Traditional Games & Activities to Experience During Kaamatan Harvest Festival

Kaamatan isn't only about food and pageants — the harvest festival's traditional games bring the culture to life, and many are open for visitors to join in rather than just watch.

Migayat Lukug is a spirited tug-of-war built around teamwork and endurance. Melastik is a traditional slingshot game where players use clay pellets or marbles to strike small targets — a familiar childhood pastime for many Sabahans. And Magunatipis one of the festival's most recognisable performances: dancers step quickly between bamboo poles that are rhythmically clapped together, requiring precise timing to avoid getting caught.

The festivities run throughout May, with the biggest crowds gathering at KDCA Penampang for the grand finale on 30–31 May. If you're planning a trip around the festival, it's worth booking your stay and transport early — it's one of Sabah's busiest travel periods of the year.