SABAH
Sabah occupies the northern part of Borneo and is the second
largest state in Malaysia. It is a melting pot of cultures and traditions set
admist a landscape that ranges from the oldest tropical rainforest in the world
to one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia. Sabah is blessed with more than
30 indigenous groups,which includes the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut , Bajau and
Idahan. This state is famed for its eco-tourism and has a magical combination
of unique wildlife, stunning scenery and beautiful beaches.
MOONSOPIAD – THE LEGENDARY WARRIOR
Long ago, Kizabon, the daughter of the Kuai Village’s
headman, was blessed with a baby boy named Monsopiad. During her pregnancy, her
husband , Dunggou, realized a sacred Bugang bird had nested and laid eggs on
the roof of their house. Such a good omen was a sign that their child would
possess extraordinary abilities. When their child was born,the Bugang eggs
hatched. Every day, the couple bathed their baby together with the young Bugang
chicks, a routine they observed until the sacred birds were able to fly.
A natural fighter that handled every weapon with ease,
Monsopiad soon grew into a handsome and promising warrior . Unfortunately ,
Monsopiad grew in trying times. The vicious Balinini pirates often came down
from Marudu to plunder his village. Like many small villages, Kuai offered
little defence. During each raid, the villagers cowered and hid in the jungle
until it was safe to return.
One day, as Monsopiad was tiling his father’s paddy field, a
group of women started taunting him for working so hard for the benefit of the
marauding pirates. The women continued to provoke, calling the village men
weaklings that were unable to protect their village effectively. Enraged,
Monsopiad swore that he would hunt and kill all the pirates. As proof he
promised to cut off the head of the pirate leader.
Before he left, he threatened to kill the mocking ladies if
they failed to honour his return as a grand warrior.
Monsopiad went after the pillaging pirates with 3 boys as
witnesses. Once he found them, a violent fight ensued. After fighting
ceaselessly for days, Monsopiad fanally fought the pirate chef. The special
strength bestowed on him by the sacred Bugang bird helped him defeat and behead
the cruel chief. The 3 boys sped back to Kuai to announce Monsopiad’s victory
and herald his impending arrival.
When the village women heard the news, they were terrified,
for they had never welcomed a warrior home. Fortunately, the Bobohizan
priestesses knew what to do and dressed the women in their best costumes and
fineries and led them in a procession bearing bamboo trays to ensure that the
spirits surrounding Monsopiad would know they were honoured too. Their songs of
victory welcomed Monsopiad and inspired him to continue vanquishing all the enemies
of his village.
To honour the memory of the great Kadazan Warrior Monsopiad,
the Kadazans erected a small village to ensure future generations could
experience the Kadazan’s fascinating heritage and thrilling legends. His direct
descendants built the Monsopiad Cultural Village with authentic traditional
materials as a tribute to the Kadazan Dusun heritage. Visitors can use public
transportation from Kota Kinabalu city direct to Monsopiad Cultural Village or
utilize the village’s shuttle service that collects and drops off visitor from
selected locations. Open daily from 9am to 6pm, the village also offers guided
tours, cultural shows and unique wedding packages. For more information, please
visit to www.monsopiad.com
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