Sabah Costumes

The title "Land Below the Wind" reflects not only geographic location of Sabah but also its enchanting culture and landscape.

Sabah comprises more than 23 ethnic groups, each rich in culture and tradition, the cultural mosaic of Sabah is amazing. Their traditional clothing reflects skillful handwork as shown in the ‘linangkit’ embroidery, and the creative application of sequins and beads as decorative items to the ‘sarempak’ head dress, the ‘mandapun’ ornamental collar, the long tapered ‘keku’ fingercovers, ‘ingkot pangkat’ coin belt and sash.

The expertise in decorating these costumes and the refined touch to the art of dressing expressed within the Sabah costumes illuminates a sense of beauty and uniqueness.


A traditional attire by the Suluk ethnic group worn during the Mengiluk dance.


A Bajau couple wearing traditional wedding and ceremonial costume. Man's costume in lace satin similarly to maiden's dress which also includes a 'mandapun' and decorative belt.

A traditional Kadazan costume from Penampang. Man wearing 'gaung' top, 'souva' trousers, 'toogot' waistband and 'siga' headgear. Maiden in short 'sinuangga' blouse, 'tapi' skirt, batik shawl and 'himpogot' belt.

An Irranum couple wearing traditional costume made from woven cloth or 'Mogah'.

The Rungus ethnic traditional costume. Man wearing 'badu' top, 'soval' trousers, 'hokos' waistband and 'sigal' head gear. Maiden in tight 'banat' blouse, knee high 'tapi' skirt and head dress called 'sisingal' and 'rampai'. Accessories made from colourful beads called 'pinakol' and 'togkol'.

The Murut traditional costume. Man in 'barbaru' jacket and 'puputul' tree bark loin-cloth. The headgear called 'tupi sinulatan' made of a kind of tree bark. Maiden in cotton 'pinongkolo' costume patterned with traditional motifs and beads. Accessories such as the 'rarangkol' necklace and 'salupai' head dress created from colourful beads.