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)
Planning to Visit Sabah for Kaamatan?
Kaamatan is one of Sabah’s busiest travel periods, especially around the 30–31 May grand finale at KDCA Penampang. If you’re visiting during the festival season, it’s best to arrange your tours, stays, and activities early.
Explore Kaamatan Experiences in Sabah
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
Visiting Papar for the Kaamatan launch? Add these nearby cultural and local experiences to your trip:
Major District Celebrations
9 May (Sat)
- Nabawan, Ranau, Tenom/Kemabong
- Matunggong, Tungku
- Sandakan
- KDCA Pulau Pinang & Klang Valley
10 May (Sun)
- Sipitang, Kinabatangan
- Kota Kinabalu (Tanjung Aru / Bandaraya)
- Kunak, Lahad Datu
- Kota Marudu
- KDCA Labuan, Johor, Perak
16 May (Sat)
- Beluran, Paitan, Semporna
- Tawau, Penampang, Tambunan
- Beaufort, Kuala Penyu / Menumbok
- Multiple east coast & interior districts
17 May (Sun)
- Kota Belud
- Kudat / Banggi
- Putatan
- KDCA Inanam & Kepayan
Key Competitions & Cultural Events
- 18–19 May: Sugandoi Semi Finals (including children & veteran categories)
- 21 May: Kaamatan International Week begins
- 22 May: SEED Spirit Revival & International Week events
- 23 May: Sugandoi Finals
- 24 May: Kaamatan KDCA-ISCEP Concert
State-Level Finals Week (Penampang)
- 27 May: Randawi Tavantang Final
- 28 May: Unduk Ngadau Gala Dinner
Grand Finale Weekend (Must-Visit)
30 May 2026 (Sat)
- Kaamatan Festival (State Level Day 1)
- Traditional sports competitions
31 May 2026 (Sun)
- Official Closing Ceremony
- Unduk Ngadau Grand Final
- Cultural performances & traditional games
Need Help Planning Your Kaamatan Trip?
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Where to Celebrate Kaamatan Harvest Festival in Sabah
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
Visiting KDCA for Kaamatan? Enhance your experience 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:
Kota Marudu, 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 Cow Farm, or Kundasang’s highlands:
Browse Kaamatan experiences, compare local operators, add multiple activities to cart, and book your Sabah trip in one seamless checkout with SabahTravel.com.
Need help getting around during Kaamatan? Explore transport services, airport transfers, and private charters for a smoother Sabah trip:
