' You have not seen Sabah if you have not visited Monsopiad. '
— Roger Crowhurst
International Adventure Journalist
(Best Foreign Journalist Award, Sarawak, Malaysia 1998 & 1999) During his visit to the village on 20 June 1999
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Monsopiad Heritage Village stands at the heart of our community. In the past, it served as a place of refuge and defense by the warrior for the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic at Penampang, Borneo Sabah, Malaysia , and today it remains a space that unites our minds, spirits, and heritage.
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This is where we gather to discuss matters important to the community, celebrate meaningful ceremonies and occasions, and strengthen our understanding of our tinanad (origins), customs, and identity as the Kadazan-Dusun people.
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Monsopiad Heritage Village presents immersive cultural and kakanon (traditional cuisine) experiences through events that bring to life the history, traditions, beliefs, and future aspirations of the Kadazan-Dusun community. Over several meaningful hours, guests are welcomed with cultural performances, storytelling of the Monsopiad legend, and traditional feasting, a celebration of heritage, togetherness, and community spirit.
Must Visit!
THE VILLAGE MAIN ATTRACTION!
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The existing house that preserves the skulls—more popularly known as the House of Skulls—stands as the heart and soul of Monsopiad Heritage Village. Since 1979, this iconic structure has been a major point of interest for visitors from around the world and has been widely featured in tourist brochures, travel guides, and cultural publications about Sabah.
More than just a historical building, the House of Skulls is a powerful symbol of KadazanDusun heritage and oral history. It houses the skulls associated with Monsopiad, the legendary Kadazan warrior, whose story is deeply rooted in local beliefs, traditional justice systems, and the spiritual worldview of the community. Each skull is preserved as a reminder of a time when headhunting was practiced not for violence, but as a form of protection, law enforcement, and spiritual balance within the village.
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The structure itself remains largely original, retaining its traditional architectural form and sacred atmosphere. Visitors often describe a strong sense of reverence upon entering, as the House of Skulls is regarded not merely as an exhibit, but as a living heritage site that continues to command respect. Ritual protocols, taboos, and cultural etiquette are still observed, reinforcing its significance as a sacred space rather than a conventional museum display.
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Over the decades, the House of Skulls has become the defining landmark of Monsopiad Heritage Village, attracting cultural researchers, historians, students, and heritage tourists alike. It serves as an important educational platform, offering guided explanations that contextualise the practice of headhunting within Kadazan society, dispel misconceptions, and highlight the values of honour, courage, and communal responsibility.
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As the village’s main attraction, the House of Skulls continues to play a vital role in preserving intangible cultural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of Monsopiad and the traditions of the Kadazan people are respectfully safeguarded and meaningfully shared with future generations.
'TINUNGKUSAN'
Warisan budaya masyarakat Kadazan yang melambangkan identiti, adat dan nilai tradisi turun-temurun ini mencerminkan jati diri serta sejarah kehidupan masyarakat Kadazan sejak zaman nenek moyang. Ia bukan sekadar lambang luaran, tetapi merangkumi falsafah hidup, sistem kepercayaan, serta hubungan harmoni antara manusia, alam semula jadi dan roh nenek moyang. Setiap unsur di dalamnya mengandungi makna tersirat yang menggambarkan peranan sosial, status, serta nilai moral seperti kesopanan, kesatuan komuniti, rasa hormat, dan tanggungjawab terhadap adat. Warisan ini diwariskan secara lisan dan amalan, dipelihara melalui upacara adat, perayaan, serta kehidupan seharian, sekali gus memastikan kesinambungan identiti budaya Kadazan untuk generasi akan datang.
Historical Tour
WHAT IS WITHIN MONSOPIAD HERITAGE VILLAGE?
Within Monsopiad Heritage Village lies one of its most sacred and intriguing features the Gintutun do Mohoing, an ancient monolith stone erected generations ago and deeply woven into the legends of the legendary warrior Monsopiad.
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Standing in quiet dignity, the Gintutun do Mohoing is believed to be a spiritual witness to the life, victories, and rituals of Monsopiad. According to local oral traditions, the stone is not merely a physical monument but a spiritual vessel, said to be inhabited by ancestral spirits from the past. These spirits are believed to guard the land, observe human conduct, and maintain the balance between the physical and spiritual realms.
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For the Kadazan community, the monolith holds profound spiritual significance. In the past, it was closely associated with ritual practices conducted by the Bobohizan (traditional priestess), serving as a focal point for prayers, offerings, and communication with the spirit world. Respect, silence, and proper conduct around the stone are still strongly observed today, reflecting the community’s enduring reverence for their ancestral beliefs.
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In modern times, the Gintutun do Mohoing continues to draw visitors from near and far who come to learn about its history and cultural meaning. However, visitors are strictly reminded that the monolith stone is prohibited to touch, hold, or make wishes upon. Such acts are not permitted, as the stone is regarded as a sacred cultural heritage site rather than an object for personal rituals or superstition. Respectful observation from a distance is required at all times.
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As part of the living heritage preserved within Monsopiad Heritage Village, the Gintutun do Mohoing stands as a powerful reminder that Kadazan history is not confined to the past it continues to live, breathe, and guide present generations through stories, beliefs, and traditions passed down through time.
Highlight
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE
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Be mesmerized by the graceful, bird-like movements of the Sumazau dance, accompanied by the deep, resonating rhythm of gongs and other traditional musical instruments of Sabah’s indigenous tribes.
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This captivating cultural performance reflects harmony with nature, unity within the community, and age-old traditions passed down through generations—offering visitors a truly immersive Sabahan cultural experience.
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'BUTOD ATAU ULAT SAGU'
Ulat Sagu merupakan sumber protein semula jadi yang berkhasiat, kaya dengan nutrien penting dan telah menjadi sebahagian daripada pemakanan tradisional yang menyokong kesihatan dan kelestarian alam.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULES
🕚 11:00 AM (Morning Session)
🕑 2:00 PM (Afternoon Session)
🕑 4:00 PM (Late Afternoon Session)
Exotic Food
TRY OUT SAGO GRUB HERE!
Sago grub or locally known as 'Butod' in Sabahan native languages is a traditional delicacy enjoyed by many indigenous communities in Sabah. Harvested from the sago palm, this unique food is eaten either raw or roasted, each offering a distinctly different experience.​
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Those who dare to try it raw often describe the taste as creamy and buttery, while the roasted version is said to have a savory, meat like texture with a smoky aroma. Rich in protein and deeply rooted in local food heritage, Butod reflects the traditional way communities lived in harmony with nature and made use of available resources.​
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Adventurous, authentic, and unforgettable, this local delicacy is truly worth a try for anyone looking to experience Sabah beyond the ordinary.
Fun & Interactive
EXPERIENCE THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
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Our Heritage Village offers many spectacular sections open for visitors, with well-guided tours available daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to ensure that every guest has the opportunity to explore, learn, and fully immerse themselves in the rich cultural landscape of the village.
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We strive to provide an authentic and meaningful experience, allowing visitors to see, feel, and understand the culture and traditional lifestyle of the Kadazan indigenous community as it was lived in the past. Through storytelling, preserved structures, demonstrations, and guided explanations, guests gain valuable insight into ancestral customs, beliefs, and daily life—making each visit both educational and memorable.​
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​Walk-in visitors are welcome. For those who prefer to plan ahead or are visiting in groups, prior pre-booking is available and encouraged. Guests may contact the village directly for reservations, special arrangements, or further enquiries.
