Exploring Malaysia 
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Pesta Kaamatan
The most well-known of the myriad celebrations in Sabah is Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival which is celebrated throughout Sabah. Of major importance to this thanksgiving ceremony is the Magavau - a ritual to invite Bambaazon (the Rice Spirit) to the festivities and which can only be conducted by the Bobohizan or high priestess. Festivities cannot proceed without the presence of Bambaazon.
Shopping
Ethnic woodcarvings, woven textile, bamboo and rattan baskets, ethnic jewellery, pottery and paintings are good mementoes to buy in Sabah. The different types of handicraft in Sabah are reflective of the lifestyles of those who made them. The Kadazandusun are known for their woven baskets and musical instruments made from bamboo; the Rungus for their intricate beadwork; the Bajau are experts at weaving bright and colourful tudung saji (food covers) as well as mats; while the Murut are known for their blowpipes, used widely by the tribe for hunting in the jungles. The handicraft market next to the Central Market in Kota Kinabalu is one of the best spots to find these treasures. At Jalan Gaya, in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, open-air street markets are held every Sunday with traders selling a variety of farm produce, handicraft and foodstuff.
Warisan Square on the other hand offers the trendiest shopping experience in Kota Kinabalu. Overlooking the KK waterfront it is based on the street mall concept integrating shop office buildings and the central building which also house two hotels. The mall houses international and regional retailers as well as F & B operators in addition to heath and beauty spas, offering a hip and happening one stop center for all the needs of city folks and tourists alike.
Another new shopping destination located adjacent to University Malaysia Sabah is the 1 Borneo mixed development. 1 Borneo features integrated components consisting of a hypermall, 4 international and regional hotels. 4 condominiums, an Autocity, Oceanarium & Discovery Centre, Handicraft & Cultural Centre, Spa & Fitness Centre, Bowling & Amusement Centre, Gourmet Lane and Cineplex. The concept stores include luxury watch boutiques, jewelers, international and regional fashion boutiques among others.
Sabah is also famous for its seafood. The Fish and General Market situated at Jalan Gaya close to the waterfront is a bargain hunters paradise for seafood, meat and fresh vegetables. Frozen seafood is also available at outlets located close to the Market.
Thes Sunday Tamu at Kota Belud, situated 75km northeast of Kota Kinabalu, is where you can soak in the carnival atmosphere of the market as well as glimpse into the lives of indigenous people such as the Bajau, Rungus and Kadazan-Dusun. It is where horsemen from these tribes, dressed in their traditional costumes, usually ride in from the countryside to sell their wares.
Culinary Delights & Nightlife
Kota Kinabalu, is the main destination for night life in Sabah. Pubs and other entertainment outlets can be found in different parts of the city. Sabah is also well known for its large selection of excellent sea food. Here you can find Malaysian, Chinese and many different local cuisines as well as Western food.Most of the large hotels have good local and international cuisine.
In Tanjung Aru an elaborate food stall complex at the beachfront serves a decent cross section of Malaysian cuisine and other food from the region.The Waterfront along the harbour area features many lively night spots and restaurants, as well as some souvenir and clothing stores. Sugarbun Plaza, is a square connecting a little area of eateries and nightspots. Patrons at the various fast food outlets, restaurants, eateries, bars and entertainment outlets are treated to live entertainment events regularly staged at the centre of the square.
