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Hello readers, I'm Nessa. Born on October 23rd under the sunny skies of Kota Kinabalu. I'm super into painting. I could talk about it anyday. My all time favorite artist is Thomas Bossard and I love Meditation (The painting).

Fashion has always been a big part of my life. I love getting ready and picking outfits. As someone who wears a hijab, I always just wear the same color for every outfit which is white. I think it is my staple color. You’ll never catch me in black.

Speaking of fashion, I find it always intertwined with art, especially traditional clothing. A culture art. Growing up in a state that is rich in colourful cultures, I always get to see them wearing different kinds of clothing especially in wedding ceremonies. I've always felt a deep sense of pride as a Sabahan that shapes my identity as a part of this vastly multicultural society. So here goes, my padlet on traditional clothing that I call “The Woven Legacy”.

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Image taken from Pinterest "Painting of a Bajau Samah Man riding a horse wearing the Bajau Samah Attire".

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The Bajau Samah People also known as the cowboy of the east is given the name due to their expertise in riding horses. The Bajau Samah is the second largest ethnic group in Sabah after Kadazan-Dusun. In this ethnic group, there is a lot of tradition and custom of their own for example in the wedding ceremonies, they have “Tilau-tilau” and “mendo” which is basically telling people off about their intention about their wish on marrying the girl. Other than that, they also have a death ceremonial service called “Balu-balu” where a gong will be sounded for 7 times to tell people that the person is dead. The Bajau Samah itself is rich in their own culture and it is really interesting for us to know.

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The geographical location of this ethnic can be easily found on the west coast of Sabah which is Kota Belud, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, and Papar.

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Image taken from SyedSaddiq Instagram of him wearing the tradisional attire of the bajau samah ethnic

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The traditional clothing of Bajau Samah can be found for both men and women. The Bajau Samah ethnic loves a daring and bright color which is red, yellow, black and gold. For the guys, the traditional clothing is called “Badu”. Badu is usually green or yellow and will be accessories with betawi pins. The betawi pins are also used in the arms and the sleeve will be split into elbows which will show contrast of the Badu.This Badu will be set with a pants call “suar”.  For the head accessories, they call it “Tanjak”. Tanjak is made of “Kain Dastar”. The guys will also wear a belt called “Tali Pingkot” with an embroidered scarf  as an accessory which is called “puyut”.

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Image taken from Pinterest of a Bajau Laut Women at the sea

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The Sea Gypsies, The Commander of the Sea, The Greatest Sailor and Navigator is one the names given to these tribes. The Bajau Laut is very well known for their skilled fisherman and diving.Traditionally, they have lived a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving with the seasons and tides and relying on the ocean's resources for sustenance and livelihood. Their unique way of life, characterised by boat-dwelling and a deep understanding of the marine ecosystem, has allowed them to thrive for generations in harmony with their natural surroundings. The Bajau Laut is very rich in culture, they are famous for the igal-igal dance performance and Regatta Lepa festivals. One of the most important cultural elements of the Bajau Laut is the traditional clothing.

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Image taken from ResearchGate.Com of the bajau laut geographical location in Sabah

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Bajau Laut is on some parts of pacific ocean and The East Coast Sabah which mostly can be found in Semporna.

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Image taken from asmidaling85 blog about Sabah Negeri di Bawah Bayu Tarian Tradisi and this is the traditional dance with the dancer wearing the traditional clothing of Bajau Laut called Bajau Ala Bimbang

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The traditional clothing for the Bajau Laut is called “Baju Ala Bimbang”. Baju Ala Bimbang is still worn to this day by the women of the Bajau Laut. It used to be only in black. This is because back in the day, black used to be the color of bajau while the gold one was used by the upper class. However, time has changed and the Baju Ala Bimbang has now come in different colors.  According to legends, this traditional dress is inspired by the eagle that is seen by the bajau people at the sea. The black symbolised the eagle that is inspired by the igal-igal dance. This traditional dress also symbolizes status and wealth by the people. Accessories by real pearls, gold and silver.

1. “Gandik” is a crown worn by the girls and is made of velvet. It is accessories with gold.

2. “Kambot” is a belt and accessories with ruby.

3. “Sarong Kuku” is a long silver and gold made of aluminium.

4. The skirt is made of velvet that is accessories  with gold and silver with colorful ruby and embroidered with the motif of nature.

