Kedah Darul Aman, Culture and Heritage

Being a multi-racial state of Malays, Chinese, Indians and Thais, Kedah is naturally multi-cultural. Although Islam is the national religion, freedom of worship is guaranteed. Bahasa Malaysia is the national language. However English is widely spoken. The north western state of Kedah in peninsula Malaysia covers an area in excess of 9000 sq km and it shares borders with Penang, Perlis, Perak and Thailand to the north.

Kedah is commonly known as the rice bowl of Malaysia because it contributes one third of national rice production. However its largely agricultural economy is not limited to rice production as it supports other agricultural products such as rubber and Oil Palm.

The state capital of Kedah is Alor Star (also known as Alor Setar), the seat of government for the state is based here and the Alor Star landmark building is the unmistakeable Alor Setar Tower which provides breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding area.Just to the north of Alor Star where the north-south highway ends is the Kedah border town of Bukit Kayu Hitam which is a duty free centre and gateway to Southern Thailand.

Kedah has a diverse economy that also includes manufacturing and high technology industries in Kulim and Sungai Petani as well as the flourishing tourism industry inclusive of the island of Langkawi.

Travel to Langkawi and you will enjoy an enchanting archipeligo of 99 islands that is shrouded in legends and myths. Langkawi's serene beauty extols its idyllic setting justifying its reputation as a paradise island that is popular with tourists from every corner of the world.On June 1st 1997 all 99 islands covering an area of 10,000 hectares that make up the archipelago of Langkawi was declared an Geopark by Unesco. Langkawi has now joined an esteemed list of 52 Geoparks worldwide.

The cultural diversity of Kedah is best reflected in its tradition, the minute details of architecture and life style. Among the local traditional songs and dances which are reflective of daily lives of the common people are Tarian Cinta Sayang, Lagu-lagu Berendoi, Wayang Kulit, etc.

The Silat, which is a form of traditional Malay self-defence, is also popular in Kedah. It comes in various forms and normally performed at various occasions such as weddings and functions.

The best starting point to explore the cultural heritage of Kedah is Alor Setar itself, the state's capital. The numerous fine, old buildings such as Balai Besar, Balai Seni Negeri, Masjid Zahir, Courthouse, General Post Office defined the atmosphere of colonial rule and representing one of the oldest landmarks of Alor Setar.

An insight into Kedah's rich cultural heritage can be sampled by visiting the State's Museum. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, fine paintings and a wide range of historical relics. Being the oldest state, Kedah has plenty of these memorable, precious antiques on display.

http://www.investkedah.com.my/index.php?/eng/About-Kedah/About-Kedah

Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah, Culture and Heritage

Malacca's Culture began more than six centuries in which various ethnic customs and traditions blended perfectly. Peaceful life of the people of Melaka races due to the life that gave birth to the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Baba and Nyonya, Portuguese, Chitty and Eurasia. Each ethnic group gives a different taste of the famous people of Melaka as a friendly people.

Each of these races uphold their tradition and this is reflected in the food, religious customs, festivals, culture, design, application, jewelery and handicrafts. Today Melaka has many things to offer to tourists such as culture, customs istiadar, historic sites, religious festivals, traditional celebrations.

Malay social organizations in Malacca is divided into two, namely those customary Temenggong the family of the wife by the husband and customs Perpatih, where the husband by the wife's family.

Malay women wear loose clothing and long sleeves called baju kurong and sarong worn with little or tight clothes baju kebaya. Malay Male wears dress worn with loose pants with a cloth known as well as tied at the waist. For weddings and feasts, songket will be used as well. Traditions and other characters of the Malays as illustrated in the song Love Dondang Malay martial arts such as Silat Melayu.

The Chinese came to Malacca since the mass migration of Chinese from South province in central China. Communities such as Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka, Teochew and Hainanese still follow customs, traditions, food, language and their cultural characteristics. Indians in Melaka are the Tamils ​​of South India where they inhabit the rubber. However, there are also among those who work in the business of jewelry, fabrics, retailers, merchants and money-lenders.

