Referred to by its people as the "Land Below The Wind" or "The Land Of The Sacred Mountain", Northern Borneo (Sabah) is a land of varied landscapes and natural wonders. Northern Borneo's population is heterogeneous and culturally diverse, with more than 30 different ethnic races and over 80 local dialects spoken. Much of the age-old customs and traditions of these many indigenous tribes have survived the powerful influences of mainland Asia and Europe. Though the country modernizes, with

some rituals and special ceremonial occasions performed less frequently, visitors can still experience and observe Borneo’s rich tapestry of custom in the local population’s daily life as well as their special local festivals. So, despite the many temptations of our modern global society, these diverse ethnic groups still manage to live together harmoniously while at the same time preserving their own culture, traditions, festivals and customs to make your visit a multi-culturally exotic experience

The Rungus. The Rungus is a sub-group of the Kadazandusun group found mainly in Kudat and Bengkoka peninsula in the northern part of Sabah; and are well known for maintaining their ancient traditions and beadwork. Generally they are sedentary farmers as well as shifting cultivators. With their staple food being rice and maize, they are also skilled in producing homespun cloth made from cotton, locally known as kapok, for their costumes.

Rungus live in their traditional longhouse in which each family lives in a separate apartment with its own sleeping and working areas and kitchen. A gallery runs through the entire longhouse and allows all the residents to mingle and socialise. The Rungus tribe weave a fine tale literally and it’s believed that each time they weave a bead necklace using certain patterns, they are actually telling a story such as a man going spear-hunting for a riverine creature.

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 belief is that everything has life, where the rocks, the trees, and the rivers are also living things; with souls and spirits that must be appeased from time to time through specific rituals. The Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival is a unique celebration of Kadazandusun society, and begins May 1st. It’s a celebration to honour the Rice Spirit – Bambaazon or Bambarayon and giving thanks for yet another bountiful year. The rites and customs of the Pesta Kaamatan are tribal practices of Kadazandusun and also Murut peoples, led by the Bobohizan or Bobolian (High Priest). 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.

The Bajau. Along with the Suluk, Irranun, Binadan and Obian people, the Bajau landed on Borneo's shores around 200 years ago. Once regarded as sea gypsies because of their seafaring ways in the past, many have settled down to a more sedentary life of rice farming and cattle breeding. The Bajau people are well known for their weaving and needlework skills. The women, especially from Kota Belud, make beautiful embroidered panels sewn into their long black wrap-skirt. Traditional headgear worn by

almost every indigenous group known as kain dastar is one of their specialties. The Binadan (from Kudat) is well known for their kain pis, a richly embroidered one-meter piece of two-facing cloth. The Bajau of Kota Belud have been dubbed as “Cowboys of the East” for their highly skilled horsemanship and they are also excellent buffalo rearers. Those living on the east cost of Sabah still practice their traditional nomadic way of life, coming ashore only to bury the dead.

The Murut. One of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah, the Murut are comprised 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 inhabit the interior and southeastern parts of Sabah and the territory straddling the Kalimantan and Sarawak borders. They are mostly shifting cultivators, hunters and river fishermen. 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 the 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 the blowpipe.