The famous Lundayeh festival will return next year in June!
11 Nov – The Sabah Grand Lundayeh Festival is making its return to Sipitang next June! This biennial celebration brings together the Lundayeh community from across Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan.
*Who are the Lundayeh?*
The Lundayeh are one of Borneo’s earliest indigenous groups, with around 10,000 living in Sabah (mostly in Sipitang, Tenom, and Long Pasia).
Fun fact: they’re called Lundayeh in Sabah and Kalimantan, but Lun Bawang in Sarawak – same people, different name! Their language, Buri Lun Bawang, means “our language.”
Traditionally agriculturalists and former headhunters, the Lundayeh are known for their unique ceremonies like the Ulung Buayeh (crocodile cutting ritual) that symbolizes bravery.
*Cultural Spotlights*
• Sabah Lundayeh wear simple black and white traditional costumes
• Sarawak’s Lun Bawang rock bright, colorful outfits with complex motifs
• Despite the fashion differences, they all speak one language!
The Sabah Grand Lundayeh Festival is the best place to experience the full Lundayeh culture and traditions – make plans to join the event next year!
*Musical Heritage*
Get ready to hear the authentic sounds of traditional Lundayeh instruments:
• Gongs (for the arang tawak dance)
• Telingut & Suling (traditional flutes)
• Bas (bamboo horns)
• Sekafi (for the sekafi dance)
• Tawag Buluh (bamboo instruments) • Rurum Lun Suling (the famous Lundayeh pipe band!)
