Unduk Ngadau Beauty Contest in Sabah
The location of the KDCA is just about 15-20 minutes drive out from Kota Kinabalu city and will be the center of attraction for the Kaamatan Festival or Harvest Festival in Sabah Borneo every year.
Unduk Ngadau Sabah
As the Unduk Ngadau is one of the most recognizable cultural events in Sabah and the Unduk Ngadau Beauty Pageant is also very unique to the state.
Each district will have their own harvest queen contest and at the end, all the winners from each district in Sabah will participate in the grand finals at the KDCA in Kota Kinabalu.
The title comes from the ethnic word Runduk Tadau which means ‘the girl crowned by sunlight’. I wonder who will be the next Unduk Ngadau 2012.
Winner: Miss Bo Tiza Arthur S. Disimon from Penampang – Pemenang Unduk Ngadau 2011
1st Runner Up – Jovenea Jim Lajim (Tamparuli)
2nd Runner Up – Caroline Anthony (Tuaran)
3rd Runner Up – Sophie Angela Kutam (Ranau)
More info on the Unduk Ngadau Winners for 2011
- Finalist for Unduk Ngadau 2011 from Borneo Herald Blogspot
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| Unduk Ngadau Queen 2010 Rowena |
Unduk Ngadau History
It is believed that she was the one who taught the priestesses, known as locally as Bobohizans their ritual mantras which exist today.
Unduk Ngadau Contest
After the district level, each of the finalist then move on to the state-level pageant which is held on the 31st of May each year at the Hongkod Koisaan building or KDCA in Penampang, Kota Kinabalu. This is the main highlight and ending point of the month long Kaamatan celebrations.
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| The unique Sabah Bamboo Band performing at Kaamatan |
Tuaran has been selected to host the launch of the 2011 Harvest Festival celebration on May 1st. Among the dates of celebration at other districts throughout Sabah are as follows:
As it was the first time for me, I had no clue on what to expect apart from a number of beauty queens parading on stage. Well, little did I know that there was so much more that just the contest.
Thousands of people were seen arriving in the morning while the entire KDCA complex was filled with all sorts of demonstrations, performances and stalls selling food, drinks and local handicraft.
The main event was held inside the air conditioned building or hall while other activities were outside.
After a good strolling around the grounds, I must have seen some of the rare and unique cultures demonstrating the attire and culture in some of the specially made homes here.
The mood was simply jovial while locals splashed with a myriad of colors were celebrating the end of the Harvest Festival in all ways possible. I will write more on this later.
As I went into the main hall to witness the beauty contest, there were already hundreds of people in there waiting patiently.
Many came from their respective districts to cheer upon the local winner while some even wore the clans traditional attire. Taking a seat upfront, VIPs were seen ushered in which included the Chief Minister of Sabah.
The program started with speeches and lead into a cultural show onstage. Followed next was a popular singer who took the mic and in came the beauty queens in batches in casual attire.
Little did I know what went on here so my personal guide was crucial to me in passing on the information. Almost every step of the way, I had some question to ask him and I hope he did not mind.
During the entire contest, I have to admit that this was the first time in my life that a beauty pageant was actually different and interesting.
There were various intermissions where some of the lesser known tribes came up onstage to perform a traditional dance. Not your usual song and dance, it was out of this world.
While some sported intriguing headgear, others has intricately designed dresses.
Attending this is a photographers dream come true for taking pictures of not just natural beauty but the beautiful and interesting accessories that came along with each and everyone on stage.
No two were alike and given the chance, I would attend this again.
The coordination was done well while the announcer was introducing each and everyone to the huge roar of the crowds.
It was clear that some of the contestants had a much louder cheer compared to others. I wonder if this year, there will be more support from the crowds.
Anyway, the beauty contestants looks so beautiful and pretty on stage with their ever smiling faces.
Complete with headgear, sash, arm and leg bands, it takes them about 3-6 months to fully complete one of these amazing traditional costumes which can cost tens of thousands of Ringgit.
Many were surprised on Tanjung Aru winning the Queen Title while it was indeed a wonderful experience overall.
If you are a traveler heading in this direction at the end of May 2011, you should at least check out this stunning festival and I promise you will have an amazing time here.
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| Unduk Ngadau 2010 Winner – Crystel Eve Huminodun (Seated Center) |
The Unduk Ngadau 2010 Winners List;
WINNER: Crystel Eve Huminodun (Tanjung Aru)
1st Runner Up: Rochelle Fayrenie (Penampang)
2nd Runner Up: Lydia John Alai (DBKK)
4th: Ledesma Steven (Tuaran)
5th: Hannevy Vivie W Harry (Tambunan)
6th: Eflorina Jolius (Pitas)
7th: Debra Fiona Alexius (Likas)
Miss DIGI Popular: Einny Emil (Kinabatangan)
KDCA Address
Bangunan KDCA
Kampung Koidupan
Penampang
Sabah 89500
KDCA Website
Getting to the KDCA is quite straightforward as all taxis will know this place. It takes about 15-20 minutes drive from KK town on normal time. Update: You can also take Grabcar from Kota Kinabalu city.
On the other hand, there are buses to Penampang so check with the locals about the bus number from KK to Penampang. You can also take a taxi or Grab from KK City.
If you are coming from KK, the KDCA building is on your right. Hard to miss as it will be pretty crowded with lots of cars parked everywhere.
Conclusion
Personally I will say that you have not seen a beauty pageant until you have experienced the Unduk Ngadau Beauty Contest in Sabah.
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