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Image taken from SarawakTravellers.Com of The Iban People 

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The Iban People, also known as The Sea Dayaks, are an indigenous ethnic group of Sarawak.

This ethnic group has a very rich cultural heritage, which include traditional customs, religious belief, music and dance and Iban tattoos. The Iban people are still living in the longhouse called “Rumah Panjai”. Rumah Panjai symbolizes the Iban social structure, with multiple families living under one roof. Although not all Ibans live in longhouses today, the sense of community remains central to their way of life. These longhouses are often frequented during the festive holiday of Gawai, transforming the longhouse into a vibrant place of celebration where families and friends gather to share meals and alcohol while enjoying each other's company.

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Image taken from GalvinEntalai.Com of The Iban People community in Sarawak

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Primarily concentrated in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, as well as parts of Brunei and the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan.

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Image taken from pinterest of a girl wearing the full traditional attire of The Iban People 

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The traditional clothing for the Iban Male is called “Baju Burung”. Baju Burung is believe used by the Iban Male that is strong and brave. The guy that used this traditional clothing is called “Keling-keling” which is a symbol to the Iban Tribes that will bring the meaning of a guy who is strong and handsome.

1. Lanjang or Ketapu is used as a head piece. Ketapu is made of rattan. It is woven into the individual's own creativity of styles. After they are woven and colored, Ketapu will be put in bird feathers. For example, Kenyalang Bird. The thicker the bird feather, the better looking it looks.

2. Gagong or Baju Burung is made of animal skins. Gagong is usually worn during The Gawai or big festivals. Gagong can’t not be easily worn anywhere because back in the day, Gagong was worn during the war by the strong, brave individual. Most of the time, Gagong is made of Bear skins because the animal is strong and vicious. Baju Burung on the other hand, is only used during normal occasions. Baju Burung is red and is embroidered with an Iban style motif called “Pua Kumbu”. Gold thread is also used to weave this cloth.

3. Kain Sirat also known as Kain Cawat is the base for traditional clothing of the Iban People. Sirat wrapped around the waist and between the thighs. The corner of the cloth will be brought to the front of the waist then to the back.

4. Marik is also included in the male traditional clothing. Marik is only woven with beads. Some people use tusks as a Marik. For example, Pig Tusks.

5. Terabai is one of the weapons used in war by the Iban People. However, now that the war has stopped, Terabai is used in dances and ceremonies.Terabai is made of light wood so that it is easy to craft. The craft style depends on the individual itself with the motif of Iban People.

6. “Senyata” is used for war, hunt, and wander. There's two type of senyata “Ilang” and “Nyabor”. Nyabor is shorter than Ilang. Nyabor is inserted with hair that symbolizes that person has gone to war and the nyabor will be crafted.

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Image taken from MySabah Instagram post of a Ratu Serimpak 2023 from Duang Festivals 2023

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For the women on the other hand, the traditional clothing is called “Badu Sipak”. The Badu Sipak is made of silk satiny in the color of bright yellow. The sleeve is also split into elbows. The Badu Sipak is also using the Betawi Pins. The Badu Sipak is usually worn at weddings. Another set of clothing for the women is called, “Badu Sampit”. Badu Sampit is also a silk with bright color and is usually worn with a skirt that is called “Olos Berangkit”. The Bajau Samah women sometimes wear white suar with the badu during dancing performances. These dresses will be off without the accessories which is a “mandapun”. Mandarin is a velvet with gold or silver accessories that is worn around the neck. For the nails, the girls will usually wear “Keku” which is a long and tapered gold,silver or brass finger covers. Last but not least, the dress will be top with a head accessories that is a crown-like looking head piece called “Serimpak” that is shape like ship.

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Image taken from pinterest of  a man wearing the full traditional attire

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The traditional clothing for the women of the Iban Tribes is Ngepan Iban or Ngepan Indu. The name of Ngepan Indu came from a girl named Kumang who is kind among the women of Iban. Kumang is an all-rounder, she's smart, beautiful and kind-hearted making the name Ngepan Indu happen.

1. Sugu Tinggi (Silver Headgear)

2. Marek Empang/Tangu

3. Kain karap/kabat is a sarong worn as a skirt. Its a knee length and the design is usually “Pua Kumbu” with colourful and different motif. It is red and the thread is usually gold and silver.