Baba and Nyonya are the Peranakan Chinese in Malacca where their ancestors came and married local women. Such intermarriage has produced a unique Chinese culture and Malay traditions.

Baba and Nyonya ethnic introduced unique furniture, porcelain and crockery, style and delicious food that can only be found in Malacca. Nyonya race wore kebaya with "brooches" various with forms and jewelry made from silver or gold.

As well as Baba and Nyonya, Melaka has a small community called Chitty people of Indian origin procreation or children of Indian traders who married Malay women. Village known as Kampung Chitty and is located towards the west Maman Elephant Road, one mile northwest of Chinatown. The entrance to the village is adorned with carved elephants Mutamariman adjacent to the temple. Like Kampung Morten, it is a beautiful area to visit and see the village houses are characterized by Malay villages. The best time to visit is during Mariamman Festival or Festival Mayor Char-char in May. It is a Hindu festival where you may have the opportunity to witness the Indian wedding ceremony.

Malacca is the only state that has a Portuguese settlement founded in 1930. The inhabitants of this place named Sua Chang Padre (Father Land) in conjunction with its founder. People living here are Eurasian of Portuguese descent living as fishermen. The Portuguese Catholic religious practice and speak Cristang or Cristao.

Ethnic Portuguese in Malacca provides traditional life, language, customs and music that appears unique. The most popular dance is Beranyo and Frapeirra. Christians also celebrate these festivals including Christmas Day and Easter Festival San Pedra.

Religious places that can be visited include the Church of Christ, Church of St. Paul, Vinayagar Moorthi Temple Sri Poyyatha, Kampung Kling Mosque, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Mosque, Church St. Peter, Sam Poh Kong Temple and the Lamb.

http://www.world66.com/asia/southeastasia/malaysia/melaka/culturefood

Kelantan Darul Naim, Culture and Heritage

                                  

Kelantan, meaning "Land of Lightning", occupies the north-east part of the country. It shares borders with Perak , Terengganu, Pahang and Thailand. The State is renowned for traditional handicrafts such as gold and silver jewellery, and traditional pastimes such as top-spinning, puppet plays and kite-flying. The State capital is Kota Bharu.

The ancient arts which once thrived throughout the country during breaks in the planting and harvesting seasons, and during the monsoon breaks, have all but disappeared from the west coast states. But in the east coast in general, and in Kelantan in particular, popularity in these art forms is as strong as ever.

The Mak Yong, a Malay dance drama which was performed exclusively for sultans and territorial chiefs until the turn of the century, combines dance, opera, drama and comedy. When royal patronage ceased, Mak Yong left the confines of the palace and became popular among the rural folk. The main cast of Mak Yong is made up of women, consisting of four leading actresses who play the king, a young prince, the queen (Mak Yong) and a princess. Male actors are included for comic relief. Mak Yong performers are accompanied by musicians who play the violin-like rebab, the gendang (a double-headed drum) and the tetawak (a gong). A male shaman or bomoh, follows a Mak Yong troupe to ensure the success of its performances.

Other Kelantanese court dances include the Tarian Payang, named after fishing boats and traditionally danced on the beach while waiting for fishermen to return, and the Tarian Asyik. The Tarian Garong is an up-tempo dance performed by five couples in a circle, whilst the Tarian Piring, a graceful dance symbolizing the offering of gifts to God on a small plate, the piring, is another popular dance.

The Wayang Kulit, or shadow puppet drama, is said to have originated from Java in the 14^th Century, although the shadow play in Kelantan is particularly eclectic, combining not only Javanese, but also Chinese, Indian and Siamese influences. The repertoire includes enacting tales from the great Indianepics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, together with tales on local folklore.

