By Geena Roslyna
It was a cold, misty morning at Kinabalu Park, just a day before the 32nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2025. The clock showed 6:30 AM, and the air was filled with quiet anticipation. At that moment, we were about to witness a sacred Kadazandusun ritual known as the ‘Monolob’ Ceremony along a trail leading towards Timpohon Gate. This tradition is performed to honour and seek blessings from the mountain’s guardian spirits.
Understanding the Meaning of Monolob
In an interview with Mr. Johnny Ghani, the Chairman of the Mount Kinabalu Traditional Customs Advisory Council, we learned that the “Monolob” is a ritual performed before any journey or hike up Mount Kinabalu.
The purpose of this ritual is to obtain the approval of the mountain’s guardian spirits to watch over the climbers’ safety and protection throughout the expedition. Moreover, this ceremony was held for the first time this year since the last Climbathon held in 2024.
Why This Ceremony is Important
Mount Kinabalu is regarded as the ‘Sacred Mountain’ by the local community, which is also believed to be a resting place for the souls of the departed before they enter the afterlife.
Therefore, by performing the “Monolob”, the guardians of the mountain are made aware of the movements of living beings, whether walking, climbing, or running, and that this acknowledgment helps prevent accidents or misfortune that might occur due to disrespectful behaviour on the mountain.
Steps and Process of the Ritual
The Monolob ceremony follows a structured process:
- The Traditional Customs Advisory Council meets with the management of Kinabalu Park to discuss how to carry out the plan.
- They set the date and costs for the ritual.
- Ritual practitioners are informed and begin their preparations.
- The site for the ceremony is arranged and inspected to ensure that it is appropriate for the ritual.
Special Preparations and Offerings
Specific ritual items are required for the Monolob ceremony, each chosen for its symbolic meaning and offered in the sacred number seven:
Monolob Ritual Items:
- 7 white (free-range) chickens
- 7 chicken eggs
- 7 betel leaves
- 7 hand-rolled leaf cigarettes + tobacco
- 7 grains of rice (a pinch or small handful)
- A pinch or small handful of salt
- 7 areca nuts (lugus)
- Lamai (a ritual support instrument)
Who Leads the Ceremony
A “Susukuon”, a respected intermediary and ritual guide, usually leads the ritual. Although not necessarily a “Bobolian” (high priest or shaman), the ritual was, in earlier times, often performed by the head mountain guide himself.
The involvement of local cultural leaders remains essential to ensure that the ritual is carried out properly and with due reverence.
Cultural and Personal Significance
For the local community, the “Monolob” ceremony is a deep expression of their spiritual connection to the sacred mountain. Such a ritual also serves as a form of communication between humans, nature, and the mountain’s spirital guardians, ensuring continuous harmony among each other.
