We booked to go to the Mari Mari cultural village, not quite knowing what to expect,

We arrived and checked in with a guide. We were shown to a small waiting area , with toilets.
Our tour guide introduced himself and explained that there were 167 different tribes in Borneo. The centre focus on 5 of them.

We set off ,crossed a narrow bridge and were taken to the first long house.It was fascinating. The longhouses had been re-constructed . It showed how they lived, cooked and spent their days.
Each house belonged to a different tribe, so was very different each time.
The staff demonstrating wore clothes that would have been worn. We were given samples of food to try and drinks to taste.
In one house there was an indoor trampoline demonstration., In another you could have a henna tattoo.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Mar mari. We had an amazing guide, who was so passionate. His Mother and Father were both from 2 of the longhouses featured in the centre. He was very proud of this fact . He was very easy to listen to.
After we had visited all the tribes, we went to a seating area and were entertained with some traditional dance in costume.
It was very lively and we took some great photographs.
Last of all we went to the dining hall for a buffet lunch.
I would recommend coming for a visit. Leave the hotel and the pool for a few hours and find out about the history of the country, in an entertaining, hands on way.

One of the nicest open-air museums we've seen, ever.
The houses -- representing the dwellings of the main tribes in Sabah -- are spread nicely among the jungle trees. The guides are knowledgeable and kind, their explanations are well-organized, interesting and full of new information.

Most importantly, every house has some interesting activity to see:
In one place they cook in bamboo and let you taste. In another, they deep fry a sweet kind of pastry, and let you taste. In a third, they show you how high they can jump on a "trampoline", and let you try...
There is always something interesting and "Hands-on" right around the corner.
Finally, there is a full show of professional musicians and dancers, to complete the experience.

Great way to learn. Perfect for kids of all ages.