Behind a small raised stage supporting a large white screen sits the Tok Dalang, or master puppeteer. Sticking the buffalo-hide-and-stick puppets into banana stems positioned behind the screen, he then narrates the tale as he ´manipulates´ the puppets. A lamp, suspended between the screen and the puppeteer, causes the silhouettes of these puppets to dance on the screen. The narration is complemented by a small traditional orchestra consisting mainly of percussion instruments.

A popular musical pastime is the beating of the harvest drum, the rebana besar. This drum measures 60 centimetres in height and one metre in diameter. The drum is placed on its side and is struck with the palm of the hand. In common with the other northern States, popular traditional musical forms include the religious songs and chants known as "Berzanji" and "Qasidah". The "Hadrah" which is an Islamic chant, is performed with dances and musical accompaniment. Singing and reparteeing in doggerel form is popular in Kelantan. This musical form is known as "Dikir Barat".

Musical instruments played in Kelantan include the rebana besar (big drum), the rebana ubi, the violin-like rebab, the gendang (a double-headed drum) and the tetawak (agong), in addition to a whole host of percussion musical instruments..

Malay marriages are based on Islamic laws, with elements from the pre-Islamic past such as the "Bersanding Ceremony", where the couple are treated as royals for a day, and the dyeing of fingers, which is an old Malay tradition.

Kelantan is truly a great Malay cultural centre, which keeps the skills and traditions of a bygone age in an age of increasing commercialism and modern appliances usage. The people of the State produce a wide variety of art, craft and handicraft items, which are not only pleasing to the eye, but are also functional and environmentally friendly.

Amongst the woven handicrafts are those which use the mengkuang leaf and bamboo strips as a base. The products resulting from these raw materials are mats, bags, hats and conical food covers. Then there woven handicrafts relying on cloth. Amongst these cloths are batik, silk and Kain Songket. All three of these produce fine examples of craftsmanship and design. Using their skills in woodworking, the Kelantanese produce detailed woodcarvings and extend to traditional methods of boat-building, evident especially near the town of Tumpat.

They also produce intricate designs on silverware, for which the State is justly famous. Kelantan is one of the very few States in Malaysia which still retains the skills of its´silversmiths. Finally, to serve and preserve the pursuits of traditional games and pastimes in the State, there are excellent craftsmen in Kelantan producing beautiful kites andtops both for individual pleasure and for competitive purposes.

Kite-flying is hugely popular here, not only among the boys but also the men. The most popular kite, or "wau"., is the moon kite, so named because of its crescent-shaped tail. Competitions are regularly held, and the winners are judged not only on how the kite flies, but also on the shape, colour and ornamentation, as well as on the grace with which the kite can be manuvered

Top-spinning in Kelantan is basically an adult affair. Contests are held between pairs of men to determine how long one´s top, or "gasing", can spin. After the initial throw of the spin, it is expertly transferred to a stand, where it is left spinning until it stops.

Finally, there is the traditional pastime of rearing birds for their singing prowess, and then entering them in bird singing contests. This pastime is popular in the northern States as a whole. The bird normally used for this purpose in Kelantan is the merbok. Bull-fighting, which used to be a very popular pastime in Kelantan during the past, is now banned.

Our tour of the State begins at Kota Bharu, the northernmost city on the East Coast and the capital of Kelantan. A bustling city, Kota Bharu sprawls along the eastern bank of the fertile Kelantan River and is the hub of the rice basin. It serves as the seat of the royal sultanate and is a convenient gateway to Thailand. The nearby border crossing betweenRantau Panjang and Sungai Golok is a popular destination for those who wish to buy goods from across the border.

In the center of town, along Jalan Tengku Chik is the Pasar Besar (Central Market), the hub of the town and site of arguably the most colourful market in Malaysia. Witness the entrepreneurial skills and diligence of the Kelantanese women, as the majority of the business here is conducted by them. Dressed in batik, with their heads veiled, these women haggle over prices whilst chewing on betel nut. They sell a whole range of items, from fresh fruits and vegetables to cakes and sweetmeats; from spices and preserved food to batik and handicrafts. The vibrant market is housed in a modern octagonal building and is a delight to the senses, as the clash of colours and sounds compete with irresistible aromas for your attention. Savour the entire spectacle bathed in the yellow light which streams through a translucent roof. Opposite the Central Market is a vacant lot which at night plays host to numerous food-stall operators. Partake of some of Kelantan´s finest cuisine as you dine under the stars!