4. Lampit (Silver Belt)

5. Rawai (Silver Corset)

6. Tumpa Pirak/Bentuk (Silver bangles)

7. Gelang kaki/Gerunchung (Silver anklets)

8. Buah Pauh (Silver Purse)

9. Selampai (sash) is decorated with fine weave design and will be worn on the shoulder as a scarf.

10. Tali Ujan/Mulung (Fine silver chain)

11. Sementing Buchai/Sekeling (Coin corset with dangling coins)

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Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. (2019). Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Menengah Bahasa Melayu Tingkatan 4. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. http://bukuteks.dbp.gov.my/media/media/cyZiUUe6tJ.pdf

Sarawak Travellers. (n.d.). The Iban people of Borneo: History, religions, and traditions. Sarawak Travellers. https://www.sarawaktravellers.com/culture/the-iban-people-of-borneo-history-religions-and-traditions

Wikimedia Commons. (n.d.). Iban language distribution [Map]. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iban_language_distribution.svg

Pinterest. (n.d.). [MIss World Malaysia] [Miss World Malaysia]. Pinterest. https://pin.it/t6ixTUNs2

Iban Customs. (n.d.). Iban traditional clothing and attire. WordPress. https://ibancustoms.wordpress.com/iban-traditional-clothing-and-attire/

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Solidaritas. (n.d.). Sekilas tentang Bajau Laut. Solidaritas. https://solidaritas.my/sekilas-tentang-bajau-laut/

TVS. (2022, July 12). Mengenali kehidupan suku Bajau Laut di Semporna Sabah [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqnWvQ_Nhwo

WWF-Malaysia. (2023, September 7). The Bajau Laut: Navigating the waters of tradition and conservation. https://www.wwf.org.my/?32825/Opinion-Editorial---The-Bajau-Laut-Navigating-The-Waters-of-Tradition-and-Conservation

Esei sejarah: Sumbangan masyarakat pribumi dalam pembinaan negara dan bangsa [PDF]. (n.d.). PDFCoffee. https://pdfcoffee.com/sejarah-eseidoc-pdf-free.html

Asmidaling. (2017, April). Tarian Sabah. Blogspot. https://asmidaling85.blogspot.com/2017/04/tarian-sabah.html

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Suku kaum Bajau Samah [PowerPoint slides]. (n.d.). Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/presentation/642675336/Suku-Kaum-Bajau-Samah

Budaya Bajau Sabah. (n.d.). Pakaian. https://kajianbudaya.wixsite.com/budayabajausabah/pakaian

Hamzah, N., & Mustapha, W. H. W. (2022). Amalan budaya dan adaptasi persekitaran masyarakat Bajau di perkampungan atas air di Semporna, Sabah. e-Journal of Knowledge Management, 2(1), 32–41. https://jurcon.ums.edu.my/ojums/index.php/ejk/article/view/4177/2647

Mohd Yusoff, M. S. M., Zakaria, M. H., Yusof, N. A. M., & Miswan, N. H. (2023). The effectiveness of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study among students of higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Asian Journal of Research in Education and Social Sciences, 5(1), 87–98. https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ajress/article/view/24606

Sazaliah. (n.d.). Suku Kaum Bajau Samah [PowerPoint slides]. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/presentation/642675336/Suku-Kaum-Bajau-Samah

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Cowboys of The East - The Bajau Samah

History of Bajau Samah (Who Are They?)

Geographical Location

Traditional Clothing

Badu - Men Attire

Badu Sipak - Women Attire

References

The Sea Gypsies of Sabah - The Bajau Laut

History of Bajau Laut (Who Are They?)

Geographical Location

Traditional Clothing

Baju Ala Bimbang - Women Attire

References

Hearts of The Hornbill Warriors - The Iban

History of Iban People (Who Are They?)

Geographical Location

Traditional Clothing

Ngepan Indu - Women Traditional Attire

Baju Burung - Men Traditional Attire

References

The North Borneo Warrior-Kadazan Dusun

History of Kadazan Dusun (Who Are They?)

Geographical Location

Traditional Clothing

Sinuangga - Women's Attire

Sinompukung

Kihongon

Simis

Tapis

Accessories

Men Traditional Attire

References

Child of The River - Orang Sungai

History of Orang Sungai (Who Are They?)

