Sabah has a rich and colourful Aboriginal culture, and the Orang Asli people of this land have a long history and a unique way of life, and even after being integrated into modern life, they still pass on their traditions and protect the land in their own way. There are also a number of Orang Asli cultural villages and museums in Sabah's towns and villages, where we can get a glimpse into the colourful and vibrant world and their deep connection with nature.
If you're short on time, head to Mari Mari Cultural Village, a one-stop shop for Sabah's five major indigenous peoples – Kadarsan Dusun, Longus, Maolu, Bajau and Lundayy. You can sign up for a day tour in Kota Kinabalu and the tour operator will arrange transportation to the Mali Mali Cultural Village in Inanam (about half an hour's drive from Kota Kinabalu City).
Located in a forest park in the south-of-the-south, the cultural village walks across a suspension bridge to announce that you have entered the tribe of the aborigines. Here, the people you meet (except for the tourists) are all dressed in the traditional clothing of the Aboriginal people, and they go about their daily routines in their tribes and houses: men drill wood for fire and play musical instruments, and women cook and entertain guests. All of this makes people feel like they have broken into the tribe of the aborigines and visited their homes.
Video
by eharlina
The Kadarshan Dusun is the largest indigenous ethnic group in Sabah, mainly engaged in hunting and farming, among which rice and upland rice are the main ones. The harvest festival in May is the most important day for the Kadashan Dushun people. Because they make a living from growing rice, the diet of the Kadarshan Dushun people is closely related to rice. Visitors can taste their rice wine made from rice and rice in bamboo tubes, and see how they cook rice in bamboo tubes.
The characteristics of the Longus are reflected in their traditional houses. As the number of family members increases, the traditional Longus people will continue to build houses next to their elders, and the longhouses will be passed down from generation to generation. The house, although basic, is very airy and cool.
The Lundaye are mostly concentrated in the upper reaches of the river and generally make a living by hunting and fishing. They regard crocodiles as sacred beasts and tattoo crocodile totems on their bodies to protect them from crocodile attacks. The Lundaya people are also adept at handling tree bark, and in addition to building houses from tree bark, they also use tree bark to make clothes.
The houses of the Bajau people are very brightly colored. There are two major branches of the Bajau people: the land-based Bajau people mainly breed small horses and buffaloes, and are known as the "Oriental cowboys" because of their superb horseback riding skills. The Bajau people of the sea make a living by fishing and live on the sea all year round, not only are everyone a master of diving, but also have superb shipbuilding skills. The Boat Festival held annually in Semporna is their traditional festival.
The Maolu are the last Orang Asli people in Sabah to abandon the practice of headhunting, so they are particularly mysterious and are also known as "headhunters". Entering the Maolu tribe requires communication with their "chieftain" (which is of course part of the show) and encounters with the clan's shaman.
Their house displays "trophies" - models of skulls that make people shudder.
The Maolu people are good at blowing arrows for hunting, and tourists can experience blowing arrows under the demonstration and guidance of the tribesmen.
There is also the opportunity to experience the "trampoline" of the Aboriginal people. This is the dance of the Maolu tribe, with the help of four companions, who leap up and pluck (or touch) the colored head hanging above. Visitors can also take part in challenges and test their bounce power.
Video
by kaj_goworld
Tattoos depicted with natural dyes, interested tourists can try. Tattoos can last for a few days until they fade off after a few baths.
Among the many aboriginal dances, the bamboo pole dance can be said to be the most representative. Dancers dance to the beat of the drums and dance flexibly between the bamboo poles. Dancers will also invite on-site visitors to the stage to experience the experience, which is very entertaining.
Video
Also Scheduled
At the end of the visit to the homes of the five aborigines, there will be a dance performance of the five aborigines at the end, and a buffet will be enjoyed, which can be said to be an informative and experiential attraction.
KS丨Editor
AK丨Editor
Sabah Tourism Bureau丨Source
Sabah Tourism Bureau丨Source
1. The copyright of all works on this website that indicates the type of article as "original" belongs to Kannanyang and Singapore Eye. When reprinting and using by other media, websites or individuals, they must indicate: "Article source: Singapore Eye".
2. All works indicated on this website as "reprinted" and "compiled" are reprinted or compiled from other media, for the purpose of delivering more valuable information, and it does not mean that this official account agrees with its views and is responsible for its authenticity.