Travel

Commemorating the life of a Borneo Warrior and headhunter, the Cultural Village is located in the village of Kuai on the banks of the Penampang River. The story of Monsopiad began a long time ago.

Life in the village was not always peaceful. Pirates and plunderers disturbed the peace of Kampung (Kg.) Kuai and the surrounding villages. Unable to bear it any longer, a young man of the village decided to avenge and end the ruthless attacks. He is none other than Monsopiad, the grandson of the village headman. He gathered all the youths of Kg. Kuai and prepared to defend the village. Monsopiad succeeded and thus became well known as the best and most fearsome warrior ever.

He had, in his entire lifetime, 42 trophy-heads to his name. Today, you too can relive the adventures of Monsopiad with a guided tour around his village area. It is still resided by families who are direct descendants of the warrior. The stories are so well told that you can almost see and feel the presence of these once glorious warriors.

Then we have the Siou do Mohoing (House of Skulls), which refers to the 42 trophy skulls. They are housed in the ancestral house that is situated on a small knoll overlooking the village area and the Penampang River. The Keeper of the Skulls, Mamai Dousia Moujing, and his family had lived in the ancestral home with the Skulls until 1996. With the consent of the Siou do Mohoing, the family now stays next door. Consent was also obtained for non-family members to visit Siou do Mohoing. It is believed that the Spirits of the Skulls exists and are still living. True to the belief, dried hisad palm leaves are strung and woven around the trophy skulls to ward off evil spirits and to protect the family and visitors.

There are also several traditional farmhouses in the village. The quaint buildings have staircases made out of round logs with steps cut into them. The walls are made of nibung (a type of tree) and the roofs, attap. Padi is stored in the tangkob, a huge granary, after the harvest season. These further emphasizes the importance and respect the Kadazandusun have on padi and the belief that all things originate from this rice grain.

We also have the Gintutun do mohoing, a stone monolith that was erected a long time ago and which acts as a silent witness to the many legends of Monsopiad. Many believe that spirits from the past live within this structure. Today, many people visit the stone for luck. Located beside it are the bangkaha or tall bamboo poles that are split at the top-ends to hold and dry the trophy heads brought home by Monsopiad and his warriors.

The Kotos di Monsopiad is a reconstruction of the main house of Monsopiad. This is an opportunity for visitors to gain an insight into the life and times of the Warrior and his descendants. Gusi (ceramic jars), guguzangan (padi grinders), ugut (bamboo water containers), dopuan (the kitchen), and totozidan (a baby’s hanging cradle) all indicate a time not too long ago when spirits were called upon to guide one’s every move and action.

To “communicate” with the spirits, we have the Bobohizan or high priestess who is a highly respected person in the Kadazandusun village community. She is the medium of direct communication with all spirits.

The Monsopiad Cultural Village of today is built on the original site of the ancestral longhouse, where the Headman held audience with the villagers and visitors. It was the venue of many celebrations and festivities and thus most apt to house the Restaurant. The latter serves a fine selection of traditional local dishes, including the must-have famous Kadazandusun favorite, the mouth-watering hinava, which is very fresh, sliced raw fish marinated in fresh lime juice and mixed with finely sliced chili padi, ginger, bitter gourd, and shallots. They also serve Pinasakan sada’h (fish stewed-dry in herbs and dried fruit takob-akob), manuk om lihing (chicken with homemade rice wine), soko (bamboo shoots), lomiding (local ferns), and many more exotic dishes. Visitors could also make advance orders for hill rice to be served in addition to the village rice. You may also order the Vinaigan, a special glutinous rice dessert, which is actually served on special occasions, celebrations and festivities, such as a child’s coming of age, a welcome home celebration, a going-away blessing ritual, anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings.

The Village is always full of activities as it celebrates festivals and events including the annual Pesta Kaamatan, as well as Kadazan weddings, rituals and ceremonies.

Some Do’s and Don’ts
All visitors are welcomed to the Monsopiad Cultural Village. However, visitors are reminded to respect and adhere to local customs. When in need for more information, refer to your Guide or the Keeper of the Skulls and his family. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

When entering any house, visitors are requested:

To remove their footwear and to leave them outside on the porch
To always tread lightly and “wind” your way around other people in all houses, including the Restaurant. It is disrespectful to walk OVER a person, man, woman, child or any objects.
Do not intrude the Bobohizan, any rituals, or ceremonies in progress.
Not to touch, laugh at, shout, and make disrespectful remarks or gestures to the following:
- Siou do Mohoing
- Bobohizan sigar (headgear), paraphernalia of instruments,
- The Keeper’s Sword

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