Experiencing Cultural Diversity On A Cheap Holiday In Kota Kinabalu

By Author: tilden marsh
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Ethnic diversity is the trademark of the Borneo Island. The indigenous people are able to live harmoniously together despite the difference in their beliefs, culture and lifestyle. A cheap holiday in Kota Kinabalu shall enable you to witness this for yourself. You can start by booking yourself a room at an inexpensive hotel in the city. You may want to make sure that the budget accommodation you’re staying at gives you ample access to the diverse cultures of different ethnic groups or at least is nearby a transportation hub. This is so that you can choose the mode of transportation of your preference to get to the living establishments of these different groups.

An exotic but cheap holiday in Kota Kinabalu will expose you to the traditions and customs of more than 30 ethnic races and over 80 spoken dialects. You may want to bear in mind ...
... that some cultures have been influenced by modernity but the root of their existence is still obvious. The population of Sabah can be considered as heterogeneous and although the country is now a developing country with rampant modernization going on, their wonderful customs and practices are still well-preserved. Certain rituals and special ceremonies are still conducted although less frequently performed due to their change in religious beliefs.

A cheap holiday in Malaysia won’t be complete if you don’t visit Sarawak. As the home to more than 28 ethnic groups, you will be able to witness the practice of a variety of religions that include Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity and in certain parts of the tropical rainforest, animism. However, you may want to bear in mind that although they have converted from their ancient animism beliefs, some traditional ceremonies are still practised to this day. This is particularly true when it comes to marriage rites and the important harvest festival. The major ethnic group in the state is the Ibans followed by the Bidayuh, Melanau and many others.

One of the highlights of your cheap holiday in Bintulu Sarawak has to be a visit to an Iban settlement. Their impressive rows of longhouses are further enhanced by their love for intricate artworks. This is evident in their production of the Pua Kumbu – a piece of cloth made in traditional Iban weavings. They are also known for their wooden carvings and beadworks. Gone were the days when they were known as pirates and head-hunters for they are now very generous and hospitable people. Don’t be surprised if you are suddenly invited to have dinner in their longhouse and mingle with their people. If you visit them during the right time of the year you may be able to see how they celebrate their most important festival – the harvest festival. If you are lucky you may even be able to taste their famous tuak which is a sweet rice wine.

In general, you have the freedom and option to explore these different ethnic groups at your own leisure. This is why it is essential that you stay at a budget accommodation that provides not just a comfortable bed but also some facilities and services to suit your need as a traveller. Of course, this does not mean that you would have to fork out a lot of money to stay at a fancy hotel. Some inexpensive hotels do provide more than just bed and running water. Some even offer 5-star services at just a fraction of the price of staying at a fancy establishment.