Kota Kinabalu: Mari-Mari Cultural Village Day Tour

The Mari-Mari Cultural Village in Kota Kinabalu offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Sabah. This day tour promises an engaging experience, allowing visitors to explore traditional dwellings, savor local delicacies, and witness captivating dance performances. With guided insights and the chance to observe skilled artisans, the tour provides a glimpse into the diverse customs and traditions that have shaped the region. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable cultural adventure, this tour promises to…

Key Points

• The tour offers a 7-hour experience that includes a 45-minute car ride to Mari-Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu.
• Visitors can explore the cultural dwellings of various Sabahan tribes, taste local snacks, and watch traditional dances during the 3-hour guided tour.
• The tour includes a visit to an arts and crafts market, a nature walk to discover indigenous plants, and a scenic stop at Kokol Hill.
• Lunch or high tea featuring local cuisine, cultural performances, and hotel pick-up and drop-off services are included in the tour price of $114.94 per person.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old, and comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for the uneven terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Kota Kinabalu: Mari-Mari Cultural Village Day Tour offers a comprehensive cultural experience, with a price range of $114.94 per person.

The Kota Kinabalu: Mari-Mari Cultural Village Day Tour offers a comprehensive cultural experience, with a price range of $114.94 per person.

The 7-hour tour includes hotel pickup in Kota Kinabalu and a 45-minute car ride to the Mari-Mari Cultural Village. Visitors can explore cultural dwellings, taste local snacks, visit an arts and crafts market, and watch traditional dances.

The tour is conducted in English and Malay and is wheelchair accessible. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include cultural performances, crafts demonstrations, and scenic views from Kokol Hill.

Itinerary

After being picked up from their hotel in Kota Kinabalu, guests embark on a 45-minute car ride to the Mari-Mari Cultural Village.

Upon arrival, they’ll enjoy a 3-hour guided tour, seeing the cultural dwellings of various Sabahan tribes.

The experience includes:

1. Tasting local snacks and traditional foods.

2. Visiting an arts and crafts market to observe artisans creating unique handicrafts.

3. Witnessing captivating traditional dance performances showcasing the region’s ethnic diversity.

Finally, guests are transported back to their hotel in Kota Kinabalu, completing the cultural day tour.

Highlights

Guests can explore the cultural dwellings of various Sabahan tribes, seeing the region’s ethnic diversity.

They’ll witness captivating traditional dances that showcase the vibrant customs and artistry of the local communities.

Visitors can also observe skilled artisans crafting unique handmade products, learning about the traditional techniques passed down through generations.

On a nature walk, guests will discover indigenous plants used for medicinal and daily purposes.

The tour also includes a scenic stop at Kokol Hill, offering breathtaking views perfect for witnessing picturesque sunrises and sunsets.

Inclusions

The tour includes a lunch or high tea, providing guests with a chance to sample local cuisine. The inclusions go beyond just the meal – guests will also enjoy the services of a Malay-English speaking guide to lead them through the cultural village.

Plus, the tour package covers:

1. Entrance fees to the Mari-Mari Cultural Village.

2. Captivating cultural performances showcasing the diversity of Sabah’s indigenous tribes.

3. Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off service, making the experience seamless.

These inclusions ensure a comprehensive culture for tour participants.

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Important Information

Visitors should bring a camera to capture the vibrant cultural experiences throughout the tour. It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as some activities involve walking on uneven terrain. Respect for tribal customs is essential during cultural performances. Guests over 95 years old may find the tour physically demanding.

| Item | Guideline |

| — | — |

| What to Bring | Camera, cash |

| Respect | Follow guides’ instructions, respect tribal customs |

| Not Suitable For | Individuals over 95 years old |

| Photography | Allowed during tour |

Customer Reviews

Based on the 3 reviews, the tour receives an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Guests had mixed experiences regarding the tour’s duration and pricing:

1. "Great culture, but felt rushed towards the end."

2. "Excellent value for money – learned a lot about Sabahan tribes."

3. "Wished we’d more time to explore the crafts market and try more local snacks."

Despite the minor issues, the Mari-Mari Cultural Village tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Sabah’s indigenous heritage through engaging activities and knowledgeable guides.

Most reviewers recommend this tour for its cultural authenticity and scenic environment.

Exploring Cultural Dwellings

Guests embark on a captivating journey through the cultural dwellings at the Mari-Mari Cultural Village. Here, they explore the traditional homes of five distinct indigenous tribes of Sabah. The experience offers a unique window into the architectural styles, cultural practices, and living routines of each ethnic group.

| Ethnic Group | Dwelling Features |

|————–|——————-|

| Dusun | Bamboo longhouse |

| Rungus | Thatched-roof cottage |

| Lundayeh | Raised wooden house |

| Murut | Palm-leaf thatched roof |

| Lun Bawang | Unique woven bamboo walls |

The guided tour allows visitors to witness artisans crafting traditional tools and observe captivating cultural performances, immersing them in the vibrant heritage of Sabah.

Experiencing Cultural Performances

As visitors tour the cultural dwellings, they’ll be captivated by the vibrant traditional dances performed by the indigenous people.

The performance showcases the ethnic diversity of Sabah, with dances that include:

1. The Sumazau dance, a graceful and mesmerizing performance by the Kadazan people.

2. The Murut war dance, a high-energy display of agility and warrior prowess.

3. The Rungus bamboo dance, a rhythmic and intricate performance that highlights the communities’ connection to nature.

These cultural performances not only entertain but also educate visitors about the rich heritage of the Mari-Mari Cultural Village.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Tribal Dwellings Can I Expect to See?

The visitor can expect to see traditional dwellings of various Sabahan tribes, including longhouses, bamboo huts, and wooden stilt houses. These structures showcase the diverse architectural styles and cultural practices of the indigenous communities in the region.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the cultural village tour, but they’re advised to follow the guide’s instructions and respect tribal customs. Photography may be restricted during certain cultural performances out of respect for the performers.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated for the Included Meal?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate dietary requirements for the included meal. Guests should notify the company of any dietary needs when booking to ensure the appropriate arrangements are made.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request an extended tour for an additional fee, allowing more time to explore the cultural village and engage in additional activities. The length of the extension can be customized based on individual preferences.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Shopping at the Arts & Crafts Market?

The tour includes a visit to the arts & crafts market, though the exact duration isn’t specified. Visitors can expect to spend some time browsing and shopping for traditional handicrafts during this part of the cultural experience.

The Sum Up

The Kota Kinabalu: Mari-Mari Cultural Village Day Tour offers an immersive experience into Sabah’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore traditional dwellings, savor local snacks, and witness captivating dance performances. With guided insights and opportunities to observe skilled artisans, this tour promises a memorable day, complemented by convenient transportation services. It’s an excellent way to dive into the diverse cultural tapestry of this region.

You can check availability for your dates here: