Cultural Biodiversity

Salaam, all.

With range of cultural influences, Malaysia is among most diverse countries in Asia. Two of Malaysia states - Sabah and Sarawak are located in the island of Borneo. Borneo is the third largest island in the world.  Although an overused term, the island of Borneo truly is a melting pot of cultures, customs and religions.  It is also a melting pot of peoples who have inhabited the island for thousands of years and intermarried with those who arrived in later waves of migration. With a varied ethnic composition comes a great diversity of cultures and religions. Borneo is still largely unpopulated, with the coastal regions being the most developed.

The most populous native ethnic group in Sarawak is the Iban, in Sabah the Kadazandusun, in Labuan the Kedayan and the Brunei Malay. There are numerous other smaller groups each with their own unique traditional way of life, customs and traditions. In addition, centuries-old trade ties with China and the colonial importation of labour for plantations and mining, account for the large Chinese population in many coastal towns in Malaysian Borneo.

These pictures were captured in several different occasions - Borneo Hornbill Festival, Sabah State Level Kamaatan Harvest Festival, Unduk Ngadau pageant, Putrajaya Botanical Garden and Putrajaya Wetland.

Ladies of Dusun Liwan ethnic, Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia. In this photo - Ellyanti Nelson D Kanju (Centre) and the traditional dancers.

2011 Sabah State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan winner, Bo Tiza Disimon-Bosuin of Kadazan ethnic from Penampang, were joyfully celebrated by popular MTV/Chanel V host Denise Keller.

 

A Rungus ethnic lady in her traditional attire. In this photo - Erma Fatimah Stiling, top 11 finalist of Runduk Tadau category, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2012.

With range of cultural influences, Malaysia is among most diverse countries in Asia. In this photo, from left - Cleopatra Sandud (top 11 finalist of Runduk Tadau category, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2012), Suzzy Ramli (first runner-up of Kumang Iban category, Borneo Hornbill Feestival 2012) and Erma Fatimah Stiling (top 11 finalist of Runduk Tadau category, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2012)

Changing cities, building opportunities. In this photo - Ricky Francis Stephen, winner of Keling Category, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2012.

Young ladies of Dusun Lotud ethnic, Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia.

Picture above: Linangkit - a traditional form of embroidery made by several native tribes in Sabah, most notably the Dusun Lotud of Tuaran.

Looking for a rain spirit. In this photo - Robson Jeelian, First runner-up, Keling category, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2011. 

Pictuce above shows a lady from the Iban ethnic of Sarawak (Borneo island) walking on a bridge. Fascinated by green virgin forest, this lady enjoys the panoramic views of the forest in an Iban traditional attire. In this photo - winner of Kumang Iban category, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2011, Veeky-Leonora Andria.

Sincerely yours.