The RUNGUS Tribe in North Borneo

The Rungus, is one of the most ancient indigenous tribe in Borneo. The are mostly concentrate in the North Borneo, Kudat. By right they are actually a sub group of the kadazan-Dusun, however due to the pride and modernization of the indigenous mindset, Rungus are known to have their own uniqueness in terms of their traditional accustom as well as distinctive attitude ( which is their pride, dignity and..... ignorant at times.) During my community project reached out last month, i discovered that Rungus lasses are simply unique, they have small, fine chinese looking eyes ( in malay we actually call SEPET), thick lips, broad shoulder, and high forehead.

" The Rungus girls proudly presenting their traditional costume"

The event that led me here was actually a community development programme being done by the foundation i am attached to ;BEST Society. A" Living Water Project" that benefits more then 80 household in a village named Terongkongan Laut & Darat... ( well i have difficulty pronouncing this village name before, it absolutely feels like a tongue twister, ain't it :)? )

The Rungus dance performance came in during the prime of the event. We were all sitting in the multi purpose hall which was made of traditional raw material. The thatched roof was made from tidy weaved of dried nipah palm, and the solid house frame were the best quality timber called"Berlian" and the flooring was elevated platform of split bamboos giving the hall a great ventilation and ample of sitting area. Oh, and the wall were partition by a kind of tree skin, which eventually helps to absorb moisture that cause fungus to the building structure. No wonder Rungus are so proud of their talent and arts, I salute !

" The Rungus Dance, smooth and charming"

When the soothing gong orchestra starts playing, a row of charming young dancers led by a male lead dancer,stepping out in raw with their feet in sequel ( pretty much different from Sumazau) each with the bell anklet on their feet. Wrapping around them were colourful handmade beads, and criss cross through their shoulders were the long bead bands. Now i know why Rungus were reckon as the best handicraft maker among the Sabah Indigenous people.

"Simple and inspiring chat with Samoil"

While enduring the breeze and cheerful crowd, i took the time to meet Samoil, whom is the wisest and most respected village headman, also the owner of this piece of land we are sitting on, Samoil told me" Our lives are simple, we have experience in many fields but limited income,” his sparkling charm peeking through in a glance and seriousness, “we like to be self– employed , and have our freedom from “disturbance” ; however to capitalize our strength as a RUNGUS, we have to accept CHANGES. Because of PRIDE, many of us are resistant to change the mindset and carry the attitude of arrogant and preserve, we have to open up and CHANGE , or else we will be leftt behind modernization.” Judging from his words, i now know why he has serves the village as a headman for five series.

"A good caption with my team mates before leaving the local community"

I feel lucky to be here today. To endure the joy of young kids being splashed by clean water after the launching of Living Water Project, years of clean water supply shortage has given an alarming health hazard to them.I am enlightened by Samoil, a simple down to earth man but created significant impact not only to his community but also to me... People who are resistant to change, is always left behind the evolution ......so to my indigenous friends ; come out from your comfort zone, and accept the challenge to come, no one can help you beside yourself.

P/S: Some pictures courtesy by Joebonaventure. Thanks Joe... :)