel kaca lantunan khas, yang
pertunjukkan kebudayaan setiap hari di tempat-tempat terpilih: boleh menahan angin kuat dengan kelajuan sehingga 272km
Tarikh Masa Tempat sejam.
5 Mei 2007 10.00am – 10.30am Muzium Sabah Bangunan tersebut merupakan ibu pejabat Yayasan Sabah
1.00pm – 1.30pm Palm Square, Centre Point Sabah dan disamakan dengan Taj Mahal moden. ‘Perubahan’ warna
bangunan itu bergantung kepada gerakan awan dan bayangan
1.00pm – 1.30pm Wawasan Plaza langit yang sentiasa berubah. Ia merupakan bangunan pejabat
7.00pm – 7.30pm Jesselton Point ‘tergantung’ keempat seumpamanya di dunia. Ia mengandungi
7.30pm – 8.00pm Warisan Square hanya satu kolum pusat tempat jejari aloi digantung. Ini adalah
6 Mei 2007 10.00am – 10.30am Muzium Sabah antara 96 batang aloi berketegangan tinggi yang boleh menam-
1.00pm – 1.30pm Kompleks Karamunsing pung sehingga 30 tingkat bangunan tersebut. Setiap tingkat
seberat hanya 500 tan manakala setiap daripada 96 kabel yang
1.00pm – 1.30pm Warisan Square menyokong lantai mampu menahan berat sehingga 100 tan
7.00pm – 7.30pm Jesselton Point setiap satu.
7 Mei 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Centre Point Sabah Ini bermakna strukturnya dibentuk daripada lantai yang
8 Mei 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Wawasan Plaza tergantung dari atas tunjang tengah, setiap daripadanya
9 Mei 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Kompleks Karamunsing bergantung kepada batang aloi yang kukuh. Batang aloi
dengan ketegangan tinggi ini, yang tebalnya satu inci
10 Mei 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Warisan Square setengah, membentuk bahagian penting bangunan ini. Ia
11 Mei 2007 1.00pm – 1.30pm Palm Square, Centre Point Sabah dilindungi dengan kawalan kebakaran yang memiliki kadar
kebakaran empat jam bagi membolehkan penghuni
Persembahan kebudayaan pada 3 & 4 Mei bermula pada pukul 7:00 malam. mengosongkan bangunan dalam masa empat jam sekiranya
Untuk maklumat lanjut dan pertanyaan tiket, sila hubungi Lembaga Pelancongan berlaku kebakaran. Bagaimanapun, hasil rekaan yang cekap,
Sabah di talian 088-212121 atau Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd penghuni-penghuni hanya memerlukan tidak lebih daripada 15
088-232121. E-mel shahira@sabahtourism.com atau kunjungi minit untuk mengosongkan bangunan sekiranya berlaku
www.sabahtourism.com/events kecemasan.
Bahasa Malaysia 17

Grand Finale - Perayaan Tadau Kaamatan, 30-31 Mei

engan bulan kesyukuran yang semakin menghampiri kita, Finale Akhir Pesta

D Menuai atau Tadau Kaamatan berlangsung di Hongkod Koisaan (Dewan KDCA)

di Penampang. Pesta Menuai diraikan oleh masyarakat Kadazandusun setiap
tahun sebagai tanda kesyukuran untuk hasil tuaian yang banyak. Pada Finale Akhir,
masyarakat ini akan untuk meraikan acara ini melalui persembahan tarian, lagu dan
permainan tradisional. Kemuncak acara adalah penabalan Ratu Menuai, juga dikenali
sebagai Unduk Ngadau. Anda juga boleh melawat daerah-daerah berikut untuk
menikmati perayaan Kaamatan:

