Sabah Fest 2012

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Welcome to the colourful SABAH FEST 2012.

Image: Sabah Tourism

Sabah Fest is the largest cultural event among the many of Sabah's multicultural attractions and for the first time this year the event will be held at the newly-opened 600-capacity Auditorium, Kompleks JKKN Sabah , Mile 2, Jalan Penampang, Kota Kinabalu from 3rd - 5th May 2012.

What to expect

1) Cultural  extravaganza  which  will  take  place  outside  the  venue to offer visitors a  complete  cultural
    journey:
     a) Handicraft-making demonstrations by local experts
     b) Traditional music shows and dance performances
     c) Sampling of variety of traditional foods

2) The main highlight which will be the cultural performances, showcasing the Adventures of  
    Ngarayang, a dynamic, smooth-talking barter trader and his irresistible tales on the diverse
    West Coast ethnic groups he had encountered throughout his barter trade trips.


Storyline of the Adventure of Ngarayang

The story line is scripted in such a way to showcase the authentic, age-old dances, rituals and ceremonies of the Bonggi of Banggi Island, Dusun Kimaragang of Kota Marudu, the Lotud of Tuaran, the Bajau of Kota Belud, the Bruneian of Southwest Sabah, the Bisaya of Beaufort and the Dusun Tatana of Kuala Penyu.

A young adventurer named Ngarayang meaning ‘trader’ plied the west coast of Sabah bartering and distributing a variety of goods much sought after by the coastal communities. He was gifted with a charming look and a flair for story-telling. He captivated his audience wherever he went with wonderous stories of his travels and tales of cultures he encountered.

On one of his legendary journeys, the charms of a beautiful princess captured his heart, and while tales of mystical rituals, captivating dances and mesmerising music in a land of exotic people and cultures fascinated him, his heart yearned to see his princess again.

To find out what happened to Ngarayang in the end, come and find out for yourself.


Traditional dances and rituals

The followings are scheduled to be showcased beginning 8.30pm  by about 400 local performers from their respective areas, during the cultural extravaganza:

1) The Bonggi with their Adat Bebalang and Tabadak dances,
2) The Dusun Kimaragang with their Pinakang dance,
3) The Lotud donning the Sampangan cloth in their colourful and elaborate wedding ceremonies,
4) The Sama (Bajau) with their Runsai Cagayan,
5) The Dusun Menggatal Kuntau (martial arts),
6) The Brunei Zapin Jamilah,
7) The Bisaya Liliput dance and Bubu Mengalai ritual,
8) The Dusun Tatana Bakanjar (martial arts) integrated with the Moginum (drinking) ritual and dance called Sayau Loyop.

If you've noticed, these ethnic groups reside in the West Coast of Sabah.

Similar to the Sabah Fest 2011 at Sutera Magellan, there will be no entrance fee for visitors visiting the exhibitors booths. For the main show, tickets are priced at RM30 and RM50 per show. The building is said to be conforming to the green building guidelines, so, let's visit the new National Culture and Arts Department auditorium this May.