Situated between Jalan Hilir Kota and Jalan Hulu Kota and surrounded by high wooden walls, is the Istana Balai Besar (Palace of the Large Audience Hall). Built in 1844, thispalace boasts of elaborately-carved gates and is still used for ceremonial and legislative purposes.

Across the road from the World War II Memorial Museum is the Muzium Islam (Islamic Museum). A Pattani-style tiled roof crowns this beautiful old wooden building which displays information tracing the history of Islam in the state and whose exhibits include photographs of the personal belongings of the Prophet Muhammad.

The War Museum (Bank Kerapu) lies closes to the river and has the distinction of being housed in the oldest brick building in the State. Built in 1912, it was formerly occupied by a bank. This museum contains basically a collection of memorabilia relating to the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II.

Finally, across the road from Istana Batu is the Kampung Kraftangan (Handicraft Village), an imposing building fashioned in traditional Kelantanese style. The state´s renowned crafts are on display and exhibitions are held on subjects such as ceramics., batik-painting and silk-weaving. Information on programmes are available from the Tourist Information Centre on Jalan Sultan Ibrahim.

The Gelanggang Seni (Cultural Centre) situated along Jalan Sultan Mahmud, showcases the State´s cultural heritage. Listen to the sounds of the rebana(drums) coming from small huts as colourful "wau" or kites float above you in the sky. On the green, "gasing" or top-spinning experts hold court. Other performances include the Wayang Kulit ( a shadow puppet play ), the Mak Yong (a Malay dance drama) and the Silat (Malay form of self-defense).

Next to the Tourist Information Centre on Jalan Sultan Ibrahim is the State Museum. Exhibited are a wide array of artifacts, crafts, traditional instruments, paintings and photographic displays all connected in some way or another with the state of Kelantan.

Kota Bharu is surrounded by a patchwork of little ´kampungs´. Located within the fertile Kelantan Basin, these villages lie between rice fields and fruit orchards and are linked to each other by little roads. About 10 kilometres south of Kota Bharu is Kampung Nilam Puri, home to Masjid Kampung Laut, reputed to be Malaysia´s oldest mosque. Themosque, built about 300 years ago by Javanese Muslims in grateful thanks after a narrow escape from pirates, used to be located on the banks of the Kelantan River but considerable damage to the wooden building brought on by the annual monsoon floods caused it to be removed here in 1968.

Tumpat & District

About 15 kilometres north of Kota Bharu is Tumpat, a major agricultural area bordering Thailand and which is the final stop on the east coast railway line. The Thai influence here is very noticeable as this border town is home to Kelantan´s Thai Buddhist minority and there are several Thai Buddhist Temples or "Wats" in the area. At Wat Photivihan, a 40 metre-long reclining Buddha is claimed to be one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

Time-warped Tumpat has hardly gone through changes in decades. The old wooden railway station is still very much the town´s central point of focus and many original shophouses still line the same road. Tumpat is long renowned for producing skilled boat-builders, and the beaches of Tumpat provide the visitor with an opportunity to see these master craftsmen fashion elaborately carved shapes of mythical birds or demons onto the bows of their boats.

North of Tumpat is Pantai Sri Tujuh, a popular beach and boating lagoon, and venue of the International Kite Festival. Watch as fishermen cast a huge net offshore and then haul it in by hand.

A few kilometres from Pantai Sri Tujuh, right on the Thai border, is Pengkalan Kubur. An immigration check-point for Thai-bound travellers, Pengkalan Kubur has car-ferry services which cross the river to Tak Bai in Thailand. The other border town, Rantau Panjang, southwest of Kota Bharu, is popular with bargain hunters. On the Thai side is Golok.

