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Possibly nowhere in the world is the calendar as filled with religious holidays as in Malaysia. And possibly nowhere in the world is there an open-door policy like Malaysia’s for religious festivals. The Kaamatan festival is an annual event in the cultural life of the Kadazandusuns of Sabah since time immemorial. In its deepest sense, Kaamatan festival is a manifestation of creator and creation itself, as well as inter-creations relationship. The Sabahans give thanks to the gods and spirits for blessings and a good paddy harvest’ asking for guidance; they dance and eat and drink amidst much merrymaking!

During the harvest festival, the Pesta Kaamatan, Sabah natives wear their traditional costumes and enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere, which usually stretches from dawn to dawn. This is the best time to witness and experience the fascinating Kadazandusan culture.

The harvest festival is divided into six stages of rituals; Kumogos (ritual specialist select and tie up seven stalks of rice from rice field and then scatter them ), Kumotob(seven rice stalks are collected but from area still not harvested),Posisip, Poiib, Magavau and Humabot- the finale of harvest festival . This stage is celebrated with merry-making, dances, beauty peagents and more entertainment.

The Kaamatan festival in Malaysia is the time when people get to taste the authentic cuisine of Sabah. A wide variety of foods with lip-smacking taste, the rice wine or tuak form major part of the festival. Recreational activities such as buffalo racing, arm, knuckle and finger wrestling and other sports are all part of the festivities.

Kaamatan is interesting if you are into culture and traditional lifestyle of Sabahans. It is also great if you like photography, which will be unique, colorful and well-worth the effort. So if you are planning to go to Malaysia, try to catch-up the spirit of the Kaamatan Festival.

Malaysia’s rich culture, traditions, festivals and heavenly locations bring millions of tourists to Malaysia each year. Yet, direct flights to Malaysia are offered in off season deals with Malaysia Airline, while the cheapest flights to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia with KLM airline are well liked.