Hello! Planning a trip to Sabah and want to understand one of its major festivals? Here is a simple guide to help you navigate and appreciate the Kaamatan, or Harvest Festival, drawing from the sources provided.

Kaamatan: Sabah’s Harvest Celebration

Kaamatan, also known as Tadau Kaamatan or Pesta Kaamatan, is a form of harvest festival celebrated annually in the state of Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan in Malaysia. It is observed primarily by the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, Rungus, and Lundayeh ethnic groups. The word “Kaamatan” itself means “harvest” in the Kadazan-Dusun languages.

The festival serves as a commemoration for the sacrifice of Huminodun towards her community. According to a belief shared by Dusun peoples, Huminodun was the maiden daughter of the Supreme Being Kinoingan who sacrificed herself during a severe famine to provide food for humanity. Her body parts transformed into rice and other essential crops. The spirit of rice, essential for abundant harvests, is symbolised by bundles of paddy called toguruon, representing Bambaazon or Bambarayon, which emerged from Huminodun. Traditionally, the festival is rooted in rituals performed during the rice harvest, including the significant magavau ceremony led by spiritual specialists called bobohizan, aimed at recovering lost rice grains and carrying the Bambaazon. While many celebrants today may follow different faiths, Kaamatan is still celebrated as a symbolic cultural event to remember traditions, promote unity and integration among communities in Sabah. It’s a time of praise and thanksgiving, particularly to Huminodun.

When and Where to Experience Kaamatan

The Kaamatan festival takes place over the entire month of May, culminating in a public holiday on 30 and 31 May. The month-long celebration officially kicks off on 1 May at a chosen district in Sabah. Various districts hold their own celebrations throughout May. The grand finale on 30 and 31 May brings people together at the Cultural Unity Center (Hongkod Koisaan) in Penampang District. This is where the main cultural and crafts performances, symbolic decorations, and large social gatherings occur. To find out specific dates for district celebrations before the finale, you can check the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Facebook page.

How to Enjoy Kaamatan as a Visitor/Tourist

Here are some ways you can experience the spirit of Kaamatan:

1. Plan your visit for May, especially the finale

The main event happens on 30 and 31 May at the KDCA Cultural Unity Centre in Penampang. Attending the finale offers a chance to see a wide array of activities. Keep an eye out for district-level celebrations earlier in the month for a more local experience.

2. Prepare to see vibrant traditional attire

Indigenous peoples don their finest traditional costumes, showcasing diverse designs, motives, and colours.

3. Immerse yourself in culture

Watch the traditional music and dance performances from various ethnic groups. The Sumazau is a particularly noted dance.

4. Attend the Unduk Ngadau competition

Don’t miss the famous Unduk Ngadau (female beauty pageant) and its male counterpart, Buvazoi Tavantang. The Unduk Ngadau is more than just a beauty contest; contestants are judged on virtues that resemble the beatified Huminodun. The Sugandoi singing contest, showcasing Kadazandusun songs, is also a key event. You can also watch bodybuilding competitions and other arts and crafts performances.

5. Experience traditional sports

Cheer on participants in folk sports like arm wrestling (mipulos), knuckle wrestling (mipadsa), blow piping (monopuk), catapulting (momolositik), and tug of war (migayat lukug). These events are very popular with spectators.

6. Taste the local Delicacies

Explore the multi-ethnic culinary delights. There are numerous traditional foods to try. Be sure to sample the popular drinks like tapai (rice wine), often served in small bamboo vessels called sumbiling or special bamboo glasses called singgarung, and kinomol (a traditional alak drink). These may sometimes be offered for free during the festival, but avoiding waste is encouraged. Try authentic Kadazan-Dusun dishes such as:

• Hinava: A tangy, spicy raw fish salad.
• Hinompot: Rice wrapped in leaves.
• Traditional rice wine like Kinomol and fermented rice Tapai.

7. Explore the traditional houses

If you are at the KDCA Cultural Centre, visit the traditional houses representing different ethnic communities to see their unique architectural designs and cultural artifacts.

8. Look for local handicrafts

There are sales exhibitions where you can find and purchase local handicrafts directly from the producers.

9. Learn the greetings

You’ll commonly see banners with greetings like “Kotobian Tadau Tagazo do Kaamatan” (Kadazan) or “Kotobian Tadau Tagayo do Kaamatan” (Dusun), which mean “Happy Harvest Festival” or “Wishing you a Happy Harvest Festival”. Learning and using this greeting will be appreciated!

10. Embrace the spirit of unity

Kaamatan is a time for celebration and friendship, welcoming people from all backgrounds. New friendships are established, and existing bonds are renewed.