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Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour - Experience Borneo's Timeless Heritage and Culture

1 Reviews

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Cultural Tours, Historical Tours, Food Tours, Half-Day Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Private Tours

Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour - Experience Borneo's Timeless Heritage and Culture

Duration

4 hours

Overview

Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour - Experience Borneo's Timeless Heritage and Culture is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover Borneo's indigenous tribes and their rich traditions. The tour provides an immersive experience into the timeless culture of Borneo's Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh ethnic groups. As you explore the Mari-Mari village, you’ll learn about their traditional houses, cultural practices, food, and rituals that have been passed down for generations. Experience cultural demonstrations like fire-starting and weaving, and participate in hands-on activities that bring you closer to the indigenous way of life. Additionally, savor Bornean cuisine prepared using traditional methods, making the experience even more authentic. The Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour - Experience Borneo's Timeless Heritage and Culture allows you to explore the heart of Borneo, deepening your connection to its indigenous cultures and traditions. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Borneo’s incredible heritage.

Tour Highlights:

Cultural Immersion: Dive deep into the customs and traditions of Borneo's indigenous tribes.
Explore Traditional Borneo Homes: Visit authentic houses of the Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh.
Traditional Borneo Dance and Music: Experience live performances showcasing Borneo’s tribal music and dances.
Authentic Borneo Cuisine: Enjoy traditional meals prepared by local villagers, offering a true taste of Borneo.
Cultural Workshops and Demonstrations: Learn ancient skills such as weaving, fire-starting, and crafting.
Hands-On Activities: Engage with Bornean games and crafts for an authentic cultural experience.
Suspension Bridge Adventure: Cross the village's iconic suspension bridge for a stunning view of the surrounding nature.

Tour Amenities

Any amendments can be made up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

The sightseeing will proceed according to the itinerary.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking.

Get a full refund if cancel the booking 72 hours before it begins.

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.

The English-speaking tour guide during the sightseeing tour.

Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable tour.

Drop-off at your Kota Kinabalu hotel.

Excluded

Personal expenses are not included.

Optional activities not included.

Gratuities for the guide and driver are not included and are at your discretion.

Tour Plan

9:00 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel

Your unforgettable Borneo adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. Your experienced guide will greet you warmly and provide a brief overview of the day’s cultural journey. The scenic drive to Mari-Mari Cultural Village offers a chance to enjoy the beautiful Bornean countryside as you head toward this unique cultural destination.

9:45 AM – Arrival at Mari-Mari Cultural Village

Arriving at the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, you’ll be warmly greeted by the villagers. A short briefing will be given to ensure you understand the village rules and how to respectfully engage with the local culture. The atmosphere here is a step back in time, where you’ll be introduced to Borneo’s indigenous cultures. Prepare for an exciting journey through time as you begin your exploration of the village, beginning with a traditional Welcome Ceremony hosted by the village chief.

10:15 AM – Crossing the Iconic Suspension Bridge

Next, you’ll walk across the famous suspension bridge, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding lush rainforest. As you cross the bridge, your guide will introduce you to the various ethnic groups represented in the village, including the Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh. Learn about the history and significance of the village structure, which brings these diverse groups together to showcase their unique cultures.

10:30 AM – Explore the Traditional Borneo Villages

Once you reach the heart of Mari-Mari, you’ll begin your journey through the recreated traditional homes of the five ethnic groups. Explore the traditional Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh houses, each designed with unique architectural features that reflect the different lifestyles and beliefs of these indigenous groups. As you enter each house, your guide will explain the purpose and design of the homes, the materials used in construction, and how each tribe has adapted to their surroundings. You’ll learn about traditional rituals, customs, and beliefs that are at the core of Bornean life.

10:50 AM – Live Cultural Demonstrations and Traditional Crafts

Prepare to witness fascinating live cultural demonstrations that will showcase some of the traditional skills that have been passed down through generations. Watch as the villagers demonstrate ancient fire-starting techniques, which are still practiced today, and learn about traditional cooking methods using local ingredients. You will also see intricate weaving, crafting, and other cultural practices. The demonstration includes traditional dances and music performances, giving you a taste of Borneo's vibrant culture through song, dance, and colorful attire.

11:30 AM – Interactive Cultural Activities

At this point, it’s time for a more hands-on cultural experience. Engage in fun and educational activities, such as traditional Borneo games and craft-making workshops. You’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at weaving, making traditional crafts, or even attempting some simple cooking techniques used by the indigenous people of Borneo. These activities provide a deeper insight into the day-to-day lives of the tribes and allow you to connect with the culture on a personal level.

12:00 PM – Traditional Bornean Lunch

After all the activities and cultural exploration, it’s time for a well-deserved break with a delicious traditional Borneo lunch. The meal will be served in the heart of the village, allowing you to experience the authentic flavors of Bornean cuisine. Prepared by local villagers using traditional cooking methods, the meal features dishes that have been staples of indigenous life for generations. Enjoy your lunch as you soak in the atmosphere of the village, surrounded by the natural beauty of Borneo.

12:30 PM – Farewell Ceremony and Gift Giving

Before you leave, participate in a farewell ceremony with the villagers. This heartfelt moment allows you to express your gratitude for the hospitality and share the joy of the experience. The villagers will present you with a small token of appreciation, which will serve as a beautiful reminder of your time spent in the Mari-Mari Cultural Village. Take this moment to snap some photos to capture the memories of your incredible cultural journey.

1:00 PM – Departure and Transfer Back to Hotel

After your immersion into the heart of Borneo’s rich heritage, your guide will escort you back to the vehicle for your return journey to Kota Kinabalu. On the way back, reflect on the deep cultural connections you’ve made and the memories you’ve gathered from this incredible experience. Your guide will ensure a comfortable return to your hotel, concluding your day-long adventure into Borneo's timeless traditions.

Why Choose Our Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour - Experience Borneo's Timeless Heritage and Culture?

Our Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour offers an authentic and unforgettable experience of Borneo’s indigenous cultures. Unlike other tours, this immersive journey allows you to truly connect with the local tribes, explore their unique homes, and learn about their traditions. The guided tour provides in-depth knowledge of the diverse cultures that have shaped Borneo for centuries. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or with family and friends, this tour offers something for everyone. From live cultural demonstrations to interactive activities and delicious local food, this tour is the ultimate Borneo cultural adventure.

Book Your Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour - Experience Borneo's Timeless Heritage and Culture Today!

Ready to step back in time and explore the rich cultural heritage of Borneo? Book your Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour now and experience the fascinating traditions and customs of the island’s indigenous tribes. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of Borneo’s heritage!

Starting $45 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.

Reviews (1)

Every review is authentic. The review link will be emailed to you once your tour is complete.

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 😁👍🏼👍🏼.

Written December 27, 2024