Kuala Krai & District

About 70 kilometres south of Kota Bharu lies Kuala Krai. There is a small zoo here specialising in local wildlife. A river trip from here will take you to Dabong, two hours´ journey to the southwest. The trip will take you through dense jungle. A short walk from Dabong leads to caves and waterfalls. Dabong is on the jungle railway line.

Gua Musang & District

Gua Musang (Musang Cave) lying on the edge of the massive Taman Negara about 185 kilometres south of Kota Bharu, owes its name to the caves in the limestone outcrop towering above the railway station. Although rarely seen here nowadays, the musang, a native civet cat with long fur and a long curling tail, used to inhabit these caves.

This small town makes a good centre for exploring caves, trekking or making a riverboat safari. Trekkers can climb the 898 metres tall Gunung Ayam, once home to the legendary Kelantanese Queen.

http://allmalaysia.info/2009/03/23/kelantan-steeped-in-tradition/

Sarawak Bumi Kenyalang, Culture and Heritage

Sarawak is home to 28 ethnic groups, each with their own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. The Ibans form the major ethnic group on this land with about 30.1% of the total population per the year 2000 census. The Chinese, who generally live in the cities, are the second largest group at 26.7%, followed by the Bidayuh, Melanau and other native tribes of Sarawak who are collectively known as Orang Ulu. The Malays constitute a large portion (23.0%) of the population as well, mainly concentrated along the coast.

Sarawakians practice a variety of religions, including Islam, Christianity, Chinese folk religion (a fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and ancestor worship) and animism. Many converts to Christianity among the Dayak peoples also continue to practice traditional ceremonies, particularly with dual marriage rites and during the important harvest and ancestral festivals such as Gawai Dayak and Gawai Antu.

The Malays make up 21% of the population in Sarawak. Traditionally fishermen, these seafaring people chose to form settlements on the banks of the many rivers of Sarawak. Today, many Malays have migrated to the cities where they are heavily involved in the public and private sectors and taken up various professions. Malay villages (kampungs) - a cluster of wooden houses on stilts, many of which are still located by rivers on the outskirts of major towns and cities, play home to traditional cottage industries. The Malays are famed for their wood carvings, silver and brass craftings as well as traditional Malays textile weaving with silver and gold thread (kain songket). Malays are Muslim by religion, having brought the faith to Asia some 1000 years ago. Their religion is reflected in their culture and art and Islamic symbolism is evident in local architecture - from homes to government buildings.

The Melanaus have been thought to be amongst the original settlers of Sarawak. Originally from Mukah, the Melanaus traditionally lived in tall houses. Nowadays, they have adopted a Malay lifestyle, living in kampong-type settlements. Traditionally, Melanaus were fishermen and till today, they are reputed as some of the finest boat-builders and craftsmen. While the Melanaus are ethnically different from the Malays, their lifestyles and practices are quite similar especially in the larger towns and cities where most Melanau have adopted the Islamic faith. The Melanaus were believed to originally worship spirits in a practice brinking on paganism. Today many of them are Christian and Muslim, though they still celebrate traditional animist festivals such as the annual Kaul Festival.

The Chinese first came to Sarawak as traders and explorers in the 6th Century. Today, they make up 29% of the population of Sarawak and comprise of communities built from the economic migrants of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The first Chinese migrants worked as labourers in the gold mines at Bau or on plantations. Through their clan associations, business acumen and work ethic, the Chinese organised themselves economically and rapidly dominated commerce. Today, the Chinese are amongst Sarawak's most prosperous ethnic groups. The Sarawak Chinese belong to a wide range of dialect groups, the most significant being Hokkien, Foochow, Hakka, Teochew, Cantonese and Henghua. Hokkien and Mandarin are the most widely spoken dialects. The Chinese maintain their ethnic heritage and culture and celebrate all the major cultural festivals, most notably Chinese New Year and the Hungry Ghost Festival. The Sarawak Chinese are predominantly Buddhists and Christians.

