Monsopiad Cultural Village in Sabah

This place is very suitable for anyone who wants to learn about the Kadazandusun culture of Sabah and can be visited in just half a day.

Like the Sarawak Cultural Village but on a much smaller scale, this unique place is worth visiting if you are interested in Sabahan culture and heritage.

The Monsopiad Cultural Village or MCV is also located about 16 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city. It is recommended that you go with a tour guide so that he or she can explain everything in detail to you. 

Monsopiad Cultural Village Gong welcomes you.

The good thing is that Monsopiad Cultural Village works with most of the tour agencies in town who offer this tour package as a half-day tour, so if you are interested, just inquire with them.

As for me, I usually rent a car and self-drive there. This way, I get to experience more along the way, provided that I have ample time on my hands too. 

Cultural Village grounds

The village also has four cultural shows a day, seven days a week, and the charges are RM45.00 for Malaysians and RM65.00 (2011 prices) for foreigners.

Kids and students have lower rates. This includes a full tour, welcome lihing (rice wine) drink, cultural show and access to all areas in the cultural village.

He apparently beheaded all of these enemy warriors hundreds of years ago, and there are a total of 42 perfect condition skulls on display.

Currently, the MCV is being looked after by the direct descendants of Monsopiad. How cool is that?

Hanging skulls on display

As you walk around the Cultural Village, you will see various huts with many different ethnic cultures.

From ethnic musical instruments, bead working, skulls on display, weaving, souvenir shop and even rice winemaking. So, the 3 or 4 hours spent there will be well worth it.

The main stage area

The cultural show at Monsopiad is a must-see for everyone visiting here. A small hall with benches and a custom stage where the musicians are located above the stage will entertain you with the traditional dances of the Kadazandusun people.

She was literally cringing in fear of the Dusun warriors who approached her. Look at her happy hubby clicking away while she feels like some monster is trying to eat her.

Kadazan Dusun warrior attempting to scare me

Anyway, they are performers, and this was my 3rd time there, so I knew what to expect as you can see in the picture above, a warrior tries to intimidate me while I keep clicking in front of his face.

One thing I must say, these Kadazan guys really know how to put on a great show with their serious, no-nonsense faces.

After the main tour, your guide will then take you across the road to Monsopiad’s house or the House of Skulls.

This is where they store the actual Monsopiad parang (sword) and the 42 skulls he beheaded. The house is locked for safety reasons, and the guide will give you the full works about Monsopiad while opening the door to the house.

They belong to warriors and robbers during that time who stood in his way while Monsopiad himself had a special strength or superpowers, as some might say in him.

Orang Utan carved skull

Inside the House of Skulls, you will also see his 3-foot long sword, which he used in the battles, traditional jewellery of the Kadazandusun, headgears of the bobohizan (traditional priestesses), print documentation, pictures on the walls and an orangutan skull which has been intricately carved for rituals.

Kittens looking for their mother.

Scouting around the village, I saw a bunch of kittens living in one of the houses. I could not help but take a picture of them. Altogether, looking out for the mother to bring back something to eat.

I would recommend trying the traditional lunch and a bottle of cold lihing (rice wine) while you are there.

Trust me, it tastes so nice, so different, so refreshing. They even sell these in plastic bottles for RM10 to RM15 per small plastic bottle, so you can take away some for the night.

They must be kept in a fridge before consumption. I took home about 5 bottles!

Monsopiad Cultural Village Area map

Above is a map showing you where all the attractions are. Remember that the best time to get there would be late in the morning and you can spend a good 3 to 4 hours there.

• By public bus – You can simply take Bus Number 13 to Donggongon town in Penampang from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in KK City. The fare is RM1.50. At Donggongon, board a minibus bound for Terawi and indicate your stop to the driver. The fare is RM1.00.
• By taxi – You can also use any taxi to get there for RM35.00.
• Self Drive – Renting a car and self-driving is also relatively easy.
• Alternative – You can also contact the Village for shuttle services.