
Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu worth booking?
Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu is a 4-hour experience in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from $90 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $90 per person
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.
What you get
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.
What's included
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
Not included
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Mari Mari Cultural Village
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.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Sabah
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.
20 minutes here
Sabah
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.
20 minutes here
Sabah
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.
20 minutes here
Sabah
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.
20 minutes here
Sabah
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.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
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 Pickup included
K.K Intl Cruise Terminal
International Cruise Terminal : International Cruise Terminal Kota Kinabalu Pickup & Dropoff 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. 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. Pickup included
City Center Pickup 13:00 pm
Kota KInabalu Hotels: Pickup & Drop off from Kota Kinabalu City Hotel Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Magunatip Holidays Sdn Bhd
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Mari Mari for the WIN
Mari Mari village was so interesting and well organized- food and drink samples along the way, excellent cultural performance followed by a delicious lunch. Incredible history of the region- highly recommend
Response from the operator: Dear Ms Jennifer , Good Day Thank you for a good review. We are glad you have enjoyed this half day tour of Mari-Mari Cultural Village. Please visit Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching , on your next trip to Borneo. Thank you, Edwin
via Viator
Interactive and memorable!
Wonderful experience from the fun and friendly driver to the Mari Mari park itself. We could not stay for the entire experience due to our short port time, and when our driver explained our situation to the park staff, they kindly set up our small group of 4 with our own tour guide so we could go see all the tribal houses at a quicker pace. We were sad to miss the cultural dancing but were so grateful for how accommodating the staff was to our predicament. Our guide was funny, friendly and knowledgeable! We really lucked out. The tour was very interactive, and we even got to sample foods and drinks in the houses. Our awesome driver Joe got us back to the cruise port at a comfortable time and had us laughing the whole way! Would highly recommend this experience if you have any interest at all in the cultural tribes of Borneo.
Response from the operator: Dear Sir , Madam Good Day Thank you for a good review. I will pass on your message to Joe. Please visit us again on your next trip to Borneo. please try to visit Sarawak Cultural Village on your next trip to Sarawak. We look forward to serve you again.
via Viator
Very enjoyable visit and we went away understanding the different ethnic groups and cultures
The guide was fantastic. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very articulated. He made the visit so enjoyable and it was wonderful to see all the staff enjoying what they are doing. Certainly recommend this and special mention to Papoi ( not sure if I got it correctly but we joked that his name is similar to Popeye) We know that he is half Bajau.
Response from the operator: Dear Sir / Madam, Good Day We are happy you have enjoyed the tour , a little presentation of Borneo's rich culture. Tour Guide certainly remembers you , we look forward to serve you again on your next trip. Please visit Sandakan's Kinabatangan River Cruise on your next visit to Borneo. Thank you MH Team
via Tripadvisor
A must do in Kota Kinabalu
Highly recommend this tour - transfers to/from our hotel in Kota Kinabalu were on time in a clean and comfortable vehicle. Upon arrival organised into groups with a local guide (descendent from one of the indigenous tribes) to learn more about the 5 tribes of Sabah. Throughout the tour learnt about the long houses, making clothes, food, rice wine, starting a fire (without matches). The most fun was the trampoline in the long house and meeting a chief (descendent of a headhunter). Entertainment with local music and dance. Prior to leaving a cooked lunch (for those on the morning tour). Highly recommended for all visitors no matter the age.
Response from the operator: Dear Madam /Sir, Good Day We are glad & happy you have enjoyed the tour. Having a happy guest experiencing the best of Sabah's Culture. We look forward to serve you again on your next trip with Magunatip Holidays. Edwin #Magunatip Holidays
via Tripadvisor
Must do in Kota Kinabalu
Such a well organised tour from transfers to/from our hotel in Kota Kinbabalu to the whole experience at Mari Mari Cultural Village a living cultural experience - an exceptional day and highly recommended to all travellers. Learning about the 5 indigenous tribes in Sabah as well as meeting a Chief and learning the old ways including headhunting, the most fun was the internal trampoline in the long house! Cultural music and dancing was one of the highlights. Special thanks to our wonderful guide and all those that prepared our wonderful cooked lunch.
Response from the operator: Dear Ms Amanda Good Day Guide Sam and from all of us at Magunatip Holidays extends our sincere thank you for a good review. We are very happy to have organize for you the tour. Thank you for visiting Mari Mari Cultural Village. We look forward to serve you again on your next trip with Magunatip Holidays Edwin #Magunatip Holidays
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $90 to $170
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Magunatip Holidays Sdn Bhd, who run 34 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.8.
See everything Magunatip Holidays Sdn Bhd runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kota Kinabalu.
How much does Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu cost?
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Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kota Kinabalu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kota Kinabalu is not rushed.
Is Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kota Kinabalu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kota Kinabalu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kota Kinabalu and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kota Kinabalu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu?
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On Outty we rank every Kota Kinabalu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Learn to Dive | RAID Open Water 18 Diver Course | Kota Kinabalu. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kota Kinabalu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu?
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Included: Hi Tea for 1 pm session; Driver/guide; Transport by air-conditioned minivan 6 pax & above; Buffet lunch for 9 am session; and Transport by Innova 5 pax & below. Not included: Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Kota Kinabalu. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kota Kinabalu. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including City Center Pickup 9:00am, K.K Intl Cruise Terminal, Outskirt Hotel Pickup 9:00am, Outskirt Hotel Pickup 1:00pm. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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