Sunset Music Festival

I'm just sitting outside, early morning,  listening to the birdsong at a lovely backpacker place called Tampat do Aman, meaning resting place. It is a traditional longhouse which has been built  to cater for many travellers rather than the extended family as is the tradition with the Rungus people. Sadly the communal living of the longhouses are becoming fewer but there are some efforts being made to keep the tradition alive and at Kampong Bavanggazo one can visit a longhouse still lived in and experience the music, crafts and rituals of the Rungus tribe famous for their beading and basket weaving.

 However I ended up here last night as it was  near the venue of "The Sunset Music Festival" at the Tip of  Borneo ( Simpang Mengayau) which I decided to attend at the  last minute. There were lots of mentors who had the same idea and we had a lovely barbecue on the beautiful beach at the "Tip".

 The concert started at 5.30 with the stunning setting of the stage built overlooking the sea and us spectators looking out towards the sea and the sunset. Sadly the sunset was not one of the spectacular ones but nevertheless it was a lovely atmosphere. Most of the performers were from Sabah and ranged from classical to jazz and folk but the star was a soprano called Syafinaz Selamat from peninsula Malaysia who had us all captivated with her wonderful voice. A good time was had by all, some of us danced a bit and all of us sang along when asked and it was completely sold out with many of us sitting on mats at the front. Despite the long drive it was well worth the effort and I must make myself go to more events like this.
P.S I have made it onto youtube! I'm with the group of orang putehs dancing at the front and the song is one of the most loved and played in Ranau. I love it too now!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJWCz5OKEN8