Less than one hour away from Kampung Gombizau is the Sumangkap village (92 kilometers and 2 hours drive away from Kota Kinabalu) which is famous for its gong making cottage industry.The gong is the most important Rungus musical instrument which is played during festivities and grand occasions such as weddings. The gongs that are sold in Kampung Sumangkap vary in sizes—visitors can expect to find tiny souvenirs ones with different shapes and unique designs (price ranging from RM25 to RM37) as well as large ones that can reach up to 2 meters wide in diameter.
For large groups of visitors, the villagers of Kampung Sumangkap will often hold cultural performances in the Kampung Sumangkap Community Hall where the kulintangan (a set of different sized gongs producing different sounds) is to be played.
Here, visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the method of gong making by the professional gong makers in the village. The gong factory is open daily including public holidays from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Tariffs
Entrance fees charged are as follows:
Adults (12 years and above) – RM5
Children (6 to 12 years old) – RM3
Children (below 6 years old) – Free of charge
Getting there
To get to Sumangkap village, from Kota Kinabalu visitors can take a bus headed in the direction of Kudat. Buses to Kudat can be taken from the Terminal Bas Jalan Padang from 7.30am to 5pm daily. Bus fare would be approximately RM18 per person, please communicate with the bus driver or bus conductor regarding the drop off point.
As an option, visitors can also take a taxi from Kota Kinabalu from the taxi stand located next to Merdeka Field and arrange with the taxi driver regarding the desired drop off point. Approximate taxi fee is RM300 per taxi/way.
Those choosing to drive can do so by renting a car from a verified car rental company.
