From August 30 to September 28, 2025, the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu will host Sabah Fest, the much-loved signature cultural festival organized by the Sabah Tourism Board via its subsidiary Sri Pelancongan Sabah, featuring this year’s uplifting theme: “Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us.”
A Storied Tradition of Cultural Celebration
Since its inception in 1988, Sabah Fest has evolved from a modest local event into a dynamic, state-wide celebration highlighting the arts, music, crafts, culinary traditions, and heritage of Sabah’s many ethnic communities—such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Bajau, and others. It remains central to Sabah’s cultural preservation and tourism strategy.
Celebrating Unity Across Communities
The 2025 edition, with its theme “Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us”, aims to reaffirm the harmony among Sabah’s varied cultural and ethnic groups. It invites both locals and international visitors to immerse themselves in the shared values of togetherness and cultural pride.
Festival Highlights & Key Events
A rich lineup of events will unfold throughout the month:
- Opening Ceremony – Held at Jalan Jati Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu on August 30 (7:00 PM–10:00 PM), this celebration kicks off with live cultural performances, art exhibitions, and interactive showcases of Sabah’s heritage.
- Unity in Diversity Fun Run & Walk – Taking place at Taman Ujana Rimba Tropika, participants can engage in an 8 km run or a 1 km walk, enjoying scenic views of religious landmarks, and dressed in vibrant traditional attire—a striking visual and community experience.
- Mini Carnival & Cultural Activities – Located at Imago Shopping Mall, this weekend event (typically early September) includes hands-on cultural workshops, traditional games, and live performances from various Sabah indigenous communities.
- Grand Finale: Sabah Fest Extravaganza – Held at Oceanus Boardwalk on September 27–28, this culminating event features spectacular dance, music, and cultural presentations from ethnic groups across Sabah’s five divisions.
Cultural Heritage Preservation
Sabah Fest serves not only as a tourism magnet but also as a crucial platform for preserving traditional arts, languages, music, crafts, and culinary practices. At a time when modernization threatens many cultural practices, the festival ensures younger generations and visitors continue to engage with Sabah’s rich heritage.
Economic Boost Through Community Engagement
The festival fosters economic growth and local empowerment by spotlighting small-scale entrepreneurs, especially food vendors offering regional delicacies. Sabah’s culinary highlights—such as hinava (raw fish salad), bosou (fermented meat), Tuaran mee (handmade noodles), linongot, and local beverages like lihing and tuak—reflect the state’s diverse gastronomic traditions.
These events also drive tourism, benefiting hotels, transport providers, and retail businesses across Kota Kinabalu.
Looking to the Future: Festival Expansion
Organizers are exploring plans to expand Sabah Fest to include other districts within the state, enabling more communities to showcase their cultural heritage and drawing broader participation from both domestic and global audiences.
Event Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 30 – September 28, 2025 |
| Location | Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| Organizer | Sabah Tourism Board (via Sri Pelancongan Sabah) |
| Theme | Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us |
| Highlights | Launch ceremony, Fun Run & Walk, Mini Carnival, Cultural Extravaganza |
| Purpose | Cultural celebration, heritage preservation, tourism promotion |
| Economic Impact | Boost to local businesses and community vendors |
| Future | Plans to expand the festival’s geographic reach |
In Conclusion:
Sabah Fest 2025 promises a vibrant, immersive cultural journey across one of Malaysia’s most diverse states. From energetic fun runs to mesmerizing dances and indigenous cuisine, the festival is a testament to Sabah’s unity in diversity. Whether you’re a local resident or a global traveler, attendees can look forward to a rich experience celebrating community, tradition, and togetherness.
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