(Cover Photo: Michelina Michael)

Planning to visit Sabah in May? You’re in for something special. The Kaamatan Festival, also known as the Harvest Festival, is a unique cultural celebration filled with vibrant traditions, music, food, and heartfelt community spirit. 

This guide will walk you through what Kaamatan is all about, when and where to experience it, and how to make the most of your trip!

What is Kaamatan?

Kaamatan is Sabah's biggest cultural celebration of the year. Known as the Harvest Festival, it is primarily celebrated by the Kadazandusun and other indigenous communities as a time to give thanks for a successful rice harvest. 

It's a month-long festival filled with cultural performances, traditional games, rituals, and feasting. Tourists are welcome and can expect a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

(Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas)

The Origin of Kaamatan & the Legend of Huminodun

Kaamatan traces its roots to the ancient beliefs of Sabah's indigenous people. At its heart lies the story of Huminodun, a mythic maiden said to be the daughter of Kinorohingan, the Creator. 

According to tradition, when famine struck the land, Huminodun willingly sacrificed herself so that her body could nourish the earth. From her spirit, rice and all essential crops were born, making her the sacred giver of life. This act of selflessness is why Kaamatan is not just a harvest festival, but a spiritual time of thanksgiving, remembrance, and renewal. 

Today, this story is honoured through rituals, symbolic offerings, and the Unduk Ngadau pageant, where young women embody Huminodun’s grace, wisdom, and love of her people.

(Photo: Ricardo Unto)

When is Kaamatan Celebrated?

Kaamatan is celebrated throughout the month of May, with local-level events taking place in towns and districts across Sabah. 

The main celebration happens on 30th and 31st May 2025 at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang, just outside Kota Kinabalu.

(Photo: Ricardo Unto

Where to Experience Kaamatan?

Kaamatan is celebrated throughout Sabah, but the main festivities take place at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang, just outside of Kota Kinabalu city. 

In the daytime, KDCA is a vibrant cultural hub. Visitors can catch the highly anticipated Unduk Ngadau pageant, the soulful Sugandoi singing competition, and the spiritual Magavau ritual ceremony led by traditional Bobolian priestesses. 

Other highlights include the Orang Kuat Sabah strongman contest and the newer, male counterpart to Unduk Ngadau – the Mr Kaamatan pageant. You can also explore the Koisaan Cultural Village, located within KDCA, for an immersive walk through traditional indigenous homes representing various ethnic groups. 

By night, KDCA transforms into a festive party zone. Bars, food stalls, and local vendors pop up around the grounds, while live bands and cultural performers take over the main stage, creating a celebratory atmosphere that lasts late into the night.

(Photo: Ricardo Unto)

Top Things to Do During Kaamatan (And How to Make the Most of It)

Kaamatan is more than a cultural celebration, it’s a full-sensory experience. Here's how to enjoy Kaamatan like a local: 

• Soak up the daytime festivities at KDCA, where you can watch cultural pageants, strongman competitions, and live performances. 
• Taste your way through Kaamatan with traditional dishes like hinava, bambangan, lihing, and butod – best enjoyed alongside live music and friendly crowds. 
• Explore the Koisaan Cultural Village on-site to deepen your understanding of Sabah’s ethnic heritage 
• Stay into the evening when KDCA comes alive with music, dancing, and a festive bar scene. It's at this time of year that you’ll see Sabahans in full celebration mode! 
• Venture into district-level festivals for a more intimate and authentic glimpse into community traditions, including rice pounding, blowpipe games, and local handicrafts.

(Photo: Ricardo Unto)

Book a Sabah Cultural Tour

To fully immerse yourself in Sabah’s indigenous heritage, check out these SabahTravel.com cultural experiences:

Cultural Village Tours

Traditional Cooking Classes

These tours and experiences are perfect for travellers who want to dive deeper into Sabah's culture during the festive season.

Why You Should Visit Sabah During Kaamatan

Kaamatan is the perfect time to experience the true spirit of Sabah. From the hospitality of the locals to the richness of traditional culture, it offers something unforgettable for every traveller. 

Whether you're here to enjoy the performances, discover local flavours, or learn about indigenous heritage, Kaamatan is a once-a-year celebration you won’t want to miss.

(Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas)