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Unforgettable Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour

Unforgettable Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour | Book Now

34 Reviews

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Half-Day Tours, Food Tours, Cultural Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Family Tours, Group Tours, Adventure Tours, Historical Tours

Unforgettable Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour

Duration

4 hours

Product Code: 365TG0061

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey into the cultural heart of Borneo with the Unforgettable Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour. Located just outside Kota Kinabalu, this 4-hour half-day cultural village tour offers travelers a rare opportunity to witness the indigenous traditions of Sabah, Malaysia. Whether you're searching for family-friendly tours in Borneo or wondering what to do in Kota Kinabalu for half a day, this immersive tour is the perfect cultural escape.

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup, taking you through the scenic countryside of Sabah towards the renowned Mari-Mari Cultural Village. Along the way, you’ll get a glimpse of the lush tropical landscapes that surround Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by friendly local hosts and introduced to five of Borneo’s indigenous tribes: the Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh.

Explore tribal houses, walk across the famous suspension bridge Mari Mari is known for, and participate in traditional activities like fire-making demonstrations, hands-on tribal crafts, and traditional dance and music Sabah performances. You'll enjoy a guided indigenous tribe tour Sabah-style, complete with an authentic Bornean lunch made with local ingredients. Perfect for those interested in Malaysia cultural heritage sites, this tour also includes an interactive cultural experience with live rituals, games, and photo opportunities.

The Unforgettable Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour ends with a heartfelt farewell and convenient return to your hotel, leaving you with lasting memories of Borneo’s vibrant ethnic culture.

Tour Highlights:

Hotel pickup and drop-off included from Kota Kinabalu
Explore traditional homes of Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh tribes
Walk the iconic Mari Mari suspension bridge
Live cultural performance tour featuring dance, music, and rituals
Interactive hands-on tribal activities like weaving and fire-making
Taste a traditional Bornean lunch prepared by villagers
Learn about indigenous crafts and rituals in Sabah
Family-friendly and perfect for Sabah day tours
Knowledgeable guided tours to Mari Mari Village
Ideal for those seeking cultural activities in Sabah

Tour Amenities

The sightseeing will proceed according to the itinerary.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking.

We offer 24/7 global customer support.

This is a private tour for you and your group only.

Included

Pick-up from your Kota Kinabalu Hotel.

Transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle for your comfort.

The English-speaking tour guide during the sightseeing tour.

Drop-off at your Kota Kinabalu Hotel.

Excluded

Personal expenses are not included.

Tour Plan

Pickup from Hotel

Your cultural adventure begins with a smooth and convenient pickup from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu, available at either 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM. As you settle into the comfortable transport, enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive through Sabah’s lush countryside. Rolling green hills, local villages, and glimpses of traditional longhouses introduce you to the untouched beauty of Malaysian Borneo. This peaceful journey sets the tone for a meaningful half-day cultural village tour just outside the city.

Arrival at Mari-Mari Cultural Village

Upon arrival at the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, located in a quiet forested enclave near Kota Kinabalu, you’ll be welcomed by friendly village hosts dressed in traditional attire. The immersive cultural experience begins immediately as you step into a living museum that brings Borneo tribal village life to vivid reality. After a warm greeting, your local guide will offer an introduction to the tour, explain safety guidelines, and give a brief overview of the tribes you'll meet during your visit.

Suspension Bridge Experience

Before entering the main village grounds, you’ll cross the iconic suspension bridge Mari Mari is known for. Suspended above a gentle stream and surrounded by tropical greenery, this bridge is not only a scenic highlight but also symbolically marks your entry into a different world — one that’s rooted in the heritage and traditions of Sabah’s indigenous people.

Tribal Home Visits and Cultural Demonstrations

You’ll then be guided through authentic tribal houses representing five major ethnic groups in Sabah: the Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh. Each home is constructed using traditional methods and materials specific to that tribe’s region. Inside the Dusun house, witness how rice wine is brewed and how meals are prepared using bamboo. At the Rungus home, discover the intricate beadwork and tribal jewelry that plays a central role in their identity. The Murut home introduces you to blowpipe hunting techniques and ancient tattoo traditions, while the Bajau house showcases the colorful seafaring culture of Sabah’s “cowboys of the sea.” Lastly, the Lundayeh house reveals the secrets of salt production and farming tools used by this highland community. These hands-on stops are not just visual—they are interactive and educational, making this one of the most engaging cultural tours in Kota Kinabalu.

Interactive Cultural Activities

The experience continues with a series of hands-on tribal activities that let you connect more deeply with the lifestyle of Borneo’s indigenous people. Try your hand at traditional weaving techniques or test your skills in making fire the ancient way using bamboo and friction. You’ll also participate in simple yet meaningful indigenous crafts and rituals that have been passed down for generations. Visitors can even join in local games that once served as key social bonding moments in village life. These engaging moments make this tour one of the most authentic and family-friendly tours in Borneo.

Live Traditional Dance and Music Performance

As your tour progresses, gather around the central cultural stage for a vibrant live cultural performance tour. Talented villagers perform ethnic music and traditional dance and music Sabah communities have preserved for centuries. From warrior dances to rhythmic drum performances, this part of the tour is a sensory journey into the spiritual and celebratory aspects of tribal life. This cultural village near Kota Kinabalu truly comes alive through sound, movement, and expression.

Traditional Bornean Lunch

After working up an appetite, it’s time to enjoy a traditional Bornean lunch. Prepared by local villagers using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, this meal offers a genuine local food experience Sabah is proud of. Expect to savor dishes wrapped in banana leaves, fresh herbs, root vegetables, and grilled meats or seafood that reflect the rich culinary diversity of Borneo. This hearty and flavorful meal is included in the tour, making it one of the most fulfilling Kota Kinabalu tours with lunch included.

