Sabah, known as 'The Land Below the Wind,' is Malaysia's easternmost state on the island of Borneo, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, towering Mount Kinabalu, and world-class diving at Sipadan Island. The state is home to over 42 ethnic groups, pristine rainforests, and wildlife including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Sabah is home to over 42 ethnic groups — show curiosity and respect for each group's distinct traditions and customs
Remove shoes before entering mosques, traditional longhouses, and many local homes
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites — cover shoulders and knees; sarongs are available at mosques
The right hand is used for eating, giving, and receiving gifts and objects — avoid using the left hand
Never point with the index finger — use the thumb of a closed fist or gesture with the whole hand, palm down
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous villages and during ceremonies
During the Ramadan fasting month, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public in front of Muslim Sabahans during daylight hours
Prices in markets are sometimes negotiable but don't haggle aggressively — a polite counteroffer is culturally acceptable
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Remove shoes when entering mosques, temples, and traditional longhouses
- Greet elders first when entering a group setting
- Use both hands or the right hand when giving and receiving items
- Ask permission before photographing people or cultural ceremonies
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) at religious sites
- Accept refreshments when offered at someone's home — refusal can be seen as rude
- Learn a few words of Malay or Kadazan-Dusun — locals greatly appreciate the effort
Don't
- Don't point with your index finger at people or objects — use your thumb or whole hand
- Don't touch someone's head — the head is considered sacred in Sabahan cultures
- Don't raise your voice or show anger in public — maintaining composure is important
- Don't photograph indigenous ceremonies, sacred objects, or people without explicit permission
- Don't eat pork or drink alcohol in front of practicing Muslims, particularly during Ramadan
- Don't discard items or litter in national parks — fines apply and respect for nature is paramount
- Don't step over food or people seated on the floor in traditional settings
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival)
The most important festival for the Kadazan-Dusun people, held at the end of May to celebrate the rice harvest. Features the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant, traditional songs and dances, tapai (rice wine) sharing, and community gatherings at longhouses across Sabah.
Regatta Lepa
The Bajau Laut's most celebrated annual festival held in Semporna, featuring elaborately decorated lepa (traditional boats) competing in a colourful water parade. The festival celebrates Bajau maritime heritage and culture.
Tapai Sharing
Traditional fermented rice wine (tapai or lihing) is central to Kadazan-Dusun hospitality. Being offered tapai at a community gathering is an honour — accepting even a small amount shows respect.
Magunatip Dance
The traditional bamboo dance of the Murut people, requiring agility to leap over moving bamboo poles. Originally associated with healing rituals and believed to ward off evil spirits.
Sumazau
The most iconic Kadazan-Dusun dance, performed during Kaamatan and celebrations, characterised by graceful, bird-like wing movements of extended arms. Often performed in pairs.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake common between men; women may not shake hands with men of different religion — follow their lead. Malay greetings: 'Selamat pagi' (good morning), 'Selamat petang' (good afternoon). Kadazan: 'Kopio' (hello).
- Dining
- Wait for elders or hosts to begin eating before starting; use the right hand or cutlery; complimenting the food is appreciated
- Dress
- Smart casual for most restaurants; conservative dress at religious sites; swimwear only on beaches
- Gifts
- Bringing fruit, sweets, or local produce is appreciated when visiting homes; give and receive with both hands or the right hand
- Business
- Business cards exchanged with both hands; punctuality respected; building personal relationships before business is the norm in Sabah
- Tipping
- Not customary but appreciated — 5-10% at restaurants for exceptional service; tip guides and boat operators for excellent tours
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Selamat datang (Malay) / Kopio (Kadazan-Dusun)
Hello
seh-LAH-mat DAH-tang / KOH-pee-oh
Terima kasih (Malay) / Tadau kotohuadan (Kadazan)
Thank you
teh-REE-mah KAH-sih
Berapa harga?
How much?
beh-RAH-pah HAR-gah
Di mana...?
Where is...?
dee MAH-nah
Sedap! (Malay) / Sonong! (Kadazan)
Delicious!
seh-DAP / SOH-nong
Cantik (Malay)
Beautiful
chan-TIK
Saya tidak faham
I don't understand
SAH-yah TEE-dak FAH-ham
Maaf / Permisi
Excuse me
MAH-af / per-MEE-see
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Sabah.
Main: Islam is the predominant religion in Sabah (majority of Malay and Bajau communities); Christianity is widely practised among Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, and Chinese communities; Buddhism and folk religions among Chinese communities; animistic practices continue among some indigenous groups
Sites: Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (City Mosque / Masjid Bandaraya), Likas Mosque (State Mosque / Masjid Al-Bandaraya), Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple (Sandakan), St Michael's Cathedral (KK), various churches and temples throughout the state
Holy Days: Hari Raya Aidilfitri (end of Ramadan — major public holiday), Hari Raya Aidiladha, Kaamatan (Harvest Festival, end of May), Christmas, Chinese New Year, Wesak Day — all observed as public holidays in Sabah
Conversations: Religion and politics are sensitive topics — avoid initiating these discussions with strangers; Sabah's multi-religious harmony is something locals are proud of and protective about