Nestled deep in the countryside, away from the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu, lies MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE—a living museum dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Borneo’s indigenous tribes. Located in Inanam, about 25 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, this unique destination offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time to witness and engage with the traditional lifestyles of Sabah ethnic groups before modern advancements.
MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE is more than just an attraction; it is a gateway to the past. The village showcases five distinct ethnic tribes, each with its own fascinating history and customs.
The Kadazan-Dusun people are skilled rice farmers who cultivated the land to sustain their community. The Rungus are known for their impressive longhouses and intricate beadwork. The Lundayeh were hunters and fishermen who thrived in Borneo’s rivers and forests. The Bajau, often called the sea gypsies, are celebrated for their seafaring skills, while the Murut were once feared as headhunters, renowned for their warrior traditions.
Visitors to MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE don’t just watch from the sidelines—they become part of the experience. The tour offers hands-on activities that allow guests to engage with the customs and traditions of Borneo’s indigenous tribes.
From learning traditional cooking methods like bamboo cooking to tasting authentic local desserts, every moment is an opportunity to connect with the past. Guests can also try using a blowpipe, an ancient hunting tool, and discover the traditional way of making fire without modern tools. Henna tattoo art, a beautiful form of body decoration, adds another layer to the immersive experience.
To complete the journey, captivating cultural performances bring history to life through mesmerizing traditional dances passed down for generations. Beyond these interactive activities, MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE offers deeper cultural demonstrations that provide insight into the daily lives of Borneo’s indigenous people.
Visitors can witness the intricate process of making rice wine, an essential part of Kadazan-Dusun celebrations, and observe how traditional fire-making techniques were used for survival and daily living.
MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE is dedicated to preserving the traditions, culture, and history of Borneo’s indigenous communities. By sharing these customs with visitors, the village keeps their rich heritage alive, ensuring that these time-honored practices are not only remembered but celebrated and passed down to future generations.
For travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience, MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE offers a rare opportunity to step back in time, embrace the culture, and gain a deeper appreciation for Borneo’s diverse and vibrant heritage.
📅 Planning Your Cultural Escape
If you’re ready to step back in time and reconnect with Sabah’s rich heritage, Mari Mari Cultural Village is ready to welcome you.
📍 Location: Kionsom, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
📞 Contact: +6013 881 4921 (Reservation Team)
🌐 Website: https://marimariculturalvillage.my/
Whether it’s for a cultural day trip, a unique travel experience, or a chance to explore the traditions of Sabah’s ethnic tribes, this immersive village promises an experience you’ll never forget — and will want to share again and again.
