About

A long way from Kota Kinabalu , Kudat is, nevertheless, worth a visit, as it is home to the colourful Rungus tribe. The journey to the village is an attraction in its own right, winding through the region's varied terrain of mountains, valleys, and jungles.

Kudat is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and blending of ethnic groups, its unspoiled natural landscape and its extensive white sandy beaches.

The Rungus, a sub-tribe of the Kadazandusun, are the main ethnic group living in the Kudat region. They are renowned in Sabah as highly skilled artisans, who traditionally make colourful beaded necklaces from local plant seeds and clay, with motifs of ancient designs, usually signifying old fables and legends. They are also highly skilled at basketry and cloth weaving.

The PR Monungkus is one of the homestay-based longhouses newly constructed by the Rungus community at Kampong Tinangol as a means to display and conserve their cultural heritage while engaging in an economically sustainable venture. Guests can stay overnight here, experiencing life in a longhouse while taking part in community activities such as weaving and bead stringing. Longhouse meals are mainly home grown, featuring fish and seafood as well as wild ferns and fruits.

The evening brings a festive 'party' atmosphere to the longhouse, with the rhythmic playing of gongs and villagers resplendent in their traditional black costume, complete with elaborate beads.