Tamu “The Meeting Place”

Tour Overview

“Tamu” (pronounced as ‘ta-moo’) is the Kadazan word for “Market”. Every major district in Sabah has its own Tamu. It is a place where the locals gather weekly to market their produce, from farm produce to local handicrafts. Take a walk through the Tamu with a local guide to get a glimpse into the Kadazandusun Culture. The Tamu Donggongon is particularly famous for its Tapai or Lihing (rice wine) and jars of Bambangan (a wild mango usually pickled) and Tuhau (a ginger-like plant which has been pounded and mixed with lime juice, onion and chillies). Want the truly exotic? Give the Sago Worms, or Butod, a try!

Tour Highlights

Visit the Kadazandusun locals in a town called Donggonggon within the district of Penampang.

Tour Rates

This tour package requires minimum 2 persons

Private Tour

  • RM650 nett per add-on

Standard Rates

  • RM250 nett per adult
  • RM180 nett per child (3 – 11 years old)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Experience Kadazandusun market and visit other interesting nearby places

  • Start your tour with a 30 minutes ride to “Tamu” Donggongon in the district of Penampang.
  • Spend 1 ½ hours here to watch as the local community go about their business selling and buying local produce.
  • Take the opportunity to try some of the local cakes and perhaps purchase some souvenirs to bring home.
  • Visit the St. Michael church, a beautiful architecture completed after World War II.
  • The history of the church will bring you back to how Mill Hill Missionaries from England had succeeded in spreading Christianity in North Borneo.
  • Drive through Penampang countryside and head off to Kampung Pogunon, a village located about 9 km from Donggongon. Kampung Pogunon used to be known as trading place in the olden days.
  • The Moyog River was used by people living near the coastline as means to getting to the Tamu ground to trade their catch from nearby sea, and villagers living as far as Tambunan hike the “Salt Trails” to trade their farmed goods.
  • The Tamu grounds still exist to this day, however it has long since used as the village community football field.
  • Take a chance to also visit the village’s ancient graveyard and community museum located right in the center of the village.
  • Ancient jars containing human bones pre-dating between 16th to 18th century have been unearthed during the construction of the kindergarten next to the graveyard.
  • Enjoy a hearty traditional lunch at the Borneo Momogun Restaurant located in Kampung Pogunon before heading back to hotel/ resort.

Terms and Conditions:

  • Child rate applies for children between 3 – 11 years old.
  • Infant 3 years old and below is Free of Charge.
  • Private tour is available upon request. Please inform us when making bookings.
  • Cancellation less than 24 hours or No show is subject to 100% cancellation fee.

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Tour Information

  • Tour Name:
    Tamu “The Meeting Place”
  • Tour Code:
    EA05
  • Destination:
    Donggongon
  • Categories:
    Cultural Tours
  • Duration:
    6 hours
  • Departure:
    8.00am
  • Availability:
    Thursday and Friday
  • Requirement:
    Minimum 2 persons
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