If you're visiting Sabah in May, the Kaamatan Harvest Festival is one of the best times to experience the state’s culture, food, and community spirit.
Kaamatan is a month-long harvest festival celebrated across Sabah, with the biggest celebrations taking place at KDCA Cultural Village in Penampang on 30–31 May.
For first-time visitors, here’s exactly what you can expect at Kaamatan.
Kaamatan Festival is a harvest celebration rooted in Sabah indigenous culture, featuring:
Visitors can explore everything from village-style festivities to large-scale cultural events, all within the same month.
Kaamatan is an annual harvest festival that honours the rice spirit and gives thanks for a bountiful harvest.
It is deeply tied to the legend of Huminodun, a central figure in Kadazan-Dusun culture, and reflects Sabah’s strong connection to land, community, and tradition.
Today, Kaamatan is both a cultural celebration and a state-wide festival open to visitors.
Food plays a central role in Kaamatan, and it is one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
During the festival, you will come across a wide variety of traditional Sabahan dishes such as hinava, bambangan, and linopot, alongside grilled meats, homemade snacks, and seasonal produce.
Locally brewed rice wines such as tapai and lihing are also commonly shared, contributing to the warm and social atmosphere that defines the festival.
Much of the food is prepared by local communities, offering flavours and recipes that are deeply rooted in tradition.
Discover the rich flavours of Sabah with these curated culinary experiences:
Kaamatan is rich in performances that showcase Sabah’s diverse indigenous cultures.
Expect:
One of the most anticipated highlights is the Unduk Ngadau pageant, which celebrates cultural heritage, grace, and the story of Huminodun.
Beyond performances, Kaamatan is highly interactive and community-driven.
You can watch or even join:
These activities reflect the agricultural roots of the festival and bring communities together in a fun, competitive way.
Experience the vibrant traditions of Borneo on guided tours to cultural villages around Kota Kinabalu:
For most first-time visitors, the best time to experience Kaamatan is during the final weekend of May, when the largest celebrations take place.
However, visiting earlier in the month offers a quieter and more local experience, with smaller-scale celebrations across different districts.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can refer to our Kaamatan Festival 2026 guide for full dates and locations across Sabah.
If you plan to visit multiple Kaamatan locations across Sabah, arranging your transport in advance can make your journey much smoother:
Kaamatan is Sabah’s annual harvest festival, celebrated throughout May with cultural events, food, and community activities.
Yes. Sabah is home to an estimated 30 to 42 distinct ethnic groups (and over 200 sub-ethnic groups) that speak over 50 different languages. Kaamatan is your chance to experience all of them in one place.
Yes. The festival is open to visitors, and many events are accessible to the public.
Penampang (KDCA Cultural Village) offers the most complete experience, especially during the final weekend.
Light, breathable clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended.
More than just a festival, Kaamatan Harvest Festival is a time when Sabah comes alive with culture, tradition, and community spirit, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the state in its most vibrant form.
Whether you're planning to explore the main celebrations or discover quieter, local festivities, SabahTravel.com helps you organise your journey seamlessly with tours, activities, and travel experiences across Sabah.