Contributing Writer: Elwa Gloria Justin
Nestled at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, where the borders of Kota Belud and Ranau meet, Kampung Kiau is one of Sabah’s highest and most scenic villages. Surrounded by rolling hills and cool mountain air, the village offers a peaceful retreat close to nature. Located approximately 79 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, the journey to Kampung Kiau takes around two hours, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views along the way.
Kampung Kiau, Kota Belud is also home to one of Sabah’s oldest musical instruments: the tongkungon.
Crafted from a single piece of bamboo, the tongkungon is a traditional stringed instrument deeply rooted in the Kadazandusun community’s culture. From the surface of the bamboo tube, thin strips are carefully carved to form strings, each one tuned with small pieces of wood or rattan placed at the ends. Simple in appearance, yet it carries generations of knowledge and craftsmanship.
Most tongkungon instruments have four to eight strings. When played, the instrument produces rhythms that echo the steady, familiar beat of the traditional Dusun gongs. What makes it truly special is its ability to capture the spirit of the Dusun gongs, transforming what is normally a communal performance into music carried by a single pair of hands.
Video: Mr. Lanting Tongkungon Demo
During our visit, Mr. Lanting Lungkim, one of the few people who mastered tongkungon, gave us a demonstration on how to play it. He wrapped his hand around it and plucked the strings according to the chords of the music. The sound can be described as light and hollow. Instead of the loud, metallic boom of a gong ensemble, the tongkungon produces a subtle “ting–tung–ting” pattern that feels like the soft knocking of bamboo in the wind.
Usually, the tongkungon is played simply as a pastime activity. Over the years, however, Mr. Lanting noticed that fewer people knew how to play it. To preserve the skill, he decided to learn and teach the instrument himself. What began as a personal pastime soon became something more meaningful.
Nowadays, not many people, especially newer generations, know the existence of this instrument. That’s why the gallery at Koperasi Eko Pelancongan Kiau plays such an important role in the village. It serves more than just an exhibition space; it is a living archive to preserve not only the tongkungon, but also many of Kiau’s cultural treasures, as well as a space to ensure these traditions continue to thrive rather than fade with time.
