Monsopiad Cultural Village: Sabah’s Cultural Heritage

Aug 23rd, 2011 by Rebekah

For a closer look into the cultural heritage of Sabah, one needs not travel far to find it. Located in Penampang, about half an hour outside of Kota Kinabalu, the Monsopiad Cultural Village is said to be Sabah’s first living museum.

The Monsopiad Cultural Village opened on the 1st of May 1996, in memory of the great and legendary Kadazan Warrior Monsopiad, a reknowned headhunter of the Kadazandusun people. Since then the attraction has seen many visitors, both locals and tourists alike.

Visitors to the village are encouraged to take part in the many activities offered throughout the day, from making rice-wine (also known as lihing), to learning to cook the local cuisine. Apart from that there are performances of the “Sumazau”, a traditional dance of the tribe, that visitors can also learn.

Within the village, you can take a guided tour of the House of Skulls, where the remnants of Monsopiad’s headhunting days are displayed. The tour also takes you to visit the Tangkob, or Granary, where paddy is stored, and also to the Kotos Di Monsopiad or Monsopiad’s Main House, dedicated to the life and times of Monsopiad and his decendants. In the house, there are displays of many traditional items, including the costume of Bobohizan Inai Bianti, a direct descendant of Monsopiad and very senior high priestess.

For those who are interested in visiting the Monsopiad Cultural Village, opening hours is daily, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission fees (which include a welcome drink and the guided tour) for locals is RM 55 for adults, RM 30 for students and RM 20 for senior citizens (aged 55 and above), while for overseas visitors, it is RM 75 for adults and RM 50 for students. For children, admission is free.

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