The Ibans form the largest percentage of Sarawak's population, making up some 30%. Reputed to be the most formidable headhunters on the island of Borneo, the Ibans of today are a generous, hospitable and placid people. Because of their history as pirates and fishermen, they were conventionally referred to as the "Sea Dayaks". The early Iban settlers who migrated from Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo south of Sarawak) set up home in the river valleys of Batang Ai, the Skrang River, Saribas, and the Rajang River. The Ibans dwell in longhouses, a stilted structure comprising many rooms housing a whole community of families. The Ibans are renowned for their Pua Kumbu (traditional Iban weavings), silver craftings, wooden carvings and beadwork. Iban tattoos which were orignally symbols of bravery for the Iban warriors have become amongst the most distinctive in the world. The Ibans are also famous for their tuak, a sweet rice wine which is served during big celebrations and festive occasions. Today, the majority of Ibans are practice Christianity. However, like most other ethnic groups in Sarawak, they still hold strong to their many traditional rituals and beliefs. Sarawak is unique to colourful festivals such as the Gawai Dayak (harvest festival), Gawai Kenyalang (hornbill festival) and Gawai Antu (festival of the dead).

Originally from West Kalimantan, the Bidayuhs are now most numerous in the hill country of Bau and Serian, within an hour's drive from Kuching. Historically, as other tribes were migrating into Sarawak and forming settlements, the meek-natured Bidayuhs retreated further inland, hence earning them the name of "Land Dayaks". The traditional Bidayuh abode is the "baruk", a roundhouse that rises about 1.5 metres off the ground. Typical of the Sarawak indigenous groups, the Bidayuhs are well-known for their hospitality, and are reputed to be the best makers of tuak, or rice wine. The Bidayuhs speak a number of different but related dialects. While some of them still practice traditional religions, most modern-day Bidayuhs have adopted the Christian faith.

The phrase Orang Ulu means upriver people and is a term used to collectively describe the numerous tribes that live upriver in Sarawak's vast interior. Such groups include the major Kayan and Kenyah tribes, and the smaller neighbouring groups of the Kajang, Kejaman, Punan, Ukit, and Penan. Nowadays, the definition also includes the down-river tribes of the Lun Bawang, Lun Dayeh, Murut and Berawan as well as the plateau-dwelling Kelabits. The various Orang Ulu groups together make up roughly 5.5% of Sarawak's population. The Orang Ulu are artistic people with longhouses elaborately decorated with murals and woodcarvings. They are also well-known for their intricate beadwork detailed tattoos. The Orang Ulu tribe can also be identified by their unique music - distinctive sounds from their sape, a stringed instrument not unlike the mandolin. A vast majority of the Orang Ulu tribe are Christians but old traditional religions are still practiced in some areas.

Some of the major tribes making up the Orang Ulu group include :

There are approximately 15,000 Kayans in Sarawak. The Kayan tribe built their longhouses in the northern interiors of Sarawak midway on the Baram River, the upper Reiang River and the lower Tubau River, and were traditionally headhunters. They are well known for their boat making skills, which they carve from a single block of belian, the strongest of the tropical hardwoods. Although many Kayan have become Christians, some are still practise paganistic beliefs.

With a population of approximately 3000, the Kelabit are inhabitants of Bario - a remote plateau in the Sarawak Highlands, slightly over 1,200 meters above sea-level. The Kelabits form a tight-knit community and practise a generations-old form of agriculture. Famous for their rice-farming, they also cultivate a variety of other crops which are suited to the cooler climate of the Highlands of Bario. The Kelabit are predominantly Christian, the Bario Highlands having been visited by Christian missionaries many years ago.

There are few findings on the exact origin of the Kenyah tribe. Their heartland however, is Long San, along the Baram River. Their culture is very similar to that of the Kayan tribe with whom they live in close association. The typical Kenyah village consists of only one longhouse and the people are mainly farmers, planting rice in burnt jungle clearings.

