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Malaysia/Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu, couple trip

Mari Mari Cultural Village (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Mari Mari Cultural Village?

86%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 86% Couple-Friendly: Pairs share interactive demos, bamboo dance and rice-wine tasting, then relax over buffet; the setting is lively and photogenic, but tours run with bigger parties so private moments are fewer.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 3,659 reviews)

Positives:

  • Immersive cultural insight: Explore five tribal homes with a guide who explains local traditions.
  • Hands-on activities: All demos and dance sessions are included in the ticket price.
  • Intimate small-group setting: Limited group sizes ensure personal attention from guides.

Challenges:

  • Uneven pathways: Wear sturdy, closed shoes for low doorways and rough village paths.
  • Outdoor exposure: Bring sun protection or a raincoat since most areas are open-air.
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🏖️ Explore Mari Mari Cultural Village with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Mari Mari Cultural Village. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Mari Mari Cultural Village?

  • A living cultural village showcasing the traditional architecture and customs of Sabah’s five indigenous tribes
  • Authentically reconstructed longhouses and stilt dwellings set within a tropical rainforest clearing
  • A heritage center presenting demonstrations of age-old crafts, rituals and culinary practices

What is so special about Mari Mari Cultural Village for couple trip?

  1. Guided tour of five distinct tribal houses
  2. Hands-on demos: blowpipe, fire-making, bamboo dance
  3. Taste local rice wine and Sabahan dishes together
  4. Join lively tribal dances with an interactive atmosphere

Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours

Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: This half-day tour covers all key demos and performances without rushing.

(View Mari Mari Cultural Village on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Mari Mari Cultural Village

Guided traditional house tour:

Walk through five ethnic homes to see daily life and rituals.

Tip: Listen for stories about Kadazan-Dusun and Murut customs.

Murut blowpipe shooting:

Try firing a blowpipe under a staff member’s guidance.

Tip: Stand steadily and aim for the marked bullseye for best results.

Bamboo fire-making:

Learn ancient techniques to strike sparks and build a flame.

Tip: Follow the guide’s hand motions to master the quick spark.

Rice-wine tasting:

Sample a small cup of locally brewed rice wine.

Tip: Sip slowly to enjoy the subtle flavors and ask about its ingredients.

Magunatip bamboo dance:

Jump between moving bamboo poles in a traditional dance game.

Tip: Watch once, then time your jumps with your partner for fun.

Live cultural performances:

Watch vibrant tribal dances and join in if you wish.

Tip: Stand near the front to catch dancers’ movements and costumes.

Sabahan buffet lunch:

Eat local dishes in an open-air setting under trees.

Tip: Arrive early at the lunch area to grab shaded seating.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mari Mari Cultural Village

  1. Book the 10 AM slot: Start early to avoid crowds and cooler morning temperatures.
  2. Reserve photo session first: Secure your preferred costume photoshoot slot by booking at arrival.
  3. Head to lunch quickly: Beat the crowd and get shaded seating by lining up early.
🏖️ Tour Mari Mari Cultural Village like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Mari Mari Cultural Village. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Mari Mari Cultural Village

Powered by Google
Kathrine Finn

Kathrine Finn

Oct 2025

I don’t normally do these kind of touristy things but it had been recommended by many people and I had a free afternoon. It was so very well organised. From the very start when I was collected by friendly and chatty Arshad in their minivan to meeting our guide, the charismatic and funny Ven Allen, the whole experience was an excellent experience. They even catered a late lunch and accommodated my ...

Weilong Tan

Weilong Tan

Oct 2025

Visited Mari Mari Cultural Village and it was such a fantastic experience! We got to learn about the five different houses and see how they used to live, from starting fire and making food out of coconuts to honey harvesting and making fibres from tree bark. Everything was so interesting and well explained. We also got to try two types of rice wine and some snacks during the session, which was a ...

Krishnadev K G

Krishnadev K G

Oct 2025

Me and My friends visited Mari Mari Cultural Village , and we had an absolutely amazing time! It was so much more than a museum. Every single part of the tour was interactive and engaging, from learning to use a blowpipe (harder than it looks!) to seeing fire made with bamboo and tasting the traditional rice wine. ​A special shout-out to our guide, Clare! She was super energetic and friendly, and ...

Alexis Jackson

Alexis Jackson

Aug 2025

Took my family & friends to get educated on my family's tribe(s)! They enjoyed it and I love watching the immerse into the culture. Tour guides we're very informative & welcomed any questions. Afif did great!

Endra Mirza

Endra Mirza

Jun 2025

We had a truly wonderful experience at Mari Mari Cultural Village in Sabah! It was both educational and immersive, offering us a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures and rich history of the indigenous tribes of Borneo. Every station was well thought out and gave us a deeper appreciation of the traditional lifestyles, customs, and crafts. A special shoutout to our guide, Nisa, who made th...

When is the best time to visit Mari Mari Cultural Village (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)?

Visit in the dry season (Apr–Oct) and bring a raincoat from Nov–Jan.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Kota Kinabalu on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Adult admission (per person)MYR 150
Return taxi from Kota KinabaluMYR 100
Traditional costume photoshoot (optional, per person)MYR 50
Total EstimatedMYR 400

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Mari Mari Cultural Village

Address: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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About Mari Mari Cultural Village

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+60 13-881 4921

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