The Unduk Ngadau

During the Harvest Festival, there is a another event that is held, the Unduk Ngadau. This event is held by every district from Sabah. The event is a beauty pageant competition. The history of this event goes back from a long long time ago, where the event was held for the blessing of sunlight every time Sabahan is about to plant the paddy and also the memorial for Huminodun. This event is very a cultural event for all Sabahan. The Unduk Ngadau starts back at 1991, when the first Unduk Ngadau was crowned. Her name is Sylvia Sandralisa Orow. Every time there is a new winner the former Miss Unduk Ngadau will the crown the new beauty pageant. And to this year the newly crowned beauty pageant is Immaculate Lojuki.

The Kaamatan

Get to know, one of the incredible festival that is well know in Malaysia. The Kaamatan Festival or Harvest Festival. In the month of May, every year this event is celebrated. This event is held because to remind us the history behind it. The beautiful Huminodun who was sacrificed by her father to appease the Almighty Creator and she was the only daughter. The deed that Huminodun can't be forgotten as her spirit is embodied in rice. The event is also to ward off the evil spirit and only through the ritual of Magavau can the evil spirit be turned away from the event.

The ritual Magavau is conducted by the high priestess or Bobohizan. Only them can tell that there are no evil spirit  during the event is being held the whole month. This event start from the 1st of May from every district and grand finale is held on the end of month on 31th May at KDCA.

Tuhau...

Most dish won't be perfect without the tasty condiment of Tuhau. This food can be found anywhere and it is one of people's favorite in my hometown. Never mind the smell, the taste of the food is very much delicious for most people. the preparation for the  Tuhau is like "a walk in the park", you only need to "beat" or smash it, until it is easy to be sliced. after that, you can mix it with vinegar, and chilies and some onions if you want.

Even though it is one of Sabah's famous food but there is still a 50-50 of the locals, love this food. Some could eat it while some wouldn't even like it. But in my case, it would be a shame if you never had the chance to taste this Tuhau.

2nd Food - Pinasakan

Another food that is one of the people's favorite is the Pinasakan Sada (Boiled Fish). The traditional food, mostly cooked by grandparents sometimes. This delicious looking dish has an easy ingredient to follow. 

you only need fish, bambangan/mango, salt, water, chilly and turmeric (kunyit).

clean the fish and take out the intestine, slice the bambangan and mix it with the rest of the ingredients. you just need to add cooking oil and mix it with water. put in the fish, then wait it until the water is dried out. after that you can eat it with rice.

the dish is common for most Sabahan. if you want to taste the dish. just follow out the ingredients and you're good to go. 

1st Food - Lihing Chicken Sup.

One of my favorite food in Sabah. Mixed with a special ingredient that is called lihing. Lihing is liquor that was home made by Sabahan people. The ingredients are simple, you just need a chicken, lihing, and sliced garlic.

the steps are simple too, you just need to boil the chicken(chopped) together with a cup of lihing, sliced garlic, salt and favor powder. you just need to to wait until the chicken is tender, after that you can just mix it with the other ingredients.

The Language From Tambunan Sabah

There are many unique languages from Sabah. But from where I come from, the language that most people use is the Dusun language. It is very similar to Kadazan Dusun but the Dusun language has its differences. We can say that, in Kadazan Dusun most of the words that has been used have the letter "z or v" in it. While in Dusun, the letter "z or v" is replaced with different letters. So, Dusun language compared with the Kadazan Dusun language, you can say that Dusun is easier to understand. Most Sabahan use Dusun because it is simplified and it brings more general meaning when we communicate with one another. Here some example :

This language is very fun to learn. I said that because i'm in the process of learning to become a more proficient speaker and be apart of how to speak like "the old days".

The Sumazau

Sumazau is a traditional dance that has been passed down for many generations. The dance is very unique in its own way. The dance is accompanied between a male and female. Based on my point of view, from my hometown, the dance is mainly used for family gathering, parties and wedding days, and also the Kaamatan Festival. The dance is accompanied by an original bronze gongs which was handcrafted. A costume of black is usually the clothing that is worn if the dance is to be performed. There are some other different version of the dance. For instance, Sumazau Papar and Sumazau Penampang. Both of these Sumazau dance have similar dance step but have a different way of performing it.

Tamu Ground (Pisompuruan Square), Tambunan.

Another place you would want to go is the place where most people would go on every Thursday. The Pisompuruan Square or Sabahan would prefer to call "Tamu" Its where local people go to buy and sell daily needs, such food. farming requirement and seed for the garden, clothing, and many more. Many people would gather here and find things that don't usually being sold at any Super Market in the city. The Pisompuruan Square, is one of the places that tourist would want to experience when visiting Tambunan because of the fascinating way where people would gather and get to know one another despite where they come, how they look and their religion and races. Other reasons, is because of the history of the place that goes down for many years, where friends and family go to spend their quality time, while enjoying some local delicacy. The Pisompuruan Square in Tambunan is very merrily because of the harmony of get together of different races and religion that been living in Tambunan for many years. The respect come from both sides people are unbreakable and unquestionable.

Most of the big events are held in the Pisompuruan Square. Main events are held there because of the large space that could fill hundreds of people and its venue is very idealistic to capture tourists attention.

Mahua Waterfall - Tambunan, Sabah

Tambunan's very own waterfall, being renowned by its beautiful and cold fresh water from the Hills of Tambunan. Mahua Waterfall is not a far journey by car. Took only around 25 minutes - 30 minutes to reach. Located at Kampung Patau, Tambunan. The place is very much still jungle like. But due to tourists visiting the waterfall every now and then, the road was fully asphalted, which makes it easier for automobiles to reach the designated destination.

The entry to see the waterfall is at a very fair price. For Malaysian, the entry price would be at RM3 but the international tourist would be fined around RM10 for each person.

Despite the fine, its still a wonderful sight seeing this waterfall. Furthermore, rather than enjoying the cool water from the falls, we can enjoy a BBQ time with friends and family. The area is also perfect for camping.

So, its not a "total waste" when you come and visit the beautiful place that i called home Tambunan.

Tambunan Rafflesia Centre Tour

The famous Rafflesia, is also located in Tambunan. This is still one of the reason why most tourist would come and pass by Tambunan. It because its one of the Rafflesia Center in Sabah. This oddly and unique flower can only be found in Malaysia. The "flower" is not really a flower but a  holoparasite, because the plant has no stems, leaves or true roots. By other names, it is called the "corse flower" because it gives out a smell that of rotten animal corpse. Hence, this plant only comes out at a particular time. That is why, you must have a good timing if you are ever going to see this unique plant.

Anyhow, the Rafflesia Center Tour at Tambunan when you take the old road to reach Kota Kinabalu. There's signboard that would let you know if are planning on taking a tour.