The Penan are the only true nomadic people in Sarawak and amongst the last of the world's hunter-gatherers. The Penan make their home under the rainforest canopy, deep within the vast expanse of Sarawak's virgin jungle. Even today, the Penan continue to roam the rainforest hunting wild boar and deer with blowpipes. The Penan are skilled weavers and make high-quality rattan baskets and mats. The traditional Penan religion worships a supreme god called Bungan. However, the increasing number who have abandoned the nomadic lifestyle for settlement in longhouses have converted to Christians.

One of the most attractive features of the state of Sarawak and one which sets it aside from many of the other Malaysian states is its cultural diversity. With the 27 distinct indigenous ethnic groups that speak 45 different languages and dialects, Sarawak can be proud to boast racial harmony amongst a population of 2.1 million who adhere to a variety of traditions, practices and religions.

http://www.journeymalaysia.com/MCUL_sarawakculturalvillage.htm

Sabah Negeri Dibawah Bayu, Culture and Heritage

Sabah is famous for her friendly and hospitable people. There are a staggering 32 different ethnic entities, each of which speaks a different language, plus another 80 or so dialects or variants from the main languages 

The largest group in Sabah comprises the Kadazandusun who are of Dusunic origin. The Bajau are the second largest group and the Paitanic the third largest. The largest non-indigenous group is made up of Chinese. All these people are, since the formation of Malaysia, Malaysian citizens and live together in harmony despite their different ethnic background and various creeds - a fact Malaysia can be truly proud of.

Most of the Dusunic and Paitanic people are nowadays Christians, with a minority still adhering to their ancient animistic faith. The Bajau are Muslims, and the Chinese Buddhists and Christians.

Most Chinese have settled in towns, where they have their businesses, but some live in the interior and are farmers. The Bajau are coastal dwelling people while the Paitanic people live in the far interior. Kadazandusuns can be found throughout Sabah. 

KADAZANDUSUN 

The largest indigenous group is that of the Kadazandusun, a term created to include all indigenous people of Dusunic origin. The Kadazan in this group feature strongly. Originally from the area of Penampang, close to the state capital Kota Kinabalu, and the Papar area, they were the first to come under the influence of Christian missionaries. Already in 1850's the Kadazan of the coastal areas where thus schooled and with education came political awareness. The various Dusun groups of the north (such as the Rungus of the Kudat area), the interior (Tambunan area) and around the foothills of Mt Kinabalu were only 'discovered' much later when the British North Borneo Chartered Company was already well established. Many areas were effectively only opened up after WWII and finally, during the log boom of the 70's and 80's most areas were somehow made accessible by roads. Yet it is intriguing to know that even in the Penampang district, along the Crocker Range you can find villages so remote that one to two days jungle trekking is required to join them. Many of these villages were visited by Christian missionaries in the 50's and what education the missionaries started has continued under Malaysia - most of these villages have primary schools!

In the past the Dusun people lived a little by outsiders disturbed life. Their societies are defined by close kinship, with the family being the most important unit, followed by the village. Occasional headhunting occurred, more for the sake of defence than for reasons of bravery but the motives for this in Borneo widespread custom were varied. In some Dusun areas headhunting was arguably more of a sport than merely for defence...!

Nowadays these people are formidable hosts and as a traveller one might well get the impression that they like nothing more than a hefty party lasting for the better part of a week, during which rice wine flows rather liberally. It is true that travellers are a formidable excuse for a happy gathering, but once the strangers have moved on, life resumes its cycle which is still very much marked by rice planting and hunting, and maybe the work in orchards and plantations. Many of the remoter Dusun villages are surrounded by rubber, banana, tobacco and coconut plantations, effective cash crops in a time that pushes everybody more and more into a consumer society.

The weekly tamu - or open air markets - are still very important not only to the Dusun, but to all people in Sabah. More than mere trading places for victuals and other goods the tamu still serves as a gathering where you exchange news and gossip alike, where you can meet friends and make new acquaintances. If you wish to know in which village there will be a wedding during the upcoming week-end, you have to go to the tamu!

