A well-maintained landscape making it easy for visitors to visit each house.
1 / 10

KDCA Hongkod Koisaan

4.5
·1k reviews·Penampang, Malaysia

Explore Sabah's rich ethnic heritage through authentic traditional houses and vibrant cultural experiences at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

May 30-31

Peak Kaamatan Festival

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
A well-maintained landscape making it easy for visitors to visit each house.

KDCA Hongkod Koisaan

Best Time

May 30-31

Peak Kaamatan Festival

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Sabah's rich ethnic heritage through authentic traditional houses and vibrant cultural experiences at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Excellent place to see and experience the various types of houses and enjoy immersive Kadazandusun culture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Parking can be congested during festivals. Consider using Grab or riding a motorcycle, or park a short walk away. 🚗

☀️ Beat the Heat

It gets very hot, especially during Kaamatan. Wear comfortable attire and stay hydrated. :athletic_shoe: :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Ethnic Houses

Traditional Ethnic Houses

Various locations within KDCA

Explore authentic houses representing Kadazan, Rungus, and Dusun cultures. A true glimpse into Sabah's heritage.

Kaamatan Festival Experience

Kaamatan Festival Experience

Main grounds

Immerse yourself in vibrant cultural celebrations, food stalls, and traditional performances during late May.

Cultural Immersion Activities

Cultural Immersion Activities

Throughout the village

Engage with friendly staff and guides for an educational and fun experience of Sabah's ethnic groups.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Kaamatan

Visit during the Kaamatan Festival (May 30-31) for peak cultural immersion, but expect crowds and limited parking. Consider weekdays outside the festival for a more relaxed experience. Arrive early on festival days to beat the heat and congestion.

Homestay Caution Advised

While the cultural houses are a highlight, some visitors have reported issues with homestay accommodations, including accusations of theft and unfair penalties. Read reviews carefully and document the condition of your rental upon arrival.

Best Times

When
May 30-31
Why
Peak Kaamatan Festival
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays (outside May)
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Kaamatan mornings
Why
Beat the heat & crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Parking Strategy

Parking can be congested during festivals. Consider using Grab or riding a motorcycle, or park a short walk away. 🚗

☀️ Beat the Heat

It gets very hot, especially during Kaamatan. Wear comfortable attire and stay hydrated. :athletic_shoe: :droplet:

💰 Homestay Due Diligence

Be cautious with homestay rentals; document everything and clarify terms to avoid disputes. :moneywithwings:

📅 Festival Timing

For the full Kaamatan experience, aim for May 30-31, but be prepared for large crowds. 📅

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Parking can be congested during festivals. Consider using Grab or riding a motorcycle, or park a short walk away. 🚗

☀️ Beat the Heat

It gets very hot, especially during Kaamatan. Wear comfortable attire and stay hydrated. :athletic_shoe: :droplet:

💰 Homestay Due Diligence

Be cautious with homestay rentals; document everything and clarify terms to avoid disputes. :moneywithwings:

📅 Festival Timing

For the full Kaamatan experience, aim for May 30-31, but be prepared for large crowds. 📅

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Exploration

The site is walkable, but distances can add up. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the traditional houses. 🚶

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise KDCA Hongkod Koisaan for its authentic cultural heritage, particularly the traditional houses of various ethnic groups. The Kaamatan Festival offers a vibrant, immersive experience, and the staff are generally friendly and helpful. However, some guests have reported concerning issues with homestay accommodations, including accusations of theft and unfair penalties, warranting caution.

"Best place to visit and see their culture heritage especially Kadazan, Rungus and Dusun ethnics. Recommended to come during Kaamatan Festival on the 30th and 31st May yearly but the whole week still recomended. During that time,be aware there will be conjested due to people coming here and limited car park. Plan ahead and recomended to use grab or ride a motorcycle."

Aiman Harani

"We recently rented three units during my daughter's wedding there, namely Hamin Tambunan, Ranau, and Kuala Penyu.

We were accused of stealing eight (8) blankets and four (4) towels and were forced by the staff to pay a penalty of RM210.
Those towels and blankets were not even in the house in the first place, especially in the double-decker beds in Hamin Tambunan, there were none at all.
(PLEASE REFER TO THESE UPLOADED PICTURES. CAN YOU SEE ANY BLANKET & TOWELS???)

We have witnesses who can confirm the absence of those items in Hamin Tambunan from Day 1. However, the staffs kept insisting that we pay and claimed they had checked the CCTV, which they said showed that only we were there during that period. However, they have failed to prove us with a CCTV recorded video, showing that we stole those items. None.

I will never pay for something that was not our fault in the first place, even though my wife has already paid the penalty just to avoid escalating the matter further. I did not agree actually.

To anyone planning to stay at any of these homestays, be cautious of this scam !!

Thank you very much."

MARCUS MARTIN LIM

"Nice to visit the traditional houses. The staffs and guide are all fun to be with
Fee is reasonable and the place is easy to get to.

Thank you very much."

J. R. S.

What People Like

Authentic cultural heritage
Traditional ethnic houses
Vibrant Kaamatan Festival

What People Dislike

Homestay accommodation issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

KDCA Hongkod Koisaan is accessible by car or ride-sharing services. Parking can be limited during peak festival times, so consider alternatives like Grab or motorcycle if visiting during Kaamatan. Reddit

Yes, the place is generally easy to get to, with reasonable fees for entry. Reddit

Within the grounds, it's best to explore on foot. For getting to and from the location, ride-sharing apps are a convenient option. Reddit

Information on direct public transport routes is limited. Ride-sharing services are the most recommended and reliable option for visitors. Reddit

During the Kaamatan Festival, due to congestion and limited parking, it's highly recommended to use Grab or ride a motorcycle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is described as reasonable, making it an affordable cultural experience. Reddit

While the general entry fee is reasonable, specific event details for Kaamatan might vary. It's best to check for any special festival ticketing information closer to the date. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially during festivals. It's advisable to check the official schedule or local listings for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Advance booking information is not widely available. For general visits, tickets are likely available for purchase upon arrival. Reddit

The fee is described as reasonable for the overall visit, which includes access to the traditional houses. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore traditional houses of Kadazan, Rungus, and Dusun ethnics, experience cultural heritage, and enjoy immersive activities. It's educational and great for families. Reddit

Yes, it's an excellent place for a family outing, offering an educational and engaging experience about Sabah's diverse cultures. Reddit

To avoid the biggest crowds and heat, visiting in the morning during the Kaamatan Festival is recommended. Reddit

The staff and guides are described as fun and helpful, suggesting that guided experiences are available and enhance the visit. Reddit

Comfortable attire is highly recommended due to the heat, especially during the Kaamatan Festival. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, during the Kaamatan Festival, there are many booths selling food and drinks, offering a taste of local flavors. Reddit

You can expect a variety of local food and drinks available from the numerous booths, especially during festival times. Reddit

While specific restaurant details aren't provided, food booths are common, particularly during events like Kaamatan. Reddit

Policies on outside food and drinks are not specified, but it's generally advisable to check local regulations or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

Prices for food and drinks at the booths are not detailed, but generally, festival food stalls offer a range of options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The traditional ethnic houses themselves offer fantastic photographic opportunities, showcasing unique architecture and cultural details. Reddit

Photography policies within the houses may vary. It's best to be respectful and check for any signage or ask guides before taking pictures inside. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the beauty of the traditional houses without harsh midday sun. Reddit

Specific drone regulations are not mentioned. It's always recommended to check local aviation rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying drones. Reddit

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, would be useful for capturing both wider shots of the village and details of the houses. A wide-angle lens can also be great for the traditional structures. Reddit

You may also like

KDCA Hongkod Koisaan (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide