Learning About Cultural Diversity of Sabah

On the second day of CNY 2025, we visited Mari Mari Cultural Village at Kiansom. This Cultural Village established almost thirty years ago in 1996 is to showcase the diverse customs and traditions of the numerous tribes in Sabah.  

Compared to the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching where we spent a morning in November 2018 (Read here), Mari Mari Cultural Village offers a much more comprehensive guided tour that enhances visitors' visual, audio and taste experience.

At the Rungus house.

Inside a Bajau house.

Getting permission to enter the Murut village.

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The plus point of Mari Mari Cultural Village is that visitors are given the chance to taste some of the traditional snacks of the indigenous people.

Kuih Panjaram - a traditional snacks of Bajau people.

Besides tasting Kuih Panjaram, one station also served the sweet and crispy snack called Kuih Jala. The process of making this snack is quite unique. The making requires a tin which is attached to a stick and it has tiny holes punctured at its bottom. Batter is then poured into the tin which then flows through the tiny holes into the hot-frying oil. Once the batter is fried, it is then quickly folded into the shape the cook prefers.

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We were also shown the process of distilling traditional fermented rice wine or Tapai as the KadazanDusun call it. For the KadazanDusun, tapai is a significant culinary heritage and is served in festivals like Pesta Kaamatan, celebrations and cultural events. 

To some KadasanDusun, their love for drinking is part of their cultural identity - so much so that some even compare it as the Chinese's love for firecrackers during Chine New Year or the Muslim having ketupat during Hari Raya and the Indian displaying Rangoli during the Deepavali!

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The Muruts are known to wear vest known as "babaru puputul" in the Murut language made from tree bark. The vest is made from the inner bark of the puputul tree which takes around 10 years to grow to the size needed before the bark can be harvested to make the vest.

At the station which demonstrate the making of Murut vest from tree bark.

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The finale of the event before adjourning to the buffet was a presentation of indigenous dances like Sumazau, Murut Magunatip Bamboo Dance etc.

2025 CNY Eve Reunion Dinner

Having family reunion dinners together with family members of my siblings at major festivals have been a family tradition for as long as I can remember (Read here).

This CNY, this event which was held at my home was considered major because it was joined by families of Serene from Australia, Paul & Junshi from Singapore and families of Caleb and Calvin from KL. The last major gathering held at my home was in the CNY of 2019 (Read here). 

Preparing deep-fried nian gao for dessert.

The cousins though meeting for the first time, got on well in no time. Here they enjoyed playing the UNO card game.

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Two tables were set up to accommodate the nineteen attendees.

Table for the older generations.

Table for the younger generations.

Common among overseas returnees to their home town for CNY, they look forward to eating CNY food which they had in their childhood days. Hakka pork belly with Taro, Hakka yong tau foo and the Chinese white cut chicken are among the favourite dishes! 

I still remember in the 1970's when I came back for vacation during my uni-days which coincided with CNY season, these dishes prepared by my parents which I grew up with evoke a sense of home, family and belonging. Eating these foods during CNY helps reconnect with my roots and relive cherished moments from my childhood.

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Photo session after the meal.

Nathan, the big brother of his generation! With his sister Grace,
cousins Asher and Hannah - the two children of Caleb..

Playing firework after the meal!

This time, the younger generations truly enjoyed each other company. Families of Caleb and Calvin finally left close to 11.00pm!

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My older brother last attended a family reunion dinner in CNY 2023. Since then, he could no longer participate due to health and mobility issue.

This year, Serene's family paid him a visit on 30.01.2025 during the second day of CNY 2025.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

The next evening after we checked out from Shangri-La Rasa Ria, we proceeded to our next activity - Sunset Dinner Cruise. 

As the name of the Cruise implies, the Cruise promises guests to have a chance to enjoy world-renowned KK sunset over South China Sea while cruising past Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and KK waterfront. At the same time, guests would indulge in an international buffet accompanied with music from a live band on board.

Unfortunately, it was raining non-stop that evening starting from boarding at Sutera Harbour Marina Clubhouse at 5.30pm until check-out at 7.15pm.

Throughout the cruise and with close family members on board, our spirit was not dampened by the lack of sunset view. We have truly enjoyed ourselves!

Up on deck and undeterred of mild drizzle just before
cruise started.

Welcome drink!

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Photos taken immediately after disembarking from the cruise.

At the hotel premise.

Never a Dull Moment at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Nathan and Gracie were meticulous and scheduled their activities so as to ensure their time at the resort was well spent and fully utilized. No time was to be wasted! 

Just before picking our bicycles to do our cycling, Nathan and Grace found this table tennis table and did not hesitate to spend some time playing table tennis.

Group photo just before starting our cycling.

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At Day 2, we spent part of the morning doing kayaking. Though I was a bit apprehensive initially, it turned out to one outdoor activity all of us enjoyed. There was minimal risk because the area allocated for kayaking is at shallow water!