Enjoy the Mari Mari Cultural Village on a fully interactive tour, with the chance to try everything from shooting blowpipes to a traditional trampoline. Houses and games provide a great introduction to Borneo’s rich culture. Learn about five different ethnic groups from Sabah state: the Murut, once known for headhunting; the Bajau, ocean dwellers known as sea gypsies; the Rungus, who live in traditional longhouses; the Lundayeh, who farm, hunt, and fish; and the rice-farming Kadazan. Morning tours include lunch, afternoon tours offer high tea, and evening tours finish with dinner.
The Mari Mari Cultural Village sits in the jungle, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) east of downtown Kota Kinabalu. There’s no public transport so most travelers book a tour that includes private or shared transfers.
Mari Mari Cultural Village tours run three times a day: in the morning, afternoon, and evening. There’s no way of visiting outside the set tour times.
Kota Kinabalu makes a great base for learning more about traditional indigenous cultures. The Sabah Museum has a heritage village with replicas of traditional homes; the Monsopiad Cultural Village is dedicated to headhunting with a gory house of skulls; and Mengkabong Water Village is a traditional Bajau settlement. It’s also possible to visit or stay in traditionally built Rungus longhouses.
