Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Unlocking village's tourism potential at Kadazandusun Cultural Village

KOTA KINABALU: A new era beckons the cultural village in the compound of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association building, also known as the Hongkod Koisaan or "Place of Unity".

A suspension bridge, a handicraft centre, a landscape garden with a pond and a fully functional stage look set to become the latest attractions complementing the 11 traditional houses at the cultural village.

Developed at a cost of over RM1 million, the place will be run by KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between a private company and the association which aims to turn the Hongkod Koisaan into a one-stop tour attraction to woo guests all year long.

Tapping Sabah's booming tourism industry, a team dedicated to promoting the assets within the Hongkod Koisaan grounds has been set up to showcase the unique cultures and traditions of the people here.

The venture's chairman, Datuk Richard Bainon, said the Hongkod Koisaan was a magnet for revellers during the final week of the month-long Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration in May but remained idle the rest of the year except for a few activities.

"We plan to bring guests from all over the world to the place regularly and introduce them to the culture and traditions we have in Sabah," said Bainon, who is also the KDCA deputy president.

There will also be stage shows with performances from the various ethnic groups in Sabah, interactive exhibitions inside the 11 traditional houses showcasing the lifestyles of the people and sale of handicrafts.

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