Kota Kinabalu, 7 October 2025 — The North Borneo Rainforest Festival (NBRF) returns with its international edition themed “Pisompuruan” — meaning “A Place to Gather / Unite”, taking place on 11 and 12 October 2025 at Koisaan Cultural Village, KDCA, Penampang.
This year’s theme highlights the spirit of unity through art, culture, and nature, positioning NBRF as an inclusive platform for communities to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate Borneo’s living heritage in a contemporary context.
The festival welcomes seven indigenous delegations from Taiwan — Pinuyumayan, Bunun, Paiwan, Tsou, Kebalan, Pangcah, and Seediq — enriching the cross-cultural experience between local and international communities.
NBRF 2025 features four main segments: Pisompuruan Exhibitions, Cultural Showcase, Stage
Events, and Community Activities.
CULTURAL SHOWCASE
Featuring a vibrant lineup of local and international artists, NBRF 2025 presents cultural
collaborations such as:
- Mi’aputr-mamaua Ruma’ (Taiwan)
- Itu Bunun tu Minduduaz (Taiwan)
- Romadiwey no Kalinko (Taiwan)
- DJ Morestyles (United Kingdom)
- Bung Jae (Brunei)
- Mathew Ngau (Sarawak)
- Gonding Gen (Sabah)
- McFreddy Simon @ Gindung (Sabah)
- Ansamung x Nong Buaq (Sabah)
- Aki Yutam Miki (Sabah)
- George Albert Nuli (Sabah)Nelson x Caelan (Sabah)
- Rolou Pomogunan (Sabah)
- Perantisan Sekafi (Sabah)
- Elmi – Echo of Identity (Sabah)
- Aki Eito (Sabah)
- RINDUOG: AkiEto & Iko Teguh (Sabah)
Never before seen – A revival of lost culture → “Populi” by Gonding Gen
A once-forgotten ritual brought back to life — a first-ever tribute at NBRF!
12 October 2025 (Sunday), 6:00 – 6:40 PM
The Populi Ritual begins at the entrance of KCV, led by Adrian Soidi, a Cultural Activist and founder of Gonding Gen. As participants walk through the four designated areas, they will encounter members of Gonding Gen who guide and unite everyone towards the Pisompuruan Stage.
PISOMPURUAN EXHIBITIONS
Collaborative Exhibitions and Cultural Houses
A total of 12 traditional houses within KCV will come alive as mini interactive museums, showcasing art, heritage, and humanity’s connection with nature.
● Rumah Papar (SAFODA)
Create Your Own Mini Forest! – A hands-on terrarium activity limited to 200 jars.
Participants can also “adopt a tree” and learn about the four layers of the rainforest through interactive activities.
● Rumah Papar (PACOS Trust & Persatuan Bobolian Sabah)
Bundusan: The Forgotten Mat – a heritage weaving tradition that tells stories of community and craftsmanship.
Penampang Bobolian Paraphernalia – sacred Bobolian artifacts representing the bond between rituals, nature, and ancestral wisdom.
● Rumah Tuaran (SAF x BAF)
Stamping, weaving, and painting activities inspired by Indigenous motifs.
● Rumah Visaya (Borneo History)
History exhibition and quiz, lucky draws, and the sale of books and historical posters of Sabah.
● Rumah Rungus (Ansamung)
Unfolding the Cultural Identity of the Rungus Tribe – features the Miagung Rungus performance, Mongigol Sunundai dance, craft demonstrations, and traditional instrument sales.
● Rumah Tenom (Mira Hector & Mitchrons)
Papak – an exhibition of traditional tattoo art and the cultural meanings behind each motif symbolizing the link between body, land, and heritage.
● Rumah Ranau (Iti Sundu)
A Reflection of Grounding and Reconnection with the Land – celebrating Bornean wisdom through crafts, ritual candles (lilihis), and collaborative creations.
● Rumah Tobilung (Journey with Dee Dee)
Birdwatching & Tiger Leech Encounter – exploring Sabah’s tropical wilderness through an immersive nature experience.
● Rumah Kimaragang (Kinarut Record Station)
Sound and vinyl exhibition highlighting the creative expressions of local communities — celebrating rhythm, memory, and collective identity.
● Rumah Tombonuo (Green Lab)
Showcasing an infotainment exhibition on insects and small forest creatures.
● Rumah Keningau (Persatuan Pribumi Sabah)
Indigenous art and heritage exhibition.
● Rumah Tambunan (Pangrok Sulap & Ruang Tamu Ekosistem)
Woodblock printing, community activism, and rural art.
● Rumah Kota Belud (Pison)
Ropuhan di Tanak Wagu – celebrating cultural cuisine and traditional culinary heritage.
STAGE EVENTS & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
● Pisompuruan Stage (Rumah Murut)
7:30 PM – 11:00 PM, 11 & 12 October: International and local cultural performances.
● KDCA Hall (11 October):
A-Bayu Rockmantis 2.0 Concert – a special musical collaboration.
● Pisompuruan Market & Kita-Kita Entrepreneur Bazaar:
Over 80 vendors featuring handicrafts, traditional food, street food, and local entrepreneurship products.
The festival also highlights a special program, “Voices of the Rainforest” — traditional music demonstrations, art workshops, and interactive performances by local practitioners.
VOICES OF THE RAINFOREST: TRADITIONAL MUSIC & HERITAGE DEMONSTRATIONS
Location: Rumah Murut (Pisompuruan Main Stage)
Date: 11 October 2025
● 10:00AM – 11:00AM | Urali Nose Flute Demonstration
Artist: Najmie Hafizan
The Gentle Breath of Tradition – The delicate art of the Urali, a traditional nose flute of Sabah symbolizing purity, calmness, and the connection between breath and spirit.
● 11:00AM – 12:00PM | Bungkau Story & Demonstration
Artist: Aki Yutam Miki
Experience the Voice of the Forest – The Bungkau, a bamboo instrument producing forest-like sounds that echo the harmony of nature.
● 1:00PM – 2:00PM | Sompoton Demonstration
Artist: George Albert Nuli
The Voice of the Wind – Showcasing the iconic Sompoton, reflecting the harmony between humans and nature through layered wind melodies.
● 2:00PM – 3:00PM | Sape Demonstration (Borneo Boat Lute)
Artist: Mathew Ngau Jau
Echoes of the Ancestral Strings – A special performance by National Heritage Figure, Mathew Ngau Jau, highlighting the soulful Sape — the voice of the Orang Ulu heritage.
● 3:00PM – 4:00PM | Taiwanese Traditional Demonstration (Pasibutbut)
Artist: Itu Bunun tu Minduduaz
Harmony with Nature – The Sacred Bunun Ritual – The sacred Pasibutbut chant of the Bunun people from Taiwan — a layered harmony invoking unity with nature and the spirit of life.
NORTH BORNEO RAINFOREST FESTIVAL 2025
“A Celebration of Heritage and Connection”
NBRF 2025 invites everyone to reconnect with the rainforest spirit through sound, art, and participation. Each performance and exhibition serves as a bridge between generations, honoring ancestral wisdom while celebrating the creativity of today’s communities.
TICKET PRICES (Online)
● 1-Day Pass: Adult RM5 | Teen RM3
● 2-Day Pass: Adult RM8 | Teen RM5
● Free entry for children below 11 years old and senior citizens aged 60 and above.
NBRF2025 #Pisompuruan
For ticket purchases, scan the QR code on the official NBRF 2025 poster or visit the official
pages:
● Instagram: @north.borneorainforestfestival
● Facebook: North Borneo Rainforest Festival
● TikTok: @nbrf2025
