Cultural Exploration at Mari-Mari Village

Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia

Cultural Exploration at Mari-Mari Village

Active

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Malaysia’s deeply-rooted cultural heritage has long been a key reason for travellers exploring the Sabah side of Borneo. Spread across the vastness of the region, the cultural differences between the indigenous tribes and minorities, the awareness of the interesting sights and sounds of ethnicity slowly moves towards preservation. With Mari Mari Cultural Village, guests are now able to get a taste of the diversity of the Borneo side of the variety of Borneo without having to travel into all corners and directions and seeking out these interests. The set-up of this village is centralized around the values of Borneo minorities, each with their specific traditions and beliefs. With three departures each day, planned in such a way that engaged visitors will not miss some of the demonstrations of what is acclaimed to be one of the best set-ups of multi-cultural experiences.

Available options

Private Morning Tour

Morning Tour: Private Tour and Transfers in the morning, starting 09:00 am <br/>Pickup included

Private Afternoon Tour

Afternoon Tour : Private Tour and Transfers in the afternoon, starting 01:00 pm <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle

A half-day tour with an English Speaking Guide

Meals (Lunch or Hi-tea) (food only), depending on the chosen departure time

All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Guests can choose between three departures each day from their centrally-located accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. The short ride, accompanied by an English speaking guide/driver, is 25 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, towards the greener side of Borneo. The winding road into the lush side of Borneo forms a perfect introduction of what guests can expect here. The village is a collection of tribe-authenticated settings, ranging from houses and communal areas with a non-western touch.

Stop 2

Upon arrival, you are warmly greeted by the team, often natives of one of the five represented minorities. A walking tour among the settlements or Mari Mari is an accurate representation of how these tribes may have preserved in the jungle – it is a step in time and showing visitors a true experience.

Traditions are transferred from generation to generation, documented in Mari Mari not to get lost in times of modern development. It is a hands-on experience that suits the whole family, including making traditional instruments for the haunt, using nothing but natural sources to start a fire, the art of tattooing and the symbolism that comes with its designs and patterns and more. Including during this 4-hour journey through Sabah, a snack/light meal is included, depending on the time of your choosing. The transfer back at the end of the tour will be moving along the same path, only adding richness in knowledge and appreciation of what Sabah has to offer to each of you.

What's not included

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated

Surcharge 15USD/Pax/Way for Private transfers outside from the general pick-up/drop-off locations

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside central Kota Kinabalu. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation, such as Rasa Ria / Nexus / Beringgis, cruise ports and Kota Kinabalu’s International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.

We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.

Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.

We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Due to the absence of ATM machines and credit cards payment portals, particularly on islands and inside nature reserves, we highly recommend to bring sufficient cash with you.

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

Important notes

Our office hours are from 08:30 hrs. until 18:00 hrs. from Monday to Friday

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

· Travelers will be required to have mobile data connectivity and registered with contract tracing application (PDPA compliance) in destination.

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