Tarikh Tempat
1 Mei Ranau (Pelancaran Bulan Ka’amatan)
2 Mei Kunak, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kuala Penyu
3 Mei Tawau
5 Mei Tambunan
©Sabah Tourism 6 Mei Keningau
8 Mei Tuaran, Tamparuli, Kiulu
10 Mei Sipitang, Tongod
12 Mei Kinabatangan, Tenom, Membakut, Paitan
13 Mei Kota Kinabalu City, Kota Belud, Tanjung Aru, Sook di Keningau
16 Mei Nabawan, Pagulungan
17 Mei Matunggong, Telupid, Kemabong
19 Mei Labuan, Sandakan, Putatan, Papar, Menumbok, Beaufort
20 Mei Pitas, Kota Marudu
21 Mei Beluran
24 Mei UITM Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu
30 &31 Mei Kadazandusun Hongkod Koisaan (KDCA), Penampang
**Tarikh tidak muktamad dan perlu disahkan dengan Benedict Topin dari KDCA di tal-
ian 088-713696.
Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Benedict Topin dari Persatuan Kebudayaan
Kadazandusun (KDCA) di talian 088-713696, no. faks 713696 atau e-mel:l
©Sabah Tourism bovis@asia.com

Hari Muzium Sedunia Sabah, 18–23Mei

ersempena dengan Hari Muzium Sedunia, Muzium Sabah akan

B menganjurkan ‘rumah terbuka’ pada 18 Mei. Masuk adalah

percuma buat semua pelawat. Ini merupakan peluang hebat untuk
menjelajah pelbagai sudut di Muzium Sabah, termasuk
Perkampuangan Warisan yang mengetengahkan rumah-rumah
tradisional yang ditemui di seluruh Sabah. Aktiviti-aktiviti lain termasuk
persembahan kebudayaan dan seni tradisional. Tahun ini tema Hari
Muzium Sedunia ialah ‘Muzium dan Warisan Universal’. Tumpuan
adalah kepada menumpukan kepada muzium sebagai pusat
penyebaran maklumat dan menghubungkan pemeliharaan dan
penjagaan warisan kemanusiaan.
Muzium Sabah dibuka setiap hari dari pukul 9:00 pagi sehing-
ga 5:00 petang. Masuk adalah percuma pada 18 mei. Bayaran
kemasukan dikenakan pada hari lain. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila
hubungi pihak muzium di talian 088-253199 atau e-mel
Muzium.Sabah@sabah.gov.my
1 8 C h i n e s e

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism
C h i n e s e 1 9

©Sabah Tourism
20 Japanese

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism
22 Korean

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism
22 Korean

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism
 Korean 23

© Sabah Tourism
 © Sabah Travel Guide

TAMU MARKETS MUSEUMS & MEMORIALS

KOTA KINABALU SANDAKAN Bukit Tengkorak Archaelogical
* most tamus operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm. Sabah State Museum Agnes Keith House, Sandakan Site Museum, Semporna
Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Mon - Sun: 9.00am - 5.00pm Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Kota Kinabalu Ranau Jln. Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088-253199/263551
Tel: 089-222679 Tel: 088-253199

Gaya Street Fair - Sunday Pekan Kundasang - Friday Sandakan Memorial Park OTHER DISTRICTS
Kampung Air - Sunday Sabah Islamic Mon - Sun: 9am-5pm Murut Museum (Sabah Murut
Kudat Civilisation Museum Sibuga Forest Reserve Cultural Centre , Tenom)
Mon – Sun: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Penampang Pekan Tomburungus Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Jalan Menteri, off Jalan Tunku Abdul
Mile 7, Jalan Labuk, Sandakan
Tel: 016 8221616 (Doris) Lembaga Kebudayaan Negeri Sabah
Inobong Tuesday & Wednesday Rahman, (Tenom Branch) W.D.T 72, 89909
Sunday Kota Kinabalu Sandakan Heritage Museum Tenom.
Pitas Tel: 088-538227/538228 Mon - Sun: 9am-5pm
Wisma Warisan, Sandakan
Tel: 087-734506

Tuaran Pekan Pitas - Friday Sabah Ethnobotanical Tel: 089-222679 Mat Salleh Memorial, Tambunan
Pekan Tuaran - Sunday Heritage Museum Open Daily
Kiulu - Tuesday Sipitang Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Batu Tulug Archaeological Site Kg. Tibabar, Tambunan
Tel :088-253199/ 263551
Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu Museum, Kinabatangan
Sindumin - Saturday Tel: 088-253199/263551 Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Sandakan Tel: 088-253199 Kundasang War Memorial,
Sandakan Town - Sunday Kuala Penyu Second World War Open daily including Public Holidays
Gua Mantong Jaya - Sunday Menumbok - Sunday Memorial Petagas TAWAU Tel: 019 899 2041 (Mr. Sevee
Open daily Teck Guan Cocoa Museum Charuruks)
Tel:088-253199 Mon-Fri: 8am -11:30am
Kuala Penyu Lahad Datu 1:30pm-4:30pm
Menumbok - Sunday Pekan Lahad Datu - Sunday Kinarut Mansion Ruins Museum Sat: 8am-12pm Sun: Closed
Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Mile 2, Tanjung Batu Laut, Teck Guan
Tel: 088-253199/263551 Factory, Tawau
Tel:089-775566 ext 2601

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

Sabah Tourism Board Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd Tourism Malaysia (Sabah)
No.51, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu Lot 4, Ground Floor, Block L, Sinsuran Complex, Lot 1-0-7, Ground Floor, Block 1, Lorong Api-Api
Tel: 088-212121 Fax: 088-212075 88000, Kota Kinabalu 1, Api Api Centre, 88000, Kota Kinabalu
Email: info@sabahtourism.com Tel: 088-232121 Fax: 088-265540 Tel:088-248698/ 211732
Website: www.sabahtourism.com Email: info@sabahtourism.com E-mail: enquiries@tourism.gov.my
Website: www.sabahtourism.com Website: www.tourism.gov.my
Useful Numbers

SANDAKAN (089) LABUAN (087)

Fire Department - 994 Yayasan Sabah Ambulance
088-326655 !Hospital 212111 !Hospital 413333
Ambulance
/Police -999 !Airport 660405 !Airport 415015
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Information Services !Immigrations 668308 !Immigrations 412298
Police Hotline 088-218166 088-280600/ 280631/ 280641
HQ SABAH – 088-253555
TAWAU (089)
KK – 088-221191 Damai Specialist Centre
International !Hospital 773533
088-222922
Telephone Directory
Airport - 088-238555 !Airport 950013
Sabah Medical Centre Assistance -108
088-211333 !Immigrations 773343
 Sabah State
Mosque

Sabah Tourism Building

Sabah Museum Atkinson Clock Tower

Kota Kinabalu
Landmarks Menara Tun Mustapha
Menara Tun Mustapha
Tun Mustapha Tower is one of Sabah’s most outstanding works of
architecture, built with a concept and design that was way ahead of
its time back in the 1970s. Facing the blue waters of Likas Bay it is
accessible from the city centre by the scenic coastal road. From a dis-
tance, it appears to be a cylindrical tower but it is in fact a 72-sided
polygon with walls of 2,160 special reflective glass panels, which can
withstand winds of up to 272 km per hour. The 32-storey building
currently serves as a government office.

Atkinson Clock Tower

Perched prominently along Signal Hill Road, the Atkinson ClockTower
was built in memory of Francis George Atkinson, the first District
Officer of Kota Kinabalu. It is the oldest standing structure in Sabah
that survived the air raids and bombings of World War II.

Sabah Museum
With its brick-coloured roof and ‘flicked’ white beams, the Sabah
Museum is an unmistakable piece of architecture. Apart from being
home to various historical artefacts, you will also find the Sabah Art
Gallery and Heritage Village within the grounds of the museum. The
Heritage Village features various ethnic traditional homes, giving
visitors an opportunity to explore these humble abodes up close.

Sabah Tourism Building

The Sabah Tourism building, which was built in 1916, has since
served many purposes, including the Printing Office, Treasury, Audit
Office, Town Board, District Office and Attorney General’s Office. It
withstood the World War II bombings and suffered only minimal dam-
age. After restoration work, it was gazetted as a heritage structure
and became the official building for the Sabah Tourism Board in 1991.

Sabah State Mosque

The Sabah State Mosque is a beautiful building located in Sembulan.
With its majestic dome and towering minaret, the mosque is
surrounded by a well-kept garden. Visitors must report to the Security
Officer/Information Officer on duty prior to entering the mosque.
Visitors are also advised to dress appropriately when visiting places
of worship.