Half-day Tours in Kota Kinabalu

A short drive out of Kota Kinabalu, the Mari Mari Cultural Village provides a convenient opportunity to experience many of Borneo's unique cultures in a purpose-built cultural village. Learn about the tribes' traditional dances, cuisines and ways of thriving in Borneo's challenging jungle. For visitors who can only stay in Borneo briefly, this experience offers a chance to see how Borneo's cultural diversity matches its biodiversity.

Step into the era of steam travel on a nostalgic, 4-hour voyage from Kota Kinabalu aboard the North Borneo Railway, a historic train powered by wood-fired boilers. You'll travel through a landscape of lush forest, farm fields, and small villages, with stops to visit a Buddhist temple and explore the market town of Papar, then enjoy a classic Borneo lunch served 'tiffin' style during the return trip. This 4-hour excursion includes pickup and drop-off at Kota Kinabalu hotels, lunch, and round-trip train tickets.

Encounter Borneo's traditional cultures at Mari Mari Cultural Village, where you'll get a glimpse into the daily routines and rituals of five major cultural groups. You'll see each group's distinctive houses, costumes, and practices, with a guide to help explain each thing you encounter, then see a performance that brings traditional Borneo to vivid life. After your time exploring Mari Mari Cultural Village, this tour includes a traditional meal in the village's dining hall.

Ride a Vulcan Steam Engine dating from 1896 on the North Borneo Railway during a hassle-free tour. Retrace a colonial trade route through villages, countryside, and tunnels, and pass mangrove forests and rivers for spectacular views of scenery that's mostly inaccessible by traditional tour vehicle. Stop at a number of villages, where there's a chance to visit markets and chat with local people. Plus, lunch and round-trip hotel transfers are included.