Gong Making in Sabah & Matunggong Gong Festival 2024-2025, Borneo

Some tribes are distinct with dances, some with hunting, and the Rungus community has mastered its skills in making gongs

Dates: all year round (gongs) | October (festival)

Gongs hold a significant place in Sabah's cultural tapestry, integral to local music, songs, dances, and theatrical performances. For those eager to delve deeper into this truly ethnic instrument, there is one destination that stands out.

Gong Making in Sabah

Sumangkap Village, nestled in the Matunggong region of Sabah, Malaysia, is renowned as the birthplace of gongs. Home to the Rungus tribe, this village is a treasure trove of ancient traditions and rich culture. With around 60 houses and up to 30 workstations, visitors to Sumangkap can witness the intricate process of gong-making up close. They have the unique opportunity to observe masters at work and even lend a hand in crafting these iconic instruments.

Gongs in Sumangkap are crafted from galvanized iron sheets fused through a melting process. Skilled artisans then meticulously shape and decorate each gong using various hammers and tools. Every bump and curve added during this process influences the instrument's unique sound and motif. The village produces two popular types of gongs, known as tawak and chanang, while also crafting custom instruments tailored to individual preferences.

Sumangkap Village stands as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Rungus people, offering visitors an immersive experience into the traditional methods and cultural significance of gong-making in Sabah.

Matunggong Gong Festival (Fall 2024)

The Gong Festival is a highlight of Matunggong village, a hidden gem on the way to Kudat in Sabah. Celebrating the pride and craftsmanship of the village's gong makers, this festival showcases the gong as a quintessential musical instrument of Sabah.

During the Gong Festival, visitors can witness the traditional art of gong-making and experience the unique sound of Sabah's ethnic music through live demonstrations and cultural performances. Enjoy Mongigol performances, Sumudoi singing competitions, and thrilling gong-making contests. Don't miss the chance to marvel at the world's largest gongs, a spectacle that adds to the festival's vibrant atmosphere.

Whether exploring the story of the gong at Sumangkap Village or planning a visit in October for the Matunggong Gong Festival, immerse yourself in the beauty of gong music and the rich traditions of the Rungus people. It's an opportunity not to be missed for anyone interested in Sabah's cultural heritage.