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This Spotlight is sponsored by Sabah Tourism Board.
Located in northern Sabah, Kudat is known for its coastal scenery and the famous Tip of Borneo, where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea
But beyond the beaches and sweeping ocean views, the district is also home to the Rungus community, one of Sabah's indigenous ethnic groups known for preserving traditions through crafts, storytelling, and music.
So, if you're planning a trip to Kudat, here's what you can expect:
1. Dive into Pinakol beadwork, which has long been part of the Rungus cultural identity
Often worn as decorative garments and accessories, pinakol features colourful hand-threaded beads arranged into intricate patterns carrying symbolic meanings passed down through generations.
At Kampung Bavanggazo in Matunggong, 50-year-old Agnes Angkung has continued the beadmaking tradition she learned from her mother when she was just six years old.
According to Agnes, many of the motifs are closely connected to the forest and survival.
"One common story often reflected in these motifs is about a young warrior who went into the forest to look for medicinal plants. When he arrived at the site, he found a venomous animal destroying the plants, so he used his spear to kill it," she explained.
Among the motifs featured in pinakol are Vinusak, which refers to forest plants; Tinugarang, representing venomous mythical creatures; Tiningulun for warriors; and Inompuling, inspired by weapons or shields.
2. The Bavanggazo Longhouse offers overnight stays where you can closely experience daily life within the community
You can stay in private rooms while taking part in activities organised by villagers, including beadmaking and weaving demonstrations, traditional home-cooked meals, and cultural performances.
Community-based tourism has also become an additional source of income for many Rungus families who traditionally depended on farming and fishing.
According to Kudat District Tourism and Cultural Industry Association chairman Abdul Aziz Amir Bangsah, tourism has allowed communities to share their culture and way of life while generating income for their families.
"Tourism has opened another avenue for the community. It allows them to share their culture, their way of life, and at the same time generate income for their families," he shared.
3. Beyond that, Kudat's cultural experiences continue across several villages in the district
Kampung Sumangkap is known for its traditional gong-making industry, where instruments are still handcrafted and tuned using methods passed down through generations.
Meanwhile, local families in Kampung Gombizau continue producing stingless bee honey through small-scale harvesting practices alongside farming activities.
Other community stays, such as the award-winning Misompuru Homestay, offer activities like fishing trips, crab catching, rubber tapping, mangrove walks, and shared village-style meals.
Creative spaces like G Wonder Khayalan Home Art Gallery also showcase paintings inspired by Rungus traditions and Sabah's landscapes, alongside its imaginative architecture and artistic design.
Altogether, Kudat brings together culture, craftsmanship, nature, and community in one destination, offering you a chance to experience traditions that continue to thrive across generations.
Interested to experience Kudat out for yourself? Check out this itinerary from the Sabah Tourism Board and plan your next trip now!
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