Mari Mari Cultural Village: A Fantastic Experience in Kota Kinabalu

The reason I travel so much is to learn about cultures that are far removed from my own. Borneo allowed me such a privilege when I visited the Mari Mari Cultural Village.

I had read about the headhunters of Borneo at school, and while no longer practised, I was still extremely curious to find out more about a culture that would decapitate their enemies!

I booked a guided tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village and was picked up from my hotel in Kota Kinabalu and driven out of the city into lush jungle surroundings, where I would learn about Sabah’s five major ethnic communities: the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus, and Dusun.

Come along with me and discover a way of life far removed from Western culture.

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Dusun - the largest tribe in Sabah.

Bajau - the second largest ethnic group in Sabah.

Murut - the third largest tribe in Sabah.

We learnt that there were two types of headhunting. Warrior to warrior, where the winner would bring his enemy's head back to his prospective in-laws to prove worthiness to marry their daughter.

The second was ethnic cleansing, where a warrior would kill an entire village and display heads on poles and around his village. Lots of skulls would show how fierce he was and deter would-be attackers.

Poisonous darts are used in blowpipes to obtain the 'trophies'. The dart would kill an enemy, the head chopped off, and the body left.

The Murut longhouse held a surprise. In its centre was a trampoline, used after victories in jumping ceremonies. The men would see who could bounce the highest! We all had a go on it, such fun.

Rungus - the fourth largest tribe in Sabah.

Lundayeh Tribe - a tribe bordering neighbouring Sarawak.

We also saw fire-starting demonstrations, a skill necessary for both the boys and girls in the village. The boys need to be able to make fire for hunting. The girls need to prove themselves as homemakers before getting married. We also unravelled the mystical meanings behind tribal symbols and rituals. It was both informative and fun despite us being wet through from the rain.

One of the longhouses had a marital bed in it intended for the wedding night. We weren't expecting to see such colourful fabrics in a straw hut. It did add a sense of theatre to its dull surroundings.

Our day ended with a vibrant traditional performance that brought together community dance, music, and storytelling. After the show, we had photos taken with the performers in their traditional costumes. Then we enjoyed a buffet-style meal celebrating the flavours of Sabah.

The Mari Mari Cultural Village is a tourist attraction, but it feels authentic. It taught me about a culture I knew nothing about, and I greatly enjoyed my visit. I would recommend adding it to your Malaysia itinerary if you want to understand Sabah's culture.

Cultural Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Beyond the Mari Mari Cultural Village, there are several other immersive experiences to add to your Borneo itinerary.

Monsopiad Cultural Village

Step into the legacy of a legendary Kadazan warrior, Monsopiad. This village gives you a more intense, slightly darker slice of Kadazan-Dusun culture — think headhunter history, ancient rituals, traditional weaponry, and storytelling by his descendants. You’ll even see the House of Skulls that contains 42 real human skulls (trophies) collected by Monsopiad himself, hanging from the rafters. Book a visit to Monsopiad Cultural Village with a private transfer from Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah Art Gallery (Kota Kinabalu)

If you're into local creativity, this gallery showcases contemporary and traditional art by Sabahan artists. It's a great way to see how modern expression and indigenous roots intertwine in painting, sculpture, and multimedia pieces.

Join a Local Cooking Class

Join the Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class with Aunty Cindy. You'll get hands-on experience preparing dishes like Hinava (a raw-fish salad), Bambangan (wild mango pickle), and Linopot (rice wrapped in leaves). It’s a tasty way to connect with local culture.

Kota Kinabalu City Tour

Join this culture and heritage tour of Kota Kinabalu and visit iconic landmarks like Yayasan Sabah Tower and the Pink Mosque. Stroll through lively Australia Lane and Gaya Street. Enjoy an authentic local lunch or dinner included in the tour.

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