Things to Do at Mari Mari Cultural Village

Mari Mari Cultural Village is Sabah's premier cultural attraction, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of Borneo's indigenous tribes. Located just 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city center, this award-winning cultural village showcases the rich heritage of five major ethnic groups: Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus, and Dusun. The village was established to preserve and promote the traditional customs, architecture, and way of life that have been passed down through generations. The immersive experience takes visitors through recreated traditional houses, where they can witness authentic demonstrations of age-old practices such as fire-making, bamboo cooking, and traditional handicraft production. The village serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a living museum that educates visitors about the diverse cultural tapestry of Sabah while providing employment opportunities for local communities to share their ancestral knowledge and traditions.

Mari Mari Cultural Village is located approximately 25km from Kota Kinabalu city center, about a 30-45 minute drive through scenic countryside. Most visitors join organized tours that include round-trip transportation from hotels in KK. Alternatively, you can rent a car or hire a taxi, though the village is located on rural roads that may be challenging for first-time visitors to navigate. The village provides GPS coordinates and detailed directions for self-driving visitors, and there is ample parking available on-site.