Dance by Murut Nabai from Keningau

With an estimated population of 92,000, Murut is the third largest indigenous group of Sabah (Malaysia). Historians believe that Murut migrated to Borneo from Asia mainland about 20,000 years ago. One of the Murut sub-ethnics is Murut Nabai (or Naabai) from Keningau district. The dialect spoken by Murut Nabai is Murut Sentral (Central Murut). However, as they live near Kadazandusun people, their language contains some Dusun words. Murut Nabai settled in lowland of Keningau with Kuijau and Gana people. Now they have a population of 3,000. The most eye-catching part of Murut Nabai traditional costume is their beautiful tall hats made from pheasant feathers.