Home to the House of Skulls

Historical sites in the heartland of the Kadazandusun people which is known as the Monsopiad Cultural Village, that is built to commemorates the life and time of the fearsome legendary Kadazan headhunter warrior “Monsopiad” many years ago. Today the cultural village allows visitor to learn more richness of the Kadazandusun culture and ethnicity. In other words, it is a story telling of the Borneo Headhunters.

The main attraction of this cultural village is the “House of skulls”, where all the 42 “trophies” of Monsopiad’s enemy skulls are well kept as collection seen hanged in a house specially built for this. We were well entertained by the historical items that are out on displayed in the House of Skulls, and with the interesting historical story!

Obviously the local people work on making this cultural village to become a truly living museum by showcasing the Kadazandusun culture. In order to continue the culture of Kadazandusun, daily activities at the Monsopiad cultural village are customary work of the people here such as preparing the rice, The making of Lihing, a type of Rice Wine and also local handmade handicraft. The cultural village has many spectacular sections open for visit and with well guided tour made available daily. Among the interesting sites that should not be missed are the Monolith, House of Skulls, Suspension Bridge, the Tangkob and Kotos, which are a traditional food storage for the tribe used back then! For those who enjoys cultural experiences, there are many activities and entertainment that are made available in Monsopiad Cultural Village, such as cultural dance, cultural drama. Don’t forget to experience yourself a chance of learning the traditional dance of the local, of Sumazau and Magunatip dances.

While you’re are here have a go at the traditional game, among which the blowpipe (called monopuk), shooting with catapult, and stilt walking the rampanau. Those with strong stomach should have a tried at the ‘Butot’ a Sago Grub, traditional delicacy of the Kadazandusun and of course it goes down very well with ‘Lihing’ a sweet rice wine famous among the kadazan.

A momento to take home with you, is to get a photo taken around the cultural village with the traditional costumes Kadazan beludu, and its complete accessories. Those interested to visit, the cultural village operational hours are from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm daily. Getting here, you could hire a car or book a tour, definitely for those an immense of culture to be experience.