The Murut longhouse is constructed with a 'lansaran', a traditional spring-loaded wooden floor used for dance and ritual games.
The Bajau house architecture incorporates elements reflecting a nomadic sea-dwelling lifestyle, even when located on land.
The Rungus tribe is traditionally known for intricate beadwork and complex weaving techniques displayed inside their longhouses.
Traditional fire-making demonstrations use only dry bamboo and rattan friction techniques rather than modern ignition.
Local rice wine, known as Lihing, is brewed on-site using a recipe passed down through generations of the Kadazan-Dusun people.
The village grounds are specifically landscaped to represent the natural environment where these tribes historically settled.
Mari Mari Cultural Village is an outdoor living museum located in the tropical forests of Inanam, showcasing the distinct lifestyles of five ethnic groups of Sabah. The village features authentic-style dwellings built by descendants of the Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut tribes. Visitors participate in hands-on demonstrations including fire-starting, bamboo cooking, and blowpipe hunting. The site functions as a community-led initiative to preserve the heritage and ancestral customs of East Malaysian indigenous populations. Each of the five tribal zones offers specific cultural insights, ranging from the longhouses of the Rungus to the maritime traditions of the Bajau. Interactive performances are held in a central amphitheater following the tour of individual homes. Traditional food tastings, such as honey extracted directly from the comb or rice wine, are provided at various stations. The village is designed as a walk-through experience set within lush secondary jungle terrain.
The communal meeting hall and the elevated bamboo walkways connecting the tribal houses offer the most authentic background.
Wear insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes in the jungle environment.
Carry a light rain jacket or poncho as the area experiences frequent tropical showers.
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated while walking between the tribal houses.
Do not rush through the tour; missing the interactive demonstrations at each house significantly diminishes the educational experience.
Remove footwear before entering the interior of the traditional longhouses. Respect the tribal performers and ask before taking close-up portraits.