Geographical Location

Traditional Clothing

Orang Sungai Traditional Female Attire (Woinoi)

Orang Sungai Traditional Male Attire (Kusoi)

References

The Reflection

Reflection

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Image taken from Persatuan Bangsa Sungai Sabah of a group of Orang Sungai ethnic 

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History of The Orang Sungai (Who Are They?)

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History of The Orang Sungai (Who Are They?)

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In terms of historical records, the origins of the Orang Sungai ethnic group date back to 1881, when the then-resident of Sandakan, Sir William Pryer, conducted an expedition along the Kinabatangan River up to Kampung Imbok, which still exists today. During this expedition, his entourage encountered a group of people who were already civilized, capable of establishing settlements along the riverbanks and skilled in agriculture. They were characterized by long hair and reddish skin. Due to communication difficulties at the time, Pryer was unable to determine the origins of this community. To simplify matters, he referred to them as "The River People." After this encounter, and during the rule of the British North Borneo Chartered Company (BNBCC), this term was translated into Malay as "Orang Sungai" and has since remained in use not only for the community residing along the Kinabatangan River but also for those living along other rivers.

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Image taken from Soscili Articles of the Orang Sungai ethnic in Sabah

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The communities living along the rivers, referred to as the Orang Sungai, have continued to expand throughout various parts of the state of Sabah, with their settlements often concentrated along the banks of major rivers such as the Bengkoka River, Labuk River, Sugut River, Paitan River, Kinabatangan River, and Segama River. This choice of location can be linked to their way of life, which involves farming and a constant search for fertile land, particularly in river basin areas.

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Image taken from Istock by GettyImages of a group Kadazan Dusun People wearing the full traditional attire

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History of The Kadazan Dusun (Who Are They?)

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History of The Kadazan Dusun (Who Are They?)

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The Kadazan or Kadazan-Dusun people are the largest indigenous Bumiputera ethnic group in Sabah. One theory suggests that this group originated from the Bunun tribe in Taiwan. The Kadazandusun ethnic group is actually formed by two major ethnicities in Sabah 'Kadazan' and 'Dusun'. However, due to similarities in language, culture, and political circumstances between the Kadazan and Dusun communities, a new term was created to unify both groups, which is 'Kadazandusun'. The Kadazandusun people are indeed rich in cultural uniqueness in terms of origin, legends, language, clothing, music, traditional dance, and lifestyle. According to statistics, the Kadazandusun ethnic group comprises approximately 40 different sub-ethnicities. There are variations in language, dialect, pronunciation, and spelling, which are heavily influenced by specific ethnic groups from one district to another in the state of Sabah. However, these differences still convey the same meaning and essence.

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Image taken from Majlis Perbandaran Penampang of the Kadazan Dusun people in Sabah

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The Kadazan Dusun community resides in the west coast areas such as Penampang, Papar, Tuaran, Kiulu, Tambunan, and Keningau. These areas are farming regions where they cultivate wet and dry rice fields.

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The traditional clothing of the Orang Sungai in Sabah doesn't have a widely known or standardized name like some other ethnic groups Examples, Sinuagga for the Murut or Sikom for the Kadazan Dusun. However, it is generally referred to as "Busana Tradisi Orang Sungai" or simply "Pakaian Tradisional Orang Sungai", which translates to "Traditional Attire of the Orang Sungai.

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Image taken from MySabah.Com Websites on Orang Sungai Traditional Attire

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Orang Sungai Traditional Female Attire (Woinoi)

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Orang Sungai Traditional Female Attire (Woinoi)

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Serimpak
A decorative crown or headdress worn on the head, symbolizing grace and status.

Supu and Medapun
These are necklaces worn around the neck and shoulders, often made from beads or metal, showcasing craftsmanship and tradition.

Peretina
A belt worn around the waist to secure the traditional attire and add aesthetic appeal.

Serakai
A yellow shawl that is draped across the body after wearing a white blouse. Yellow is often a royal or sacred color in many Bornean cultures.

Earrings
Typically large and ornamental, they add elegance to the overall attire.

Golong Tembaga
Copper bangles or bracelets worn on both hands, often heavy and symbolic of tradition and identity.

White Dots on the Face
Small white facial dots are applied to enhance the beauty of the wearer and represent cultural identity.

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Image taken from Nadi Kluster Sandakan Facebook of a couple wearing a full traditional attire of orang sungai ethnic 

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Orang Sungai Traditional Male Attire (Kusoi)

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Orang Sungai Traditional Male Attire (Kusoi)

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Serakai
A head accessory or headpiece worn by men, often ceremonial in nature and symbolic of cultural identity.

