Monsopiad Heritage Village - Where the Legend Begins

 

Monsopiad village is located about 15KM from Kota Kinabalu . Monsopiad village is a contribution to the private sector towards the development of tourism in Sabah . The village entrepreneurs are working hard to make this place as one of the destinations of Tourism delegation to - tourists, especially from abroad  to visit the state especially in the town of Kota Kinabalu .

More than just a Museum, the concept of the Monsopiad Heritage Village is to document, revive and preserve the cultures and traditions, as well as the beliefs of the Kadazandusun people.

Monsopiad Heritage Village is a traditional village with historical site in the heartland of the Kadazandusun people and it is the only cultural village in Sabah built to commemorates the life and time of the legendary Kadazan and head-hunter warrior "Monsopiad". The direct descendants of Monsopiad, his 6th and 7th generations have build the village on the very land where Monsopiad lived and roamed some three centuries ago to remember their forefather, and to give you an extraordinary insight into their ancient and rich culture.

Located in Kampung Kuai Kandazon in Penampang District , the village is trying to perpetuate the old story about a Kesatrian Kadazan Bernama Monsopiad as a major attraction in Kampung Kuai Kandazon Penampang .

Entrance Counter. Fee, RM80 for Mycard Holder

You will have your own guide.

History

=====

Approximately 300 years ago, people in the village Kadazandusun Kuai Kandazon, Penampang live in longhouses. Moyog River is the only main road heading towards Petagas relations and towards donggongon. They use the river as a major way to take forest produce and sell and purchase goods between them `barter trade '. 

Within the Monsopiad Heritage Village lies the  "Gintutun do Mohoing", a monolith stone erected long ago, is a silent witness to many legends of Monsopiad. Within it, is believed to dwell spirits from the past. Today, many people visit the stone for luck.

If you do not catch a boat or raft, they walk through the forest to the place of destination. At that time, the village is frequented by pirates. The robbers stole their crops and livestock. This situation is a threat to the residents there. They are constantly in fear and did not dare walk alone into the woods and do their farming. 

Here they make variety of traditional brew, many of which are home-made using age-old methods. Sample the 'rice wine' and 'talak' at Monsopiad Heritage Village. Learn unique methods of brewing these local beverages, often used in traditional recipes as well.

Starting from the incident, a man named Monsopiad killed and decapitated heads of pirates and display it as a warning to other pirates not to come to their village. Monsopiad managed to chop off 42 head of man over history includes challengers Monsopiad living in Penampang. Said Monsopiad has carved a cross for each successful pirates beheaded on a stone. This stone is eventually used as tombstones Monsopiad after he died.

Born of Monsopiad

==============

History begins when Kizabon birth to a son that is a result of her marriage to her husband Dunggou. They lived in a longhouse in Kampung Kuai Kandazon, Penampang since 300 years ago. The events began when Kizabon and Dunggou hear a `Bugang 'above the roofs of their houses when Kizabon am childbirth. Dunggou considers it very special event and he climbed the roof of the longhouse. 

The existing house in which the skulls are kept are more popularly known as the "House of Skulls" and in itself is already a prominent tourist attractions since 1979 and is widely mentioned in tourist brochures and travel guides.

There he saw a nest Bugang. In the nest, there are also Bugang egg hatch. But Bugang not be there again. Leaving only shards of eggshell. Dunggou regard the incident as a good omen and believe that son that is born is the son of the mighty. Dunggou then pick up the pieces and dip the egg into her bath. These things are always done by Dunggou until their children grow up. Dunggou named his son as Monsopiad.

Monsopiad been taught martial arts

=========================

As an adult , Monsopiad taught by his grandfather in martial arts . Monsopiad said to be a handsome and smart and long hair . The height is moderate . His good looks and physique Monsopiad cause many girls like to marry him . Monsopiad also always practice using a sword given by his grandfather . Besides practicing with swords, Monsopiad like to jump rivers and ditches . This jump was said to be very unusual .

Many visitor around the world and some are from College/University Students doing a research about the Kadazandusun indigenous ethnic visited often and arranging an interview with our Bobohizan to tell about the history of the village.

Suspension bridge hanging on steel cables at the Monsopiad Heritage Village, crossing the narrow Moyog River. This one wobbles at lot and is quite fun to walk across.

Death of Monsopiad

================

One night, while asleep Monsopiad as drunk drinking rice wine at his home, Monsopiad was attacked by a group of strangers who want to kill Monsopiad with a machete. Attackers failed to kill Monsopiad because Monsopiad said to be immune. That night, Monsopiad beat some attackers using only his fists. However, of the assault, Monsopiad have pounded the walls of houses made of bamboo because the attacker managed to avoid. 

Fire making using bamboo demonstration

This causes Monsopiad hand injured by bamboo. Seeing the situation, Monsopiad jumping on the roof of the house and then fled and hid in the woods. After the incident, Monsopiad suffer pain and hurt that can not be cured. Monsopiad finally died and was buried on the hill in the village of Kuai Kandazon, Penampang by villagers. Stone carved by Monsopiad is then placed over the graves Monsopiad. These graves are still visible until now.

Be mesmerized by the beauty bird like dance of the "Sumazau"  and other traditional dance of Sabahan Tribe daily.

Watch the cultural performance

Getting There

===========
Take the No.13 bus to Donggongon town in Penampang from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in KK City. Fare is RM1.50. At Donggongon, board a minibus bound for Terawi and indicate your stop to the driver. Fare is RM1.00. You can also use any taxi to get there for RM35.00. Or contact the Village for shuttle services.

Other Info

=======

CULTURAL SHOWTIME: 10am/12pm/2pm/4pm
OPERATIONAL HOURS: 9am - 5pm (Monday - Sunday)

ENTRANCE FEES;
STANDARD PACKAGE
(Inclusive of cultural show and guided tour)

ADULT
Malaysia: RM45
Non-Malaysia: RM55

CHILDREN (7yrs - 12yrs)
Malaysia: RM25
Non-Malaysia: RM25

OPTIONAL PACKAGE
(Inclusive of cultural show OR guided tour)

ADULT
Malaysia: RM35
Non-Malaysia: RM45

CHILDREN  (7yrs - 12yrs)
Malaysia: RM15
Non-Malaysia: RM20

WALKABOUT PACKAGE
ADULT
Malaysia: RM20
Non-Malaysia: RM30

CHILDREN  (7yrs - 12yrs)
Malaysia: RM10
Non-Malaysia: RM15