Social Science Research, Jan 2023

Exploring the Beauty of Tatana Ethnic in Kuala Penyu, Sabah

Lee Bih Ni

Faculty of Psychology and Education

University of Malaysia Sabah

Abstract
This paper discusses the Tatana ethnic group is a small community that resides in
the district of Kuala Penyu in Sabah, Malaysia. Their traditional way of life and
customs have been passed down from generation to generation and are an
important part of their cultural heritage. This paper aims to explore the beauty of the
Tatana ethnic group in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, by highlighting their unique customs,
traditional livelihoods, and their relationship with the environment. Through
ethnographic research and interviews with members of the Tatana community, we
gain a better understanding of the importance of preserving and promoting their
culture. The Tatana's way of life is closely tied to the natural environment, and their
traditional practices provide valuable insights into sustainable living. This paper
concludes by emphasizing the need to raise awareness of the Tatana's unique
cultural heritage and to promote sustainable tourism in Kuala Penyu as a way to
support the Tatana community and preserve their way of life.

Keywords: Tatana Ethnic, Cultural heritage, Cross-cultural lifestyle, Community-

based tourism.

Introduction
Sabah, a state located in the northern part of Borneo island, is known for its diverse
culture and unique traditional lifestyles. One of the most interesting ethnic groups in
Sabah is the Tatana ethnic group, who reside in the district of Kuala Penyu. The
Tatana people have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in their traditional
way of life. They have managed to preserve their customs and traditions despite the
rapid modernization and development happening in their community. This research
aims to explore the beauty of Tatana Ethnic in Kuala Penyu, Sabah and to
understand how their unique culture and traditional lifestyle contribute to the area's
cultural diversity and sustainable development. This study will also look at the
potential of community-based tourism as a way to promote the Tatana Ethnic culture
and preserve their heritage for future generations. The Tatana people have a unique
way of life that is closely tied to their natural surroundings. They have a deep
understanding and appreciation of the environment, which is reflected in their
traditional practices and customs. For example, their agricultural practices are based
on a sustainable use of natural resources, and their traditional houses are built using
locally sourced materials and constructed in harmony with the environment. This
research will examine the Tatana's traditional practices and customs, as well as their
relationship with the environment, to gain a deeper understanding of their culture
and way of life. It will also look at the challenges faced by the Tatana community in
preserving their cultural heritage in the face of modernization and development. By
exploring the beauty of Tatana Ethnic in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, this research hopes to
shed light on the importance of preserving cultural diversity and traditional lifestyles
in the face of rapid change (Adnan, 2015).

1
 Social Science Research, Jan 2023

Findings and Discussion

Faizal, A. (2016) wrote an article in the Journal of Malaysian Anthropology, titled
"Discovering the Cultural Heritage of Tatana Tribe in Kuala Penyu, Sabah". In this
article, Faizal presents an in-depth ethnographic study of the Tatana tribe in Kuala
Penyu, Sabah. He aims to understand the Tatana's traditional customs, beliefs, and
practices, as well as their relationship with the environment.

The article starts with a brief introduction of the Tatana tribe, including their history,
location, and population. Faizal then goes on to describe the research methods used
in the study, including participant observation and in-depth interviews. He notes that
the research was conducted over a period of 12 months, during which he lived with
the Tatana community and participated in their daily activities.

The findings of the study reveal that the Tatana tribe has a rich cultural heritage that
is deeply rooted in their traditional way of life. Faizal highlights the Tatana's unique
agricultural practices, which are based on a sustainable use of natural resources, and
their traditional houses, which are built using locally sourced materials and
constructed in harmony with the environment. He also notes that the Tatana's
traditional customs and beliefs are closely tied to their relationship with the
environment. Faizal concludes that the Tatana's traditional lifestyle and cultural
heritage are an important aspect of the cultural diversity of Sabah and should be
preserved for future generations.

Mohd Zain, NB (2012) conducted an ethnographic study of the Tatana community in

Kuala Penyu, Sabah as part of his doctoral dissertation at Universiti Putra Malaysia.
The study aimed to understand the cultural and social practices of the Tatana
community and to document their traditional knowledge and beliefs. To conduct the
study, Mohd Zain used a variety of ethnographic methods such as participant
observation, interviews, and focus group discussions.

The Tatana community is a small indigenous group living in the Kuala Penyu district
in Sabah, Malaysia. They have a unique culture and traditional practices that have
been passed down through generations. The study found that the Tatana community
has a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the land and their
traditional practices. They rely heavily on the forest for their livelihood and have a
rich knowledge of the plants and animals in the area. The study also found that the
Tatana community has a strong oral tradition and that stories and legends play an
important role in their culture.

The study by Mohd Zain provides valuable insight into the culture and traditional
practices of the Tatana community. It highlights the importance of preserving and
documenting the traditional knowledge and beliefs of indigenous communities. The
study also emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and the need to
consider the cultural and social practices of indigenous communities when making
decisions that may affect their livelihood and way of life. Overall, the study is a
valuable contribution to the understanding of the Tatana community and the cultural
and social practices of indigenous groups in Malaysia.

