Expecting a boring historical lesson delivered by a few slideshow presentations, I was amazed at what Mari Mari Cultural Village has achieved.
Located deep in the countryside about 25 minutes from the modern and developing Kota Kinabalu city, the village operates as more than just a museum that preserves Borneo ethnic culture.
In its aims to share the knowledge, history, culture, and tradition of Borneo so that it is not forgotten, it offers the chance to immerse yourself into a world so interesting and unique, you want to learn more.
Acting like a true working village as it would be, the village gives you the opportunity to see and experience the culture and lifestyle of how the indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live, prior to the development that has taken over today.
The village features 5 different ethnic tribes in one village. They are the rice farmer Kadazan-Dusun, the longhouse resident Rungus, the hunters and fisherman Lundayeh, the cowboy and sea gypsey Bajau, and the famously feared headhunting tribe Murut.
As you make your way around the village you not only see the way these tribes existed, but you enjoy a hands on experience which gives the opportunity to participate and experience the food, drink and even hunting techniques of the Murut blowpipe weapon.
As friendly in-house guides take you into a world of their descendants, they are more than happy to share stories with you of how their great ancestors used to live and what their spiritual beliefs living in the jungle were.
In doing so, you will be supporting in preserving culture and tradition so that it will not be forgotten. Culture and tradition is slowly fading away, not many rural natives still live in this type of condition, therefore it is an honor for the locals that live nearby to preserve and showcase their ancestors’ culture to you. In addition to this, every dollar you spend at Mari Mari Village goes back towards helping the local native people preserve their ancestor’s culture and tradition.
Need to know : Mari Mari Cultural Village
Location
Mari Mari Cultural Village is located in Kionsom, Inanam which is 1 1/2 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu city into the rural area of Sabah.
Price
Adult : MYR 160/person
Child : MYR 140/person
Contact
013 – 881 4921 (Ednah)
019 – 820 4921 (Watie)
