Rumbia Information Centre

Kuala Penyu

There is more than meets eye when it comes to the sago plant, also known as rumbia. It has fascinated local communities and foreign visitors alike with its wide variety of uses and many visit the Rumbia Information Centre in Kuala Penyu to learn more about it.

Scientifically known as matroxylon sagus or metroxylon rumphii, the rumbia comes from the family of palmae. It is mostly found in Kuala Penyu and the surrounding districts of Beaufort and Papar. Sago Palm matures in 9 to 12 years. The starch or sago is extracted from the stem of a matured rumbia. Sago is rich in carbohydrate and is an alternative staple food for the Bisayas and Kadazan (Dusun Tatana) people, and is locally known as "ambuyut". It was said that during the Japanese occupation, the local population was saved from starvation by making sago their staple food.

No part of the sago palm is discarded. The locals used the leave as roofing materials and the branches (known locally as kumbar) for making their house's walls. Floor mats, baskets of various sizes and shape are some of the examples of things made entirely from various parts of the plant.

The information centre, located in Kampung Kasugira, also holds exhibitions on handicrafts made out of the sago plant and a demonstration on how to make sago delicacies. If you're ever in the quaint district of Kuala Penyu, be sure to swing by!

Opening hours
Monday - Thursday -8:00am - 12:00pm
2:00pm - 4:30pm

Friday- 8:00am - 11:30am
2:00pm - 4:30pm


Saturday-8:00am - 12:30pm

Closed on Sunday