Kaamatan – Harvest Festival in Sabah
A Festival of Harvest, Culture and Community
Every year in May, the people of the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, come together to honour one of the state’s most meaningful and vibrant festivals. Kaamatan, also known as the Harvest Festival, is a celebration of gratitude for the season’s rice harvest and a joyful expression of Kadazan-Dusun traditions and identity. It is colourful, spirited, and deeply welcoming for visitors who wish to witness the rich cultural fabric of Borneo.
Rungus, Traditional Costume, Kudat
What Kaamatan Is
Kaamatan is rooted in the customs of the Kadazan-Dusun community, one of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah. The name comes from the word for harvest, and the festival is a time to thank the rice spirit for a successful season. It is also a moment for unity, reflection, and celebration within the community.
The story of Kaamatan is linked to Huminodun, a mythical maiden who gave herself as a sacrifice so that her people could survive famine. From her body came the first rice, and so rice has held deep spiritual meaning ever since. Kaamatan is both a cultural and spiritual festival, where ancient stories are honoured through song, dance, and ritual.
How Kaamatan Is Celebrated
Kaamatan is marked by events throughout May, with the biggest celebrations taking place on the final two days. These days, the thirtieth and thirty-first of May are official public holidays in Sabah and are not observed in any other part of Malaysia.
Celebrations vary from village to village but often include traditional music and gong performances, dance shows such as the graceful Sumazau, competitions in traditional sports, and food stalls serving local dishes and rice wine. A key part of the festival is the Unduk Ngadau pageant, which honours the spirit of Huminodun through grace, knowledge, and cultural understanding rather than appearance alone.
Each district hosts its own version of the festival, but the largest and most festive gathering is in the capital Kota Kinabalu.
Murut Lady in Traditional Costume, Sabah
Where Visitors Can Join the Festivities in Kota Kinabalu
Travellers in Kota Kinabalu during Kaamatan can head to the KDCA Cultural Village in Penampang, just outside the city centre. This is the heart of the state-level celebrations and offers a lively and immersive experience for visitors.
At the KDCA grounds, guests can walk through traditional longhouses, watch dance performances, listen to live music, browse handmade crafts, and sample Sabahan specialities. Lihing and tapai, the locally brewed rice wines, are often shared in a welcoming spirit.
During these days, the KDCA becomes a gathering point for the people of Sabah. It is a celebration of identity and heritage, and travellers are invited to take part with respect and curiosity.
Timing Your Visit
Kaamatan’s main celebrations take place on the last two days of May. As these are public holidays in Sabah, there may be more domestic travel and higher demand for accommodation. Booking ahead is advised for those who want to be in Kota Kinabalu for the festival.
Whether you are travelling through Sabah or planning a specific cultural visit, Kaamatan offers a unique chance to witness living traditions in one of Malaysia’s most diverse and welcoming regions.