30/05/2025

FRIDAY | MAY 30, 2025

23

LYFE

Experience Kaamatan Kaamatan under the careful guidance of the Bobohizan , the revered high

o Visitor’s guide to harvest festival

priestess and keeper of tradition. With each chant and gesture, she honours Bambarayon , calling upon blessings for the land and the people. These symbolic ceremonies are the living bridge between the community and the “unseen” world. Cultural performances Beyond the iconic Sumazau dance, which gracefully mimics the flight of an eagle with sweeping arm movements, the Kadazandusun people bring to life a rich tapestry of cultural performances that celebrate the diversity of their subethnic groups. Take the Maragang dance from Tambunan, for example – a lively and energetic display filled with vigorous movements and spirited war cries known as pangkis . Then there is the Sazau Papar dance of the Kadazandusun community from Papar district, and the Rungus people of Kudat present their own vibrant version of Mongigol . These captivating performances are brought to the stage not only during the main Kaamatan events but also at cultural homes outside the hall, inviting all to immerse themselves in Sabah’s living heritage.

E VERY year in May, as the rice fields turn golden and the air fills with excitement, Kaamatan comes alive across Sabah. At the very heart of Kaamatan lies the Kadazandusun Cultural Association Sabah (KDCA), based at the Hongkod Koisaan Cultural Unity Centre in Penampang. Each year, the KDCA opens its doors to visitors, inviting everyone to share in the joy, unity and living traditions of the Harvest Festival on May 30 and 31. During these two days, which are public holidays across Sabah, the energy in Kota Kinabalu and villages statewide reaches its peak. The revelry draws in locals, returning Sabahans and visitors from all walks of life. Here is what to expect during the month-long merriment: Traditional rituals If you find yourself at the opening of the festival at the KDCA, you will witness this spiritual connection firsthand. Ancient rituals unfold

Traditional rituals are a highlight during the festivities. – ALL PICS FROM SABAH TOURISM BOARD

Harvest festival queen The Unduk Ngadau pageant is the highlight of Kaamatan, where anticipation fills the air for the crowning of the Harvest Festival queen. More than just a beauty contest, Unduk Ngadau commemorates the spirit of Huminodun , the legendary maiden who sacrificed herself for her people, symbolising beauty, wisdom and selflessness. Each contestant, dressed in her district’s traditional attire, takes the stage to represent her community’s unique heritage and story. The excitement builds as finalists answer questions in their own ethnic languages, showcasing not only grace but also cultural pride and intelligence. Sugandoi singing competitions From district auditions to the grand finals, Sabah’s best voices shine in this beloved tradition. Singing is a favourite pastime for Sabahans, whether at karaoke nights, family gatherings or village events. The Sugandoi competition captures this passion, turning friendly contests into a lively statewide celebration. Contestants of all ages bring their unique style to the stage, singing in their native language, filling the

Tourists to Sabah will be greeted with plenty of cultural performances.

details when scheduling a ride to pick them up from the airport. If their flight is delayed or cancelled, we will automatically adjust their scheduled ride’s pick-up time or cancel the trip at no extra cost. That means they can spend as little time at the airport as possible with guaranteed rides on arrival, even at off-peak or busy hours,” said Bolt Malaysia general manager Afzan Lutfi. This is the latest upgrade to the company’s Scheduled Rides service festival with cheers and unforgettable performances. Sugandoi is more than a singing contest – it is a joyful expression of community and culture that everyone looks forward to during Kaamatan. Timeless festive games The spirited tug-of-war is a traditional game you can join or watch during Kaamatan, which usually starts in the morning. This lively contest is deeply rooted in local heritage and draws enthusiastic participants and spectators alike. The game showcases strength, teamwork and community spirit, making it a favourite among festival-goers. Held alongside other traditional competitions such as arm wrestling and blowpipe contests, the tug-of-war adds to the vibrant atmosphere of Kaamatan, inviting everyone to experience the joy and cultural pride of Sabah’s indigenous peoples. Traditional treats, sips During Kaamatan, the tamu comes alive with local vendors offering a tempting spread of ethnic delicacies and fresh seasonal fruits that celebrate Sabah’s rich culinary heritage. Be sure to try hinava , a zesty raw fish salad bursting with fresh flavours, alongside

since the booking window was extended to 90 days last year. As airports are the most popular destination for Bolt trips, the platform has introduced a number of new and upgraded features that better support customers’ airport experience online and off. Easy-to-follow in-app directions with photos help people get from their airport location to the pick-up area, and with airport branding, the firm aims to make it even easier for users to spot pick-up areas. Massive tamu Forget your average market – Kaamatan’s Tamu is a vibrant, bustling wonderland where Sabah’s culture comes alive in every aisle. Wander through a sea of colourful stalls overflowing with handmade crafts, intricate beadwork, woven textiles and unique indigenous treasures, all sold directly by the artisans themselves. The air buzzes with friendly chatter, the aroma of traditional snacks and the sounds of live music drifting between the rows. Here, shopping is not just about buying – it is about meeting local makers, swapping stories and soaking up the joyful spirit of the harvest festival. bosou , a traditional fermented fish or meat dish, and linopot , sticky rice wrapped in leaves. Sweet treats such as hinompuka , steamed rice cakes, and soft but crispy-edge penyaram add a delightful touch to the feast. No Kaamatan celebration is complete without sampling the famous local rice wines, tapai and lihing , which flow freely during communal toasts, symbolising unity and gratitude. These flavours, served with warm smiles by the vendors, offer a delicious glimpse into the heart and soul of Kaamatan.

Tug-of-war battles are popular during this festive period.

The naming of the Harvest Festival queen is keenly anticipated during Kaamatan.

Simplifying airport pickups with flight tracking feature

MOBILITY platform Bolt has introduced a flight tracking feature that will now simplify airport pickups. Customers can now sync their flight details when scheduling a ride to pick them up from the airport with Flight Tracking. If a customer’s flight is delayed or cancelled, Bolt will automatically adjust their scheduled ride’s pick-up time or cancel the trip at no extra cost. Users need to tap the “Schedule” button on their home screen next to

like to be picked up. From there, Bolt will automatically apply any updates in cases of delayed or cancelled flights. “Today, Bolt is one of 30+ airports’ official ride-hailing partners across the world, including KLIA 1 and 2. This means customers can travel directly from Arrivals more easily than ever, without needing to find a separate pick-up point. With Flight Tracking for Scheduled Rides, our private and Bolt Business customers can now sync their flight

the destination search and enter the pick-up location as either Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA 1) or Terminal 2 (KLIA 2) and the destination from there as usual to start scheduling their ride. They can choose “Add Flight Details” and select the flight’s landing date, flight number, airline or departure city, and choose the specific flight. To update or change arrival time if their flight is delayed, users will also need to set how many minutes after landing they would