Excursion Borneo traditional living tour at Kota Kinabalu

Gain an insight to the cultural diversity of Borneo's ethnic groups and their simple way of traditional living on this half-day excursion.  Discover the architectural uniqueness of each tribal house as you walk through the cultural village and complete your Borneo experience with a live presentation of music and dance.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Depart the pier for the approximately 40-minute drive to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, situated amidst a remote forest setting and away from the hustling and bustling city.

The village is a museum that preserves Borneo ethnic culture and features 5 different indigenous ethnic tribes in one village:  the rice farmers of Kadazan-Dusun, the longhouse residents of Rungus, the hunters and fishermen of Lundayeh, the cowboys and sea gypsies of Bajau, and the famously feared headhunting tribe, Murut.  Explore the various traditional homes of these Sabahan ethnic communities, which have been built by descendants of the tribes which they represent.

Capture the cultural diversity of Borneo's ethnic groups and their simple way of traditional living.  Each tribe has found way to adapt to the life in Borneo such as cooking bamboo, starting a fire without machtes, making rope from tree bark. You will have an opportunity to try local Sabah delicacies such as herbal drinks and rice wine. Discover the architectural uniqueness of each tribal house as you walk through the cultural village while enjoying the serene village environment with cultural experience.

Your visit ends with a simple demonstration of traditional dances with the famous Murut Megunatip, or bamboo dance, as the finale before you travel back to port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Mari Mari Cultural Village

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, some of which is over uneven, cobbled ground. This tour is not recommended for guests who utilise a wheelchair.  We recommend bringing protection from the sun (hat, glasses, and lotion), insect repellent, and a light raincoat, as it generally rains in the afternoon.

Infrastructure in Malaysia may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less touristic destinations. Although English is very popular language in Borneo, Malaysia, local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility and understanding.