The most important celebration of the Kadazandusun is the harvest festival, called Pesta Ka'amatan. It is held during the month of May each year, and culminates in two public holidays 30 and 31 May. It has its root deep in the mystical origin of the once semi-nomadic agrarian Dusun tribes - believe it or not, but the true origin of most of Sabah's ethnic people is not yet fully determined, it is only for sure that they are not the original inhabitants of Borneo...

MURUT -PAITANIC GROUPS

The rugged interior of southern Sabah, along the border with Kalimantan you will find the Murut people. The Murut are of Paitanic stock, though there are many sub-entities and languages so varied that certainly more studies are require to find out if not some of the Murut belong to the original inhabitants of Borneo, or at least to the very first settlers.

Murut means 'people of the hills' and they can be found right up toKeningau in central Sabah but they have indeed never cultivated the plains. Normally their settlements were on hills close to major rivers, and traditionally the Murut live in longhouses. The Dusun also used to live in longhouses, but nowadays only the Rungus in the north continue to do so, together with some of the Murut.

The Murut homeland, rich in timber, has been damaged severely by logging since the 70's, and subsequent ideas of the modern world and how one should live now, combined with missionary influences have much changed these once so remote people. Thus Murut villages tend to be a bit devoid of life, with most inhabitants working either in towns or the forest industry as labourers. The Murut, once fierce headhunters and reputedly the last people in Sabah to give up this custom were already during British administration known to make good soldiers and police men, and to this date a lot of Murut seek employment with Malaysia's armed forces.

Notwithstanding the Murut have an amazingly vibrant cultural heritage which, with a rediscovered awareness of cultural identity has started to emerge slowly. As with traditions the world over, it seems to be unavoidable nowadays that there must be a very good economic reason to it for it to survive. With eco-tourism making slowly its way inwards the Murut have started realising that their culture indeed has a monetary value and some efforts have been made to conserve their varied, age-old customs and traditions. The Pesta Kalimaran - the Murut harvest festival - is now an integral part of the Sabah Yearly Calendar of Events. It is also celebrated during May and the Tenom Murut Cultural Centre comes alive with traditional sports and dances. The Murut traditional costumes are usually heavily embroidered with tiny glass beads, and the men adorn themselves splendidly with the feathers of Argus peasant and hornbills.

The Tagol Murut, one of the main groups, are particularly famous for their exuberant display of bride wealth, and weddings are grand affairs that include entire villages and last for a week. In our modern times week-long parties are arguably not very productive but for the Murut these come-together's play an integral role in their life and perpetuate their proud culture. If you are invited to a Murut wedding - especially a Tina'uh in the interior - do not decline!   

BAJAU PEOPLE

The Bajau were once known as the sea-gypsies, and indeed, they used to live their entire life on boats, the Lipa-lipa. They were true nomads, and extremely skilled in navigating the seas even though they had no compass on their small, richly decorated boats. The Bajau only came to land to collect fire wood, to get water, and to bury their dead. However, over the past few hundred years some Bajau have settled on the main land, particularly along the west coast of Sabah. And while the sea Bajau families tend to be small, the land Bajau have enlarged their families. Even to-day, a Bajau house tends to be large and spacious. They are still mainly fishermen, and often build their houses on stilts into the sea or rivers, such as the Bajau of Kg Mengkabong.

Having had long contact with Chinese traders, but also with European merchants, the Bajau have evolved particularly colourful costumes, with elaborate accessories. A Bajau lady in her full ceremonial dress cannot but move extremely graceful!

The Bajau have been Moslems for a long time, and through intermarriage with the ruling Bruneis the settled Bajau have adopted many of their cultural aspects in dance and music. In Kota Belud, the Bajau are also famous for being skilled horsemen, and for being the only ethnic entity in Sabah to have horses for that matter.

http://www.sabah.gov.my/lks/v2/