Unduk Ngadau 2011 Beauty Contest in Sabah - The state level finals is going to be held on the 31st May this year at the KDCA Center in Penampang. The location of this place is just about 15-20 minutes out from Kota Kinabalu city and will be the center of attraction for the Kaamatan Festival or Harvest Festival in Sabah Borneo. As this is one of the most recognizable cultural events in Sabah and the Unduk Ngadau Beauty Pageant is very unique to the state. The title comes from the ethnic word Runduk Tadau which means 'the girl crowned by sunlight'.
The Unduk Ngadau beauty contest was started to pay respect to Huminodun, the sacrificed daughter of the Kadazandusun spirits Kinorohingan and Suminodun. 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 2011
Every year, contestants are selected in the state-level pageants and there will be one winner for their district's pageant. However, some districts hold joint pageants which produce more than one state-level contestant. 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.
Unduk Ngadau Dates 2011
Tuaran has been selected to host the launch of the 2001 Harvest Festival celebration on May 1st. Among the dates of celebration at other districts throughout Sabah are as follows:
7th May - Klang Valley, Beluran, Telupid and Semporna
12th May - Matunggong and Tongod
11-13 May - Kota Kinabalu or KK
13th May - Pagalungan, Beaufort, Bengkoka Pitas
14th May - Penampang, Lahad Datu, Putatan and Kemabong
15th May - Sook, Tenom, Kota Belud and Membakut
18th May - Banggi
21st May - Tambunan, Ranau, Kunak and Kota Marudu
22nd May - Kuala Penyu, Menumbok and Keningau
25th May - Sipitang
What can you expect at the festival?
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.
The crowd during the Unduk Ngadau 2010
Unique Sabah Bamboo Band performing
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 colours were celebrating the end of the Harvest Festival in all ways possible. I will write more on this later.
Sabah Girls in traditional costumes
As I went into the hall to witness the beauty contest, there were already hundreds of people in there. 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.
Harvest Queens in casual attire
Sipitang Harvest Queen 2010
As the contestants paraded on the main stage, cheers were heard from the respective districts. While this was the casual round to collect points, I was told by my guide that there was the traditional costumes parade which I should be looking forward too. 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.
Pegalungan Harvest Queen 2010
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.
And finally the time had arrived. The harvest queens were up next with their clans traditional attire. It was absolutely amazing to see them all in their different costumes and accessories. While some sported intriguing headgear, others has intricately designed dresses. It was a photographers dream come true to be there taking pictures of not just natural beauty but the accessories that came along with each and everyone on stage. No two were alike and given the chance, I would like to go back for the Unduk Ngadau 2011.
Harvest Beauty Queens in Traditional Costumes
With so much eye candy going on, my camera just kept clicking as if I was at a Paris Fashion Show but this was entirely so different. 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.
An intricate costume from one of the contestants
When I mentioned about the intricate designs, just take a look at the picture above. I was told that these specially hand crafted costumes were selected and hand made by the districts top weavers and dress makers. 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.
Finally after all the contestants made their individual parade to everyone, the judges then shortlisted 20 from 38 entries. From there, they made another shortlisting round until the winner was selected. Many were surprised on Tanjung Aru winning the Queen Title while it was indeed a wonderful experience over all. 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.
Unduk Ngadau 2010 Winner - Crystel Eve Huminodun (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)
As I was trigger happy snapping away during the event, there are just too many pictures to show here so I created an Unduk Ngadau picture page on my
MalaysiaAsia Facebook Page.
KDCA Website
KDCA Address
Bangunan KDCA
Kampung Koidupan
Penampang
Sabah 89500
Getting to the KDCA is quite straight forward as all taxis will know this place. It takes about 15-20 minutes from KK town. On the other hand, there are buses to Penampang so check with the locals about the bus number from KK to Penampang. 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.
If you are heading to Kota Kinabalu Sabah around the end of May, check with the local tour agency or be adventurous and make your way here to witness something out of the ordinary. Personally I will say that you have not seen a beauty pageant until you have experienced the Unduk Ngadau Beauty Contest in Sabah 2011.
