The Harvest Festival is celebrated by the Kadazandusun and Murut communities each year to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.

The Kadazandusun believe that rice has a spirit, which they refer to as bambarayan or bambaazon. The rice spirit lives in the paddy fields until the time of harvest, when the spirit is invited to ‘move’ to the rice store in the barn. However, before the harvest can begin, a female high priestess, known as bobohizan, must go to the paddy fields and select seven of the best rice stalks. These rise stalks are then taken to a protected area while the rest of the crop is harvested. When the harvest is done, the seven stalks are presented to the owner of the rice field, symbolizing the homecoming of the rice spirit.

While Borneo is celebrating the harvest festival, The Reef Dive Resort at Mataking also has our own style of celebration.

On 31st May, an exciting party was held with various performances presented by our very own staffs involving participation of foreign guests from the floor. The staff presented cultural shows which include dances like Igal Igal, Darling Darling, Ocho Ocho, the favourite Sumazau Bamboo dance and many more. The party which enjoyed by all lasted till late midnight.

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