Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Learn about traditional Sabahan life and the daily routines of Borneo’s ethnic groups at the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Watch a variety of demonstrations including blowpipe making, fire starting, and tattooing. Eat Sabahan delicacies during a buffet lunch and enjoy some wine tasting. You're accompanied by your guide to this open-air museum, with hotel transport by minivan from Kota Kinabalu.
Choose from Tour Option 09:00 am / 1:00 pm / 5:00 pm.
Available options
City Center Pickup 13:00 pm
Kota KInabalu Hotels: Pickup & Drop off from Kota Kinabalu City Hotel<br/>Pickup included
Outskirt Hotel Pickup 9:00am
Kota Kinabalu Outskirt Hotel : Surcharge for pickup & drop off Hotels located outside of Kota Kinabalu City Center. Outskirt Hotels: Radius of 10 km and above from City Center.<br/>Pickup included
City Center Pickup 9:00am
Kota Kinabalu Hotels: Pickup & Drop off from Kota Kinabalu City Center Hotels.
Optional Departure at 09:00 hrs from hotel lobby
to Mari Mari Cultural Village<br/>Pickup included
Outskirt Hotel Pickup 1:00pm
Surcharge for pickup & drop off Hotels located outside of Kota Kinabalu City Center. Outskirt Hotels: Radius of 10 km and above from City Center.<br/>Pickup included
K.K Intl Cruise Terminal
International Cruise Terminal : International Cruise Terminal Kota Kinabalu Pickup & Dropoff
<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hi Tea for 1 pm session
Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan 6 pax & above
Buffet lunch for 9 am session
Transport by Innova 5 pax & below
Live Borneo Cultural Dance Performance
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Mari Mari Cultural Village is located deep in the countryside away from the city. The village operates a museum that preserves Borneo's ethnic cultures. it aims to share the knowledge , history , culture and tradition of Borneo with you so it it not forgotten.
2
The Kadazandusun of Sabah are traditionally paddy cultivators. While those living in the hills and and further inland cultivate dry paddy, the inhabitants of coastal plains and valley grow the wet variety.
3
A Rungus Longhouse is made up of 7 to 15 family apartments. Traditional longhouse house is build from wood, bamboo and atap (palm leaves). To avoid flood and wildlife such as snake, the house is lift off the ground by stilts made of hard wood such as bogil, belian ironwood, mangrove wood and manzalangan. The roof is dry palm leaves of sago or nipah and needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
4
Lun Bawang people are traditionally agriculturalists , rearing poultry , pigs and buffaloes. Lun Bawang are also known to be hunters & fishermen. Meat & Fish are brined or pickled using salt and is stored in hallow bamboo stalks for a duration of a month. Meat & Fish are also preserve by smoking. Salt is obtain from evaporating brine from salt springs.
5
Bajau are commonly known to westerners as Sea Gypsies. Originally seafarers, their are now two distinct groupsEast Coast Bajau & West Coast Bajau. The west coast Bajau has settle down and learn the art of farming & cattle rearing. Their skills in horsemanship is very known locally. They are the famous cowboys of Sabah. The east coast Bajau however still live i traditional ways. Fishing is their main activities and some are still nomadic boat dwellers. The Bajau are skilled fishermen.
6
The Murut were the last of Sabah ethnic group to renounce headhunting. The Murut were shifting cultivators or hill paddy & tapioca , supplementing their diet with blowpipe hunting and with some fishing. They live in communal longhouses usually near rivers , using the rivers as their highways.
What's not included
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No refunds for cancellation received within 24 hours' notice
Cruise Passengers take note Morning Session starts at 10.00am
Cruise Passengers take note Afternoon Session starts at 2.00pm
Important notes
• Tour Duration: 4 hours
• Pick up/drop-off hotel lobby
• Things you should bring: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, drinking water, camera
About Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a vibrant city nestled between the South China Sea and the lush mountains of Borneo. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, it's a gateway to some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, including Mount Kinabalu and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Top Attractions
Mount Kinabalu
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest peak in Southeast Asia, offering challenging climbs and breathtaking views.
Nature
2-4 days for summit climb
Climbing permit: RM300-500, Guided tours: RM1,500-3,000
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
A group of five islands known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine life.
Nature
Half-day to full day
Boat tours: RM100-200, Snorkeling gear rental: RM20-30
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
A stunning mosque with a unique architectural design, featuring a pink-domed roof and surrounded by a man-made lagoon.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Sabah State Museum
A comprehensive museum showcasing the history, culture, and natural heritage of Sabah.
Museum
2-3 hours
RM5-10
Filipino Market
A bustling market offering a variety of souvenirs, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry, bargaining expected
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hinava
A traditional Sabahan dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, ginger, and chili.
Main Dish
Gluten-free, dairy-free
Tuhau
A sweet and savory glutinous rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, often filled with palm sugar and peanuts.
Snack
Vegetarian, gluten-free
Kuih Mor
A steamed glutinous rice cake with a sweet and tangy flavor, often served with coconut milk.
Dessert
Vegetarian, gluten-free
Laksa Sabah
A spicy noodle soup with a rich, aromatic broth, typically made with seafood, chicken, or beef.
Main Dish
Contains seafood, gluten-free
Popular Activities
Mountain climbing
Caving
Whitewater rafting
Beachcombing
Spa treatments
Hot springs
Visiting museums
Attending festivals
Best Time to Visit
March to October
This is the dry season, offering sunny weather and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips.
24°C to 32°C
75°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Malay
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese dialects, Indigenous languages
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Kota Kinabalu is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, so it's essential to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport • 7 km from city center
By bus
Kota Kinabalu Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely available, but can be crowded during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Tanah Runcing
Likass
Day trips
Island Hopping in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
3-15 km from Kota Kinabalu • Half-day to full day
Explore the beautiful islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine life.
Kinabalu Park
90 km from Kota Kinabalu • Full day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of Mount Kinabalu, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and challenging trekking routes.
Poring Hot Springs
100 km from Kota Kinabalu • Full day
A relaxing retreat featuring natural hot springs, lush rainforests, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Festivals
Kota Kinabalu International Fest (KKIF) • July
Sabah Fest • May to June
Hari Raya Aidilfitri • Varies (Islamic calendar)
Pro tips
- Visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market for a taste of local culture and cuisine
- Take a boat tour to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for a day of snorkeling and island hopping
- Climb Mount Kinabalu for a challenging and rewarding adventure
- Explore the Sabah State Museum to learn about the history and culture of Sabah
- Try local dishes like Hinava, Tuhau, and Kuih Mor for an authentic taste of Sabahan cuisine
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
