The Kaamatan Harvest Festival 2026 is Sabah’s biggest cultural celebration, taking place throughout May and culminating in a grand finale at KDCA Penampang on 30–31 May 2026.
Celebrated across multiple districts, Kaamatan offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Sabah’s culture through food, music, traditional games, and community festivities across the entire state.
Kaamatan Harvest Festival 2026 – Quick Summary
- Festival Period: 1–31 May 2026
- Official Launch: 1 May 2026 (Papar)
- District Celebrations: Throughout May across Sabah
- International Week: 21–22 May 2026
- Grand Finale: 30–31 May 2026 (KDCA Penampang)
👉 Best time to visit: 30–31 May (for the full experience) or mid-May (for district-level celebrations)
Kaamatan Harvest Festival 2026 Dates (Full Calendar)
Early May Highlights
- 1 May (Fri): Official Launch – Papar
- 2 May (Sat): KDCA Sarawak, Melaka, Putrajaya, Pagalungan
- 3 May (Sun): Tuaran, Tamparuli, Kiulu
If you plan to be in Papar for the launch, here are some fun cultural activities you can do while there:
Penampang (KDCA Cultural Village) – Main Festival Hub
The largest and most vibrant Kaamatan celebrations take place here.
What to expect:
- Unduk Ngadau cultural pageant
- Traditional dances and performances
- Local food stalls and handicrafts
- Live music, competitions, and community gatherings
👉 Best time: 30–31 May 2026
Enhance your Kaamatan experience at KDCA with a guided cultural village tour for deeper insight into local traditions:
Kota Belud – Authentic Cultural Experience
A stronghold of Bajau and Dusun traditions, offering a more grounded, local celebration.
👉 Best time: Around 17 May 2026
Turn your Kota Belud visit into a short getaway with river cruises, cultural stays, and nature experiences:
Kudat & Banggi – Culture Meets Coastal Beauty
Experience Kaamatan alongside Rungus culture, longhouses, and scenic northern Sabah landscapes.
👉 Best time: Mid-May celebrations
Extend your journey north to Kudat for coastal views, cultural stays, and a unique longhouse experience:
Ranau & Tambunan – Highlands & Heritage
Celebrate near Kinabalu Park with cooler weather and strong Dusun cultural roots.
Many travellers combine Kaamatan with a visit to Kinabalu Park, Desa Dairy Farm, or Kundasang’s highlands:
SabahTravel.com allows you to book tours, activities, transport, and experiences across multiple operators in one place, making it easier to plan your Kaamatan journey.
Whether you're exploring cultural districts, visiting rural villages, or pairing your trip with Sabah’s top attractions, you can organise everything seamlessly in a single itinerary.
Consider arranging your transport in advance, especially if you plan to visit multiple Kaamatan locations across Sabah:
