Sinuangga & Kadazan Costume: Sabah Traditional Dress in Pictures

What is the traditional Kadazan Dusun costume?

The term "traditional Kadazan Dusun costume" covers several district and group costumes, each with its own name. The Sinuangga is the costume of the Penampang Kadazan (Borneo Post, checked 7 October 2026).

Borneo Post lists black cloth, colourful beads and embroidery, gold buttons and a silver belt as the basic features of Kadazan, Dusun and Rungus costumes (Borneo Post, checked 6 October 2026). Traditional clothing is matched with accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and belts called himpogot or tangkong (Bernama, checked 6 October 2026).

Regional variations exist: each group has its own costume and its own name for it. Borneo Post names the Siya of the Papar Kadazan, the Sinipak of the Tindal of Kota Belud, the Kinaling of the Kimaragang of Kota Belud, the Rinagang of the Kota Belud Dusun, and the Sukolob of the Rungus women of Kudat, Pitas and Banggi (Borneo Post, checked 6 October 2026).

Why it matters today: Costume is central to Unduk Ngadau, the cultural pageant held on 31 May. Contestants are required to wear the traditional attire of the group they represent, featuring linangkit embroidery and pinangkol beadwork among other elements (Daily Express, checked 6 October 2026), so the Sinuangga is worn by the Penampang contestant rather than by everyone. For visitors, seeing the costumes at Kaamatan or wearing one for photos is often the most memorable connection to Kadazan Dusun culture.

What is Sinuangga?

Sinuangga is the name of the traditional costume of the Penampang Kadazan, and Penampang contestants wear versions of it at Unduk Ngadau (Borneo Post, checked 7 October 2026). We could not find a published source that describes each of its pieces, so the points below cover only what we could confirm:

• Colour: Black is one of the basic features Borneo Post lists for Kadazan, Dusun and Rungus costumes.
• Gold Buttons: Gold buttons are one of the basic features Borneo Post lists for Kadazan, Dusun and Rungus costumes (Borneo Post, checked 6 October 2026). We could not find a published source for a set number of buttons or a fixed meaning for them, so ask the costume owner about a specific piece.
• Beads and embroidery: Colourful beads and embroidery are also on Borneo Post's list.
• Accessories: Belts, jewellery and headpieces complete the costume. See the accessories table below.

What are the traditional accessories?

Accessories complete the costume. These are the ones we could confirm in published sources:

Putting it all together: Unduk Ngadau contestants wear the traditional attire of the group they represent, with its accessories (Daily Express, checked 7 October 2026).

Modern vs. Traditional: Contemporary contestants sometimes use higher-quality machine-made versions of these accessories (faster to produce, more affordable than handmade), but authentic and premium versions are still handmade by master craftspeople. Individual pieces are sold at Kaamatan craft stalls; ask the seller about materials and price.

How do costumes vary by district?

The Sinuangga belongs to the Penampang Kadazan, and many other districts and ethnic groups have their own traditional costume. Here are the names published by Borneo Post and the Daily Express:

At the pageant: Unduk Ngadau contestants wear the traditional attire of the group they represent (Daily Express, checked 6 October 2026). The Unduk Ngadau committee chair has made the same point about districts, giving the Kimaragang costume of Kota Marudu as an example (Daily Express, checked 6 October 2026).

Traditional Costumes by District

These are artist's illustrations, not exact reproductions. Where we could not find a published name for a district's costume, the caption gives the district only.

Penampang Sinuangga, black with gold buttons

Papar Siya (Papar Kadazan)

Tambunan Illustration: black blouse with green beadwork and a silver belt

Kudat (Rungus) Rungus costume (Sukolob)

Tenom Illustration: black outfit with bright geometric beadwork

Tuaran Illustration: black blouse with red beadwork and gold buttons

Keningau Illustration: black outfit with bead necklaces and a woven hat

Kota Belud Tindal, Kimaragang and Dusun costumes

Kota Marudu Kimaragang costume

What do men wear?

Men have their own traditional attire. One piece is the sigar, a Kadazandusun traditional headwear that Borneo Post describes as men's wear for some of Sabah's ethnic groups. It reports that sigar ownership among Sabah's ethnic groups is below 10 percent, partly because a sigar can cost hundreds of ringgit (Borneo Post, checked 6 October 2026).

Where you see it: The men's pageant, Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan, is the male counterpart to Unduk Ngadau, and its organisers describe it as a way to teach the public how to wear traditional clothing properly (Daily Express, checked 6 October 2026). You can also see men's traditional attire at cultural exhibitions and at weddings within Kadazan Dusun communities.

What is the Sodop Unduk Ngadau fashion show?

Sodop Unduk Ngadau is an evening event held before the state final, where contestants appear in modern gowns. In 2014, the Unduk Ngadau committee chair said contestants were required to wear traditional accessories with their dinner gowns instead of gold necklaces (Daily Express, checked 6 October 2026). Check KDCA's announcements for the 2027 date.

How to attend: Venue, dates and ticket prices change each year, so check KDCA's announcements before you plan around it.

Key difference from main pageant: During the main Unduk Ngadau pageant (May 31), contestants wear the traditional attire of the group they represent. At Sodop, they wear contemporary gowns. This contrast—traditional in the pageant, modern at Sodop—is intentional and meaningful. It shows that a woman can be a keeper of heritage AND a modern individual; the costume changes, but the cultural respect remains.

Can visitors wear or buy traditional costume?

Short answer: Yes. Many visitors wear traditional costume for photos at Kaamatan, and some buy pieces to take home. Do it with respect.

Renting for photos

• Where: Ask hotels and tour agencies in Kota Kinabalu, or ask at KDCA during Kaamatan.
• Before you book: Confirm the price, what is included (blouse, skirt, accessories, styling, photos) and any cleaning or damage fee. We could not find a published price list to quote.
• Timing: Book ahead if you plan to rent during Kaamatan.

Wearing it respectfully

• Learn the name of the costume and the group it belongs to.
• Keep it for cultural events or photo sessions, and avoid joke poses or props.
• Ask before you photograph other people in traditional dress.

Buying a costume

• Handmade pieces: Price and lead time depend on the maker and the design. Ask the maker directly.
• Machine-made sets and single pieces: Look at craft stalls at KDCA during Kaamatan and at craft shops in Kota Kinabalu.

What is Rungus beadwork?

The Sukolob is the costume of the Rungus women of Kudat, Pitas and Banggi (Borneo Post, checked 6 October 2026). Kudat is known for bead making as well as gong making (Sabah Tourism, checked 6 October 2026).

We could not find a published source on the meaning of particular patterns or colours, so ask the maker about any piece you are interested in.

Where to see and buy Rungus beadwork

• Kampung Bavanggazo: This Rungus longhouse sits about 41 km south of Kudat town, roughly two and a half hours' drive from Kota Kinabalu, and offers bead and basket making activities (Sabah Tourism, checked 6 October 2026).
• Kaamatan craft stalls: Look for beadwork at the craft stalls at KDCA during the festival.
• Buying tips: Prices depend on size and detail. Buying from the maker lets you ask how the piece was made and what it means.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

To understand the deeper cultural and spiritual context behind traditional costume, read the Huminodun legend. For more on where and how to experience the costume at the festival, see the Unduk Ngadau pageant guide and KDCA Kaamatan festival guide.