1. Regatta Lepa Semporna (Semporna, 3rd week of April)
The Bajau community is one of the four main ethnic groups in Sabah and they can be found mainly in the town of Semporna, where they have their houses built over the water and retain fishing as their main way of living. Each year, they celebrate this unique lifestyle with the Regatta Lepa Semporna which is highlighted by presence of beautiful, traditional boats made of redwood and adorned with colorful sails and flags, all competing for the prestige of being the finest ‘lepa’ of the year. The winning boat is chosen based on its appearance, as well as the cultural performances aboard it.
Aside from the contest for the best ‘lepa’, there are also boat races, boat tug of wars (one boat for each party which strives to row in the opposite direction), swimming competitions for children and a duck catching competition. The festivities continue into the night, when the boats are all lit and more cultural dances are held.
2. Pesta Kaamatan (all of Sabah, May 1 to 31)
In Sabah, there is a legend that goes that Kinoingan, the Creator, sent seven plagues to punish mankind for their corrupt ways, the last one of which was drought, which caused famine throughout the land. Hungry, the people begged Kinoingan for forgiveness and his daughter, Ponumpuan, also called Huminodin, took pity on them that she agreed to become a sacrifice for them. Thus, her body parts became the seeds in the rice fields, ending the famine, and her soul became the spirit of the paddy, called Bambaazon.
Every year, the people of Sabah commemorate this sacrifice by conducting various ceremonies, particularly the Magavau Ritual which is performed on the first day of the festival by the High Priestess to invoke Bambaazon. There are also many cultural performances held throughout the month, and the offerings of food and rice wine to the spirits.
3. Pesta Rumbia (Kualu Penyu, 2nd week of July)
Rumbia is the Sabahan term for sago, which is a starch extracted from tropical palm stems most commonly seen in the form of pearls that are used in drinks and desserts, particularly puddings. For the Bisayan and Kadazan people living in Kualu Penyu, however, sago is part of the daily diet, and is rolled into balls or made into pancakes. Even the other parts of the sago tree, which grows abundantly in the area, are used, as well, to make roofs for houses, baskets and mats.
The annual Pesta Rumbia celebrates this tradition and gives visitors the chance to sample various sago delicacies or even learn to make them.
This annual celebration in Kudat is perhaps the most fun in Sabah, marked with various competitions that all have something to do with coconuts, which are known locally as kelapa and grown extensively in the area.
Visitors are welcome to participate in the competitions and partake in local dishes made with coconut or simply delight in drinking from a freshly picked coconut in the shade while watching the locals strut around in clothes made from the different parts of coconut trees or perform cultural dances.
5. Tamu Besar Kota Belud (Kota Belud, last week of October)
Kota Belud is known as the ‘Land of Cowboys of the East’ and it is easy to see why when you come to the annual Tamu Besar, which is highlighted by a parade featuring elaborately dressed ponies. There are also various competitions to showcase the skills of the ponies and their riders. In addition, a buffalo rodeo show is held, which is similar to the rodeos held in the western parts of the US, but with a buffalo instead of a horse. There is also a large open-air market where one can buy local produce and crafts for a fair price.
Pesta Jagung translates to maize festival which is only a fitting celebration since corn is an important part of living in Kota Marudu, a small town located just a short distance from Kota Kinabalu. There are competitions held here about cooking and planting corn, as well as cultural performances and a fashion show.
Mid June
Sabah Dragon Boat Race is held every year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, at the Likas Bay. During the race, Dragon Boats and other streamers make their way across the River Milo to the rhythm of pounding drums and cheering from the crowd. Spectators are not only treated to the exciting dragon race but also delicious local fare at the stalls set up along the Likas Bay.
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan month and the beginning of Islamic New Year, by praying at mosques and arranging small get together at friend and relative's places. The traditional way of inviting families and friends is by hosting an 'Open House'. Women don customary baju kurung/ baju kebaya and men wear baju melayu to celebrate the festive month. Guests are treated to delicious festive food including beef rending as well as Raya cookies and cakes.
Mid October
Mt. Kinabalu's peak point is the aim for every hiker who takes part in this competition held every year in October. Held for over 20 years, the hike is about 12 miles long and tests every participant's physical as well as mental fitness.
Pesta Jagung
Beginning of November
The Pesta Jagung or maize festival is held in the district of Kota Marudu at the start of November. Maize or jagung is an important crop for the economic survival of the Kadazandusun community in Kota Marudu. Therefore, the people celebrate this festival to highlight its importance in their lives by arranging various competitions such as Jagung cooking and planting competitions, cultural shows, Maize Lantern and Cultural Parade and the Jagung Fashion Queen.
Diwali / Deepawali
Beginning of November
Diwali or Festival of Lights is a Hindu festival celebrated during the month of Oct-Nov to honour the victory of good over evil. People celebrate this victory by lighting small earthen lamps, decorating their houses with rangolis and hanging lanterns in front of their homes. Friends and family are called over to celebrate the festival and to bow down before God for attainment of wealth, knowledge, peace and fame.
Tamu Besar Kota Belud
End of November
Kota Belud, located on an hour's drive from Kota Kinabalu, is famous in Malaysia for its cultural diversity. The peaceful co-existence of Muslim Bajau community with other tribes like the Kadazandusun and the Irranun has led to development of a rich, artistic heritage of Kota Belud, unique to the region. Every year, Tamu Besar, the biggest traditional open-air market is held in Sabah, where all the farmers, anglers and traders get together to sell their produce to the consumers. All the communities dress up in the traditional costumes and display their distinctive traditions such as the riding skills of the Bajau community. Buffalo parade, Horsemen Tug of War and the Buffalo race with Sack of Paddy are some of the major attractions of the festival.
Beginning of December
The town of Kiulu located about 40 kms away from Kota Kinabalu is the venue for the 4M Challenge. 4M, which stands for four traditional Kadazandusun sports starting with 'M', comprise of managkus (running), mamangkar (bamboo rafting), manampatau (swimming with bamboo) and mamarampanau (walking with bamboo stilts). The K4MC sports contest, which tests mental and physical fitness, is also thoughtful about preservation and protection of nature, especially Kiulu River. The main purpose of this challenge is to promote eco-tourism, traditional sports and environmental consciousness among people.
Christmas
December
Christmas in Malaysia is similar to those celebrated throughout many other parts of the world. Malays rejoice the birth of Christ by decorating Christmas trees with small ornaments, offering midnight services and prayers, and hosting various activities at resorts and hotels. Streets, homes, hotels and public places are lighted up during this festival, which ends with a bang as the New Year sets in.
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