Kota Kinabalu: Mari Culture Village, Blue Tear, River Cruise Tour

1. Kota Kinabalu
   35m
   The trip start with a pick-up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu, leading you on a lovely ride that could take around half an hour or more, depending on whether the weather decides to go along, the traffic, and road condition.
2. 15m
   When you arrive, get ready for a warm welcome as you gear up for your epic time-travel adventure into prehistoric Borneo! But hold your horses—first, you’ll need a crash course on the Village Rules before you dive in. Prepare yourself for a grand entrance as you’re welcomed by the Chief, who’s probably been practicing his best “Welcome” face in the mirror all morning! Get ready for a custom Welcome Ceremony that’s sure to be more entertaining than a cat video marathon.
3. 3h
   Next, you can take a stroll across the suspension bridge to waltz right into Mari-Mari! This is a delightful mix of five ethnic groups: the Dusun, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh, all coming together like a quirky family reunion where everyone brings their own dish to the potluck! Every ethnic group has its own wild tales and funky dance moves, not to mention a history that could fill a library—or at least a really entertaining coffee table book, such as traditional congkak game, art of bamboo cooking, culture performance, fire with a blowpipe, handmade tree bark textiles and much much more. Lunch will be dished out right inside Mari-Mari.
4. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
   15m · Admission ticket not included
   On the way to Bongawan, an optional photo stop at one or two of Sabah’s most iconic landmarks is available, including the striking floating mosque – perfect for sunset-style photos.
5. Cocoa Kingdom KK Chocolate House
   15m · Admission ticket included
   Discover the art of chocolate making and treat yourself to free tastings of exotic local delights, from creamy coconut to bold, unforgettable durian.
6. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Arrival at Bongawan River leads to a tranquil cruise through lush mangrove forests. The guide shares insights about the local ecosystem – look for monitor lizards, kingfishers, and proboscis monkeys or other wildlife. Cruise along the peaceful river and might spot wildlife such as the Proboscis monkey and Long-tailed macaque in their natural habitat.
7. Bongawan
   15m
   Stroll along the shore and capture breathtaking photos of the magical Sky Mirror sunset
8. Kota Kinabalu
   40m
   A delicious local dinner is served at a riverside floating restaurant
9. Bongawan
   30m
   As night blankets the sky, the mangrove trees twinkle with thousands of fireflies. Keep a gentle lookout for the elusive "Blue Tears" or fireflies – a rare and magical moment when bioluminescence lights up the water with soft, electric blue sparkles. A captivating fire show unfolds along the riverbank, glowing warmly into the evening before returning home .
10. Kota Kinabalu
    Pass by
    Return home along with convenient round-trip transport so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

Pickup details

Your driver will be arriving to pick you up based on the name you provided in your reservation. We kindly ask you to double-check that the hotel name is correct or let us know a day before the tour starts. please take note this pick up in the town of city of Kota Kinabalu. Thank you! Your guide is familiar with your name and personal details, so no worries. We kindly ask that you be ready in the hotel or anywhere near the road, pls be informed if you choose a shared tour there might be delay in pick up hence wait patiently. If there are any changes, we will be sure to let you know!

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The tour involves walking and being outdoors, so dress appropriately.
• Since all wildlife has a freedom to roam which follow the principle of freedom, there is no guarantee that any specific wildlife will be seen during the tour.
• This experience run in rain or shine