| Homestay
 Sabah
has a homestay programme, which affords the visitor a unique insight
into the local daily lives of various indigenous cultures. The Sabah
homestay experience is designed to give an authentic taste of what
it feels like to “go native” and be part of a lifestyle that takes
pride in the simple pleasures of life. Activities in each homestay
location may vary depending on the culture and traditions of the
district. This in itself makes the programme unique as you get to
sample different traditional lifestyles from the Rungus in Kudat
to the Bajau in Kota Belud, Kadazandusun in Papar, Lundayeh in Long
Pasia and Orang Sungai who live along the Kinabatangan River. Another
plus is the attractive and rustic landscape of these areas, which
will give you a feeling of being truly one with nature. Enjoy the
warm hospitality of your host family and bring back cherished memories
of Sabah’s rich cultural heritage.
The Monsopiad Cultural Cultural Village is located about 13km from
Kota Kinabalu in the Penampang district. The Village commemorates
the legendary exploits of Monsopiad, a great warrior of the Kadazandusun
people. Step back into the past to the days of headhunting and mysticism
where the everyday lives of the Kadazandusuns were guided by spirits
and rituals. Traditional houses, farming and processing implements,
ritual paraphernalia, costumes, handicrafts, music and dance highlight
the rich cultural heritage of the Kadazandusuns in this picturesque
village set next to the Moyog River.
 Longhouses
are a unique cultural feature of Sabah. The Bavanggazo Cultural
Village, about a 3-hour drive north of Kota Kinabalu, highlights
the distinctive style of communal living of the Rungus people. A
visit to a traditional longhouse is an eye-opener to the inherent
spirit of harmonious living and community solidarity. The Village
has several longhouses for visitors to stay overnight and take part
actively in the everyday lives of the Rungus from farming, fishing
to handicraft making. Nearby are the villages of Gombizau and Sumangkap.
At Gombizau, visitors get to see bee keeping and the process of
harvesting beeswax, honey and royal jelly. At Sumangkap, visitors
can observe the traditional art of gong making by the villages.
The Murut is the third largest ethnic group in Sabah and are concentrated
in the interior district of Tenom and surrounding areas. The Murut
Cultural Centre, located 10km from Tenom town, is the quintessential
heart of Murut culture. The timber structure of the building itself
reflects the traditional architecture of these once feared headhunters
of Sabah. Woodcarvings on the pillars and areas inside the building
give a unique insight into the artistic talents of the Murut. There
are exhibits of traditional and historical artifacts such as jars
on the upper floor of the building. In Tenom town is a memorial
to the legendary hero of Murut resistance during the British North
Borneo Chartered Company era, Antanom. His heroic feats have been
described in accounts of the infamous Rundum Rebellion of 1915.
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