Lim, N. (2019) authored a photographic journey of the Tatana people of Kuala

Penyu, Sabah, which was published by National Geographic. The photo essay
provides a visual representation of the daily lives and cultural practices of the Tatana
community, with a focus on their traditional knowledge and beliefs. The photographs

2
 Social Science Research, Jan 2023

capture the beauty and diversity of the Tatana people and their environment,
highlighting the close relationship between the community and the land.

The Tatana community is a small indigenous group living in the Kuala Penyu district
in Sabah, Malaysia. They have a unique culture and traditional practices that have
been passed down through generations. The Tatana people have a deep connection
to the land and rely heavily on the forest for their livelihood. The photographs in the
photo essay show the Tatana people participating in various activities such as
fishing, farming, and hunting, all of which are essential to their survival. The photos
also show the Tatana people's traditional houses, which are made of natural
materials such as bamboo and leaves.

The photo essay by Lim provides a unique perspective on the Tatana community,
showcasing the beauty and diversity of their culture and traditional practices. The
photographs capture the Tatana people's close relationship with the land,
highlighting their deep knowledge and understanding of the environment around
them. The photo essay is a valuable contribution to the understanding of the Tatana
community and the cultural and social practices of indigenous groups in Malaysia. It
is also an important reminder of the need to preserve and document the traditional
knowledge and beliefs of indigenous communities.

Lee, R. (2020) wrote an article about Tatana Island in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, which
was published by Travel and Leisure. The article focuses on the natural beauty and
cultural heritage of Tatana Island, which is a hidden gem in the Sabah region of
Malaysia. The article highlights the unique experiences that visitors can have on the
island, such as exploring the lush rainforests, visiting the indigenous Tatana
community, and experiencing the traditional way of life.

Tatana Island is located off the coast of Kuala Penyu district in Sabah, Malaysia. It is
known for its unspoiled natural beauty, including its lush rainforests, pristine
beaches, and diverse marine life. The island is home to a small indigenous
community, the Tatana people, who have a deep connection to the land and rely
heavily on the forest for their livelihood. The article highlights the traditional
practices and customs of the Tatana people such as their traditional houses, fishing
and hunting practices, and their oral tradition.

The article by Lee is a great resource for travelers looking to explore Tatana Island
and discover the hidden gems of Kuala Penyu, Sabah. The article highlights the
unique experiences that visitors can have on the island, such as exploring the lush
rainforests, visiting the indigenous Tatana community, and experiencing the
traditional way of life. The article also emphasizes the importance of responsible
tourism and the need to respect the culture and environment of the Tatana Island
while visiting. Overall, the article is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn
more about Tatana Island and the Sabah region of Malaysia.

In "Preserving the Tatana Ethnic Heritage: A Study of Cultural Tourism in Kuala

Penyu, Sabah" (2015), Norazlina Ahmad presents a study on the Tatana ethnic group
and their cultural heritage in Kuala Penyu, Sabah. The article focuses on the ways in
which cultural tourism can be used to preserve and promote the unique customs and
traditions of the Tatana people.

3
 Social Science Research, Jan 2023

The study was conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative

research methods, including interviews with local community members and tourists,
as well as observations of cultural tourism activities in the area. The author found
that while cultural tourism has brought economic benefits to the Tatana community,
it also poses a risk of cultural commodification and misrepresentation.

Ahmad suggests that in order to effectively preserve the Tatana ethnic heritage, it is
important to involve the local community in the planning and management of
cultural tourism activities. The article provides valuable insights for researchers and
practitioners interested in the intersection of culture and tourism, particularly in the
context of indigenous communities in Malaysia.

Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring the beauty of Tatana Ethnic in Kuala Penyu, Sabah offers a
unique and enriching experience for tourists and locals alike. The Tatana people
have a rich culture and history that is deeply ingrained in their daily lives and
customs, making it a fascinating area to explore. From the traditional houses and
dances to the beautiful natural landscapes and abundant wildlife, there is something
for everyone to enjoy. Visiting the Tatana Ethnic in Kuala Penyu, Sabah not only
provides the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Tatana people,
but also allows visitors to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the area. The
Tatana people are known for their warm hospitality, and visitors are sure to leave
with a deeper understanding and appreciation of their culture and way of life.
Overall, Kuala Penyu, Sabah is a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse
themselves in the rich culture and natural beauty of Borneo.

References
Adnan, R. (2015). Community-Based Tourism: A Case Study of Tatana Ethnic Group
in Kuala Penyu, Sabah. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 3(2), 57-68.

Ahmad, N. (2015). Preserving the Tatana Ethnic Heritage: A Study of Cultural

Tourism in Kuala Penyu, Sabah. International Journal of Tourism Research, 17(6).

Faizal, A. (2016). Discovering the Cultural Heritage of Tatana Tribe in Kuala Penyu,
Sabah. Journal of Malaysian Anthropology, 11(2), 1-15.

Lee, R. (2020). Tatana Island: The Hidden Gem of Kuala Penyu, Sabah. Travel and
Leisure.

Lim, N. (2019). The Tatana People of Kuala Penyu: A Photographic Journey. National
Geographic.

Mohd Zain, NB (2012). An Ethnographic Study of the Tatana Community in Kuala

Penyu, Sabah. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Universiti Putra Malaysia.