White Shirt with Red Stripes (Baju Putih Berjalur Merah)
A white shirt with red stripes, symbolizing purity (white) and bravery (red)—two important values in Orang Sungai heritage.

Supu
A shoulder necklace or ornamental chain worn across the shoulders, adding distinction and elegance to the attire.

Paretina
A belt, used to secure the lower garment and complete the traditional outfit.

Sempilang
A yellow sash or shawl worn crisscross over the chest after donning the white shirt. Yellow traditionally signifies royalty, honor, or sacredness.

Samping
A decorative cloth or short sarong worn around the waist or hips to enhance the overall attire and present a formal appearance.

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Kadazan traditional clothing is simple and elegant, especially the trimmings and embroidery, which are less elaborate than those of other ethnic groups. The men's jacket and trousers show some Chinese influence. For women, there are three types of blouses which is young women wear short-sleeved blouses, middle-aged women wear ¾-sleeved blouses for daily use, and elderly women or priestesses wear special blouses for ceremonies

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Image taken from Pinterest of a woman wearing the full traditional attire of Kadazan Dusun

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The Sinuangga’ is a traditional blouse with short sleeves and a U-shaped neckline, usually worn by young Kadazan women. It features simple embroidery in red, yellow, and cream cotton thread along the neck, arm openings, side seams, and down the back.

Main embroidery stitches:

1. Sinusuk bulus – chain stitch

2. Tantop – flannel stitch

The flannel stitch is also used to make binuunsi’, a thin, shoelace-like woven band in red and yellow.

Betawi buttons are special buttons made of gold-plated silver. They are looped through a string on the inside of the blouse, allowing them to be reused on different blouses.

For ceremonial wear, the buttons are fastened all the way up to the neck.

For everyday use, they are fastened halfway up from the bottom.
Today, this distinction is less commonly followed. The buttons are tied from top to bottom using cotton thread.

Having a full set of 30 Betawi buttons (called sonsolobuan) was once a sign of wealth and high status among the Kadazan in Penampang.

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The Sinompukung is a traditional blouse with ¾ sleeves and was originally worn over the Sinuangga’, like a jacket, especially when going out or visiting others.

Traditionally, it had no embroidery and served as an extra layer.
Today, it is often embroidered and commonly worn by older women as a regular blouse rather than as a jacket.

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The Kihongon is a long-sleeved blouse worn by elderly women and female ritual specialists (Bobohizan) during ceremonies.

It features embroidery similar to the Sinuangga’, using the same traditional stitches and patterns

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Also known as a “chemise”, this is a white cotton underblouse worn beneath the main blouse.
Sometimes, a white kerchief is tucked into the U-neck for added modesty or decoration.

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The Tapi’ is a long, tube-shaped wrap skirt traditionally made of plain black cotton.
Today, it is often decorated with gold trimming (siring):

One gold band runs horizontally across the hips at the front.

Another band runs vertically from the waist down, crossing the first.

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Himpogot – A silver “dollar” belt. Wealthier women may wear up to three: one on the waist, and two more above and below the Tangkong.

Tangkong – A traditional hip-belt made of about 84 brass rings strung on rattan cords.

Unmarried girls wear red-black-red string patterns.

Married women wear all black.

A bare spot in the back allows better breathing (asampon).

The belts may be stretched over time to make room for carrying a back basket.

Tiningkokos – A spiral bracelet made from brass or silver.

Gohong – Regular brass or silver bracelets.

Hamai – A necklace, often decorative.

Simbong – Earrings worn as part of the full costume.

Paun – A brooch made from gold coins.

Special Bobohizan (priestess) Accessories

Siga do Bobohizan – A ceremonial headdress made from peacock or turkey feathers tightly sewn onto a wide cloth band.

Decorated with colorful embroidery, beads, and rooster feathers tied with cloth pieces.

From the front, it looks fully cloth-covered; from the back, feathers are visible.

Beaded loops hang from each side to the chest.

Tied at the back and about 1.5 feet tall.

Husob – A colorful cloth sash worn across the body, usually two pieces criss-crossed over the chest by the Bobohizan.

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Image taken from Borneo Headgears Gallery Facebook of a man wearing the full traditional attire of the kadazan dusun ethnic

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Gaung – A long-sleeved black shirt. Originally plain, but now often decorated with gold trimming and gold buttons for a more formal look.

