The last thing you’d expect when you’ve travelled so far to Sabah, one of Malaysia’s eastern states located on Borneo, is to experience the culture of the rainforest inside a shopping centre.
But that is exactly what’s possible at Kota Kinabalu’s newest shopping centre, 1Borneo. 1Borneo Rainforest is a culture and handicraft centre that was recently completed and is billed as a cultural voyage.
Spread over a generous 14,000 square feet inside the hyper mall, 1Borneo Rainforest aims to capture and exhibit culture from Sabah and South East Asia.
The exterior of 1Borneo Rainforest is easy to find amongst the glamourous shops that surrounds it as faux jungle pours onto the shopping centre walkway inviting curious onlookers for a peak. The melody of the tulintangan entices you to enter the cave-like entrance to be welcomed by a Rungus warrior.
To enter 1Borneo Rainforest, cross a replica of one of Sabah’s icon landmarks; a hanging bridge. Surrounded by jungle sounds and a river below, enter into Sabah culture in a few steps.
First beyond the bridge is the Heritage Galleria. This exhibition of traditional costumes, artifacts and musical instruments of various ethnic groups, also details the wedding setups of different ethnic groups, showcasing different groups on a rotational basis.
Beyond the Heritage Galleria a kampung awaits, alive with locals going about life in village. Feeding chickens, sweeping the floor, playing gasing and dehusking paddy stalks.
Moving along the traditional performance arena awaits. Here various tribal performances by indigenous people depict traditional rituals from thanksgiving to post-harvest celebrations and the warriors’ dance. Visitors are given a chance to be part of the action.
Having worked up a appetite during the culture dance action, sample some of Sabah’s local culinary delights. Try hinava, often called Sabah Sushi as it’s raw (but pickled) fish. Spicy beef rendang is a savoury local dish and company the taste sensation with lihing, the popular local sweet rice wine. For those who want to take the secrets of Sabahan cuisine back home with them, a cooking demonstrations gives insight into how to prepare three local dishes.
The last stop on the way out is one of Sabah’s architectural icons, the Longhouse. Witness skillful artisans demonstrate the fine crafts of Asia such as batik painting, basket weaving and jewelry making.
And at last an opportunity to collect some local gems is offered on the exit through the 1Borneo Forest curios shop, which is packed with trinkets and treasures.
1Borneo Forest is open from 10am till 10pm daily. For special group pricing contact Cornelia Tahing on +60 88 484 955.
