Tamu Besar to be held in Kota Belud

Colourful Bajau Horsemen- Pic Sabah Tourism

KOTA KINABALU: The Tamu or traditional market is one of the people's unique culture seen in Sabah. This event held every ten days or weekly, depending on the districts, is where the Kadazandusun people come together to sell their farm produce.
Their farm produce in the olden days would usually be vegetables garnered from the jungle and rice as well as rattan and resins.
Nowadays some of those produce can still be acquired including yams, potatoes, maize, riverine fish and vegetables, among many others. However in the tamu ground more items are being sold such as plastic wares, clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils and even livestock such as chicken and ducklings. In some places like Kota Belud, they even sell cows and buffaloes.
Speaking of Kota Belud, on Oct 22 to 23, a tamu besar will be held there, which actually means Grand Tamu. This annual event is the biggest traditional tamu in the State,
It is an event not to be missed as there will be several events such as buffalo race,  the Sarempak queen beauty pageant and the parade of pony riders comprised of the Bajaus, proudly known as the Cowboys of the East.
If you want to watch all these interesting and colourful activities, while doing your marketing, you should come early.
So make time that weekend to get a glimpse of the people's way of life. -AG