Farewell Ceremony and Return Transfer

The final moments of the tour are marked by a heartfelt farewell ceremony. As a token of appreciation, you may receive a small handmade gift or have the chance to take memorable photos with the villagers. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. After saying your goodbyes, you’ll be transported back to your hotel, bringing an end to your immersive indigenous tribe tour Sabah offers with pride. The return journey offers a quiet moment to reflect on what many describe as the best tribal village experience in Malaysia — an unforgettable chapter in your Sabah cultural tour.

Why Choose Our Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour?

Operated by Mam Holidays, a trusted name in Sabah cultural tours
Small group join-in tour format for a more intimate experience
Pickup and drop-off included tours for hassle-free planning
Perfect for families, solo travelers, and cultural enthusiasts
Experience the best tribal village experience in Malaysia
Guides fluent in English and rich in cultural knowledge
Availability for half-day cultural tour—ideal for tight schedules
Authentic Mari Mari tour pickup from hotel with professional drivers
Book Mari-Mari tour online easily with real-time availability
Affordable Sabah cultural tour prices with lunch included

Book Your Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour Today!

Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in one of the most enriching cultural activities in Sabah. Whether you're interested in a deep dive into Borneo’s indigenous heritage or simply looking for memorable things to do in Kota Kinabalu, this half-day tour offers it all. With convenient hotel transfers, expert local guides, and hands-on experiences, our Mari Mari Village tour Sabah ensures unforgettable memories. Book now to secure your spot on the best cultural tour in Sabah—perfect for families, solo adventurers, or anyone wanting to connect with the ethnic culture in Borneo.

Starting $50 per person

* Price varies by group size

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Tickets:

(Adults 4-99 Years)

Price:

( Children under 4 years old and 1.2m in height can join with a parent for free. )

Free cancellation up to 3 days in advance. 5% processing fee is non-refundable.

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Reviews (34)

Verified Reviews You Can Trust

Wangerooge

Source Viator

Very clear museum presentation

I went there by grave taxi alone and learned that the guided group tours only start 2 hours later. It is a living museum at every house there are, stands where traditional crafts, culinary arts and dances are performed. Especially the drinks and small food on the way were particularly interesting. You could walk through several longhouses. The steps of notched logs are not easy to take. You were accompanied by one person as a group, and everything was explained very well. There were also ways to do something yourself, such as operate a blowpipe and reach a shooting target or create sounds on the aisle. It was really experience and a lot of experience..

Written April 15, 2025

DanRutherford

Source Viator

Very good tour.

Very good tour. Guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. Taxi pick up was prompt and kept me up to date on WhatsApp.

Written April 2, 2025

Craig_B

Source Viator

It is not a private tourit is it fake and wrong

IT IS NOT A PRIVATE TOUR you will be with 12 other people and wait and wait for everyone to be ready . The tour company doesn t answer to you before during or after the tour. The village is cute ! Don t expect Viator to refund because they don t care so go to other companies..

Written March 4, 2025

Md Firdaus

Source Trip Advisor

Wonderful smooth tour by Clare 👍🏼

I went with both my parents, and it was a very enjoyable experience! I visited 5 years ago, and there have been improvements from the reception area, to the increased number of staff and guides, and lunch provided as compared to last time 👍🏼 We got Clare as our guide, and she was very patient and kind despite certain people in the group that were a tad more mischievious throughout the tour. The tour was smooth, the post-tour performance was entertaining, and the lunch was delicious. All in all, I'm glad that MMCV has improved over the years and gave my parents as wonderful an experience as last time I went 😁👍🏼👍🏼 Would recommend everyone to visit atleast once if they are in Sabah!.

Written December 27, 2024

Jennifer_G

Source Viator

Fun way to learn more about Malaysian Culture

Excellent guide Mac. Well worth the trip and money. Included ride to and from hotel. And a meal with lots of options.

Written October 25, 2024

Hege

Source Viator

Good learning experience

I am not going to fault anything here, it was an amazing experience. The guides were amazing ( our guide was Aril) and we felt really good taken care of. They are all knowledgeable and really want people to learn about the culture and the tribes of Borneo. The traffic can be horrible, it can rain, changes can happen to your trip, but none of this matters as long as the experience is great, and it really was 🙂 Thank you so much 🙂.

Written October 21, 2024

Firdaus_N

Source Viator

No value add

The tour itself was excellent. 5 stars to the experience, and our guide Zul was engaging. The transport there left much to be desired and was overpriced after i calculated how much the ticket price cost us. The driver was late in picking us up, saying he had to go to the carwash, and the main coordinator said no rush when we contacted him. There is no value add for this package - only overpriced private transfer and the driver going over to register for you at the venue. Book this only if its last minute and you cannot get your own transport.

Written October 9, 2024

Emma C

Source Trip Advisor

The best thing to do from Kota Kinabalu

We totally loved our afternoon here. Our guide was super friendly and explained everything very well. The tour is well thought through and we were not expecting to have food and drink little tasters throughout. We didnt really know what to expect and were impressed..

Written October 9, 2024

Michael_B

Source Viator

Amazing experience

A wonderful time and great experience for our family. Zul was our guide and was not only informative but so funny as well. Highly recommend!!!.

Written October 3, 2024

John_H

Source Viator

Great day discovering cultural history

Very informative about the history of the tribes, their housing and their food and drink. Lead by a very informative guide.

Written September 24, 2024

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