Souva – Black trousers with a wide indigo-blue waistband. Some modern styles include gold trimming along the hip seams.

Kaking (or Toogot) – A black waist sash, worn around the waist as part of the full costume.

Siga – A headcover made from handwoven kain dastar, worn in various traditional styles:

Hinopung ("python") – Twisted style

Kinahu’ ("potholder") – Folded style

Sinimbitan / Tinahanuk – A style where only one small corner sticks out

Tupi’ Sinikat – A circular hat made from sturdy string using a coil and tie technique, worn to support the siga.

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MifahaTCA. (n.d.). Kadazan Penampang male costume using original siling [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/MifahaTCA/posts/kadazan-penampang-male-costume-using-original-siling-pre-order/1643494225710633/

Cikgu BKD. (2016, December). Pakaian tradisional kaum Kadazandusun. Blogspot. https://cikgubkd.blogspot.com/2016/12/pakaian-tradisional-kaum-kadazandusun.html

Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association. (n.d.). Traditional costume. KDCA. https://kdca.org.my/about/hongkodkoisaan/costume

Student KUPTM. (n.d.). Kaum Kadazan. Google Sites. https://sites.google.com/student.kuptm.edu.my/kepelbagaianetniksabahdimalays/kaum-kadazan

PuiImages. (n.d.). Kadazan Dusun woman in traditional costume [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/kadazan-dusun-woman-in-traditional-costume-gm1147237334-308452404

Majlis Perbandaran Penampang. (n.d.). Seni dan budaya. https://mppenampang.sabah.gov.my/?seni-dan-budaya

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SABAS Official. (n.d.). Masyarakat suku kaum Orang Sungai di Negeri Sabah. WordPress. https://sabasofficial.wordpress.com/masyarakat-suku-kaum-orang-sungai-di-negeri-sabah/

SOSCILI. (n.d.). Ada satu kaum di Sabah ni renjis darah haiwan kat rumah pengantin. Untuk apa? https://soscili.my/ada-satu-kaum-di-sabah-ni-renjis-darah-haiwan-kat-rumah-pengantin-untuk-apa/

SABAS Official. (2017, October 24). Buletin SABAS. WordPress. https://sabasofficial.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/buletin-sabas/

[Nadi Kluster Sandakan]. (n.d.). [Photograph of traditional attire posted on Facebook] [Photograph]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1701548513306251&id=875362599258184&set=a.1680843662043403&locale=ms_MY

MySabah.com. (n.d.). [Photograph of Sungai people – DSC02012]. MySabah. https://www.mysabah.com/people/sungai/slides/dsc02012.php

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As a member of the Bajau Samah community, I feel incredibly proud to reflect on my cultural heritage, especially our traditional clothing. Growing up, I never really explored my roots deeply, but through this portfolio project, I’ve gained a much greater appreciation for who we are. I learned that Bajau Samah traditional attire is known for its vibrant colors especially yellow, which is most commonly associated with us. Though similar to other ethnic groups like the Melanau, key differences such as color choices set us apart. I’ve worn the Badu Sipak before, and although it was a bit uncomfortable with the high bun, wearing the serimpak was a beautiful experience. The yellow badu sipak is the most known and choosen color, however if I could choose my own Badu Sipak color, I would go for red because it’s bold and eye-catching.

While researching, I also explored the traditional clothing of the Bajau Laut. Although they are often misunderstood or even marginalized, their clothing is incredibly beautiful. I loved the Baju Ala Bimbang, especially in black, which gives it an elegant touch. It was interesting to compare the materials used, like aluminum for Bajau Laut sarong kuku versus steel for Bajau Samah. This experience opened my eyes to the diversity even within our broader ethnic group. I could not find anything on the man traditional attire which is incredibly sad because I was looking forward on researching for the traditional clothing.

I also admired the intricate clothing of the Iban and Kadazan-Dusun. The Iban attire, especially the Ngepan Indu, is rich in cultural meaning and includes detailed accessories. I was fascinated by the creativity behind the steel fruit purse and the grand headgear. Meanwhile, the Kadazan-Dusun sinuangga and sigar reflect elegance, pride, and spiritual connection to nature and tradition.

This padlet has deepened my appreciation for traditional clothing and made me more determined to preserve and celebrate my own culture and those of others.