- Location: Kampung Kuai Kandazon, Peti Surat 740 Malaysia, Penampang, 89507 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Working hours: every day 9: 00-17: 00
Travel agencies of the island of Borneo offer various options for excursions to the so-called "cultural villages". One such is Monsopiad, located near the capital of Sabah. This small settlement is a private property in which the atmosphere reigns, recreated by the descendants of the legendary tribe to attract tourists.
Historical information about the village
According to local legend, 300 years ago there lived a fearless warrior named Monsopiad. He mercilessly crushed his enemies, dared to attack his village. Soon the glory of him spread far beyond this area, and the outsiders were afraid to even think about coming here even with a friendly visit. When the enemies were no more, the bloodthirsty warrior could not stop, and set about his own inhabitants, seeking the slightest reason for the conflict. As a result, the people could not stand the constant fear and deprived their protector of life.
What awaits a tourist in the village of Monsopiad?
At the entrance there is a high arch of two pillars, covered with straw. It is decorated with an inscription stating that now you will enter the cultural village. The hosts (the heirs of Monsopiad himself in the 6th and 7th tribes) beat the gongs, suspended there and then, to inform everyone about the visit to the distinguished guests. Tourists here
meet with local delicacies and traditional rice wine.
In honor of the arrival of the excursion group they arrange a real enchanting festival with dances and chants, which clearly show the history of these places. Guests escorted to the hut, under the ceiling of which flaunts 42 skulls of people allegedly killed by the famous Monsopiad. Whether they are real or not, there is no way of knowing. But the remains look very colorful and naturalistic.
How to get to the village of Monsopiad?
The famous village is located near the natural park of Kota Kinabalu . No buses are coming here, so for self-visit you need to either hire a taxi, or book a tour at the tour desk in the capital of the State of Sabah.