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Pesta Rumbia 2005, Sabah, Malaysia

Below are over 350 photos I took at the Pesta Rumbia (Sago Fest) at Sawangan Beach, Kuala Penyu between Jul 1 and 3, 2005. Sago Palm is also known as "the tree of a thousand uses". The purpose of this festival is to educate the public the traditional uses of Sago Palm, especially for handicraft, housing, food and medicine. You will see demonstration on sago processing and its rich range of products.

This is the first time I see this annual event, which is bigger than I think. Since there are so many events such as exhibition, sago buffet, Beauty Queen Pageant, cultural performance, beautiful beach, local fruits... you will definitely find something you like there. If time permitted, do take the opportunity to go to Pulau Tiga Island and a Klias Wetland river cruise tour, since both places are very near to Kuala Penyu.

But please note that the first day is more like a preparation day, so there is nothing much to see. My first day being there was quite frustrated because it was a rainy day and no exciting activities, and I was taking 3 buses to get there. I advise you to go there on second and third day, and get a car if possible (unless you follow a tour).

Event Highlight


Pesta Rumbia Beauty Queen Pageant 106 years old Bidayuh Dusun Tatana Bisaya Orang Brunei


Interesting Stuffs



Food Handicraft Fruits Livestock and Pet


The places


Activities Kuala Penyu and Sawangan Beach