Fancy something more unique than your average spa? Then head on to Kampung Luanti, Ranau for a fish massaging session!

Located in Kampung Luanti,Ranau, 131 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu (2 hours and 40 minutes drive away); this fish massage ‘spa’ is managed by the Kampung Luanti JKK and lead by Mr. Jeffrin Majangki.

In the Local Kadazandusun dialect, ‘tagal’ means ‘no fishing’, and the main purpose of the ‘tagal’ is to preserve the environment as well as the ecosystem to benefit the future generation. ‘Ikan Pelian’ or Malaysian Mahseer comes from the family of Cyprinidae. These fishes are specifically trained by the villagers to perform the healing massage activities.

The fish massage is deemed to have a curative effect on those who suffers from psoriasis. Come to Kampung Luanti for regular fish massages and you will enjoy smoother and suppler skin - just like a baby’s bottom.

If the idea of fishes nibbling off your dead skin doesn’t thrill you, try other activities such as jungle trekking and camping. Should you intend to stay longer, Kampung Luanti is also equipped with a homestay programme to make visitors feel at home every time.

Tariffs

International: RM10 (Adult Children)

Locals Within Ranau: RM3-Adult / RM1-Children

Locals Outstations: RM5-Adult / RM2-Children

Art lovers will take delight in the new Borneo Art Gallery which is catered to meet the fine tastes of painting enthusiasts!

Situated on the 2nd floor of Asia City Complex, this art gallery mainly showcases the artworks of talented local artists as well as several of those by artists from the Philippines and Indonesia. All the paintings exhibited in the art gallery are for sale. Whether you are a devoted art collector or simply someone who appreciates paintings, this gallery is definitely worth visiting.

The Borneo Art Gallery is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Saturday, and 9am to 3pm on Sunday and Public Holidays. Entrance is free.

Getting There: The Borneo Art Gallery is situated within walking distance from the heart of Kota Kinabalu City.

Gombizau Honey Bee Farm is located in Matunggong, a sub-district 43 kilometers south of Kudat town, where one of the economical activities for the village community is honey bee farming. There are over a hundred bee cages in the bee farm.

Founded over ten years ago, this bee farm produces honey both for the consumption of the local people as well as to be sold in bottles for those who are akin to the sweet taste of raw honey.

For many generations, the people of Kampung Gombizau has been consuming raw honey as it is believed and has been proven to possess remedial properties; other than being able to lend its superior taste to food when used in cooking.

Here, visitors will be able to observe how a bee farm is managed. They will often get a taste of raw honey straight from the honeycomb. Other than that, there are also rubber trees planted at the bee farm. Therefore, visitors can also witness the traditional method of rubber tapping and rubber rolling.

Tariffs

Entrance fees charged are as follows: Adults (12 years and above) – RM5
Children (6 to 12 years old) – RM3
Children (6 years and below) – Free of charge

Traditionally, the Rungus people live in longhouses built on stilts, but the shift to modern-day living has meant that the sight of such longhouses are getting more rare. In Kg. Bavanggazo near Tinangol in the Kudat district, you can still experience this fascinating communal lifestyle in a purpose-built longhouse constructed entirely of traditional materials but with added modern comforts like toilets and showers.

Situated in a valley about 41 kilometres south of Kudat town and 98 kilometres or two and a half hours drive from KK City, you can get a taste of real Rungus living through their food, daily rituals and music on a day trip or overnight stay. The later will need prior arrangements.

Tariff: Per person RM2.00

How to get there

As it is about two and a half kilometers off the main road, it is better if you use chartered vehicle service, self-drive or through a local tour operator.

Chartered vehicles are stationed in front of the Indian Restaurant opposite the Health Clinic at Kampung Air in the city. Four-wheel drives take up to 8 passengers and charge between RM20.00 - RM25.00 per passenger. Saloon cars carry up to 4 passengers and charge about RM200.00 return per vehicle.

Less than one hour away from Kampung Gombizau is the Sumangkap village (92 kilometers and 2 hours drive away from Kota Kinabalu) which is famous for its gong making cottage industry.

The gong is the most important Rungus musical instrument which is played during festivities and grand occasions such as weddings. The gongs that are sold in Kampung Sumangkap vary in sizes—visitors can expect to find tiny souvenirs ones with different shapes and unique designs (price ranging from RM25 to RM37) as well as large ones that can reach up to 2 meters wide in diameter.

For large groups of visitors, the villagers of Kampung Sumangkap will often hold cultural performances in the Kampung Sumangkap Community Hall where the kulintangan (a set of different sized gongs producing different sounds) is to be played.

Here, visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the method of gong making by the professional gong makers in the village. The gong factory is open daily including public holidays from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Tariffs

Entrance fees charged are as follows:

Adults (12 years and above) – RM5
Children (6 to 12 years old) – RM3
Children (below 6 years old) – Free of charge

Getting there

To get to Sumangkap village, from Kota Kinabalu visitors can take a bus headed in the direction of Kudat. Buses to Kudat can be taken from the Terminal Bas Jalan Padang from 7.30am to 5pm daily. Bus fare would be approximately RM18 per person, please communicate with the bus driver or bus conductor regarding the drop off point.

As an option, visitors can also take a taxi from Kota Kinabalu from the taxi stand located next to Merdeka Field and arrange with the taxi driver regarding the desired drop off point. Approximate taxi fee is RM300 per taxi/way.

Those choosing to drive can do so by renting a car from a verified car rental company. Visitors can also request for car rental service via the hotel lobby. Car rental fees start from RM180 per day/car.

Looking for a cultural thrill? Swing by to the Linangkit Cultural Village in Tuaran and get personally acquainted to the Lotud people—one of the 32 diverse ethnic groups in Sabah.

Situated in Kampung Selupoh—approximately an hour’s drive away from the heart of Kota Kinabalu—the Linangkit Cultural village promises an in-depth look into the rich social and cultural heritage of the Lotud people of Sabah.

Experience a day in the life of the Lotud people through a smorgasbord of interesting activities such as a guided tour around the village, traditional costume try-on, handicraft-making demonstrations, traditional food preparation demonstrations, traditional fish netting, tapioca plucking, cultural show, river cruise and firefly watching. Visitors will also have a chance to sample traditional Lotud delicacies during their visit.

The Linangkit Cultural Village is open daily from 9am to 6pm.

Tariff

Package

Malaysian: Morning Arrival RM60 / Non Malaysian RM70

Malaysian: Afternoon Arrival RM50 / Non Malaysian RM60

Malaysian: Night Arrival RM70 / Non Malaysian RM85

Mai Aman” in Kadazandusun not only brings literal meaning but, also a fond remembrance to the memories of a man, to whom the villagers of Kampung Gana in Papar referred to as “Uncle Aman”.

Through the legacy of his late father, who was a well-known and much loved and respected school teacher in the village back in the 1950’s, Mai Aman Resort was conceptualized and established among the village community by its founder and owner Datuk Verus Aman Sham.

Situated on 30 acres of lush green spurs of hills, valleys and forested ridge, this humble and homely resort is located 35 km south of Sabah’s state capital, Kota Kinabalu City.

A leisurely 40 minute drive will take you to the resort’s property, 700m off the Penampang-Papar Highway, which forms part of the Trans-Borneo Highway, in Kampung Gana in the District of Papar.

Guests arriving at the resort have a choice from a variety of different types of accommodation to stay in. The resort, which can cater to more than 50 guests at any one time on double and/or twin-sharing basis, offers the following types of accommodation:

5 rooms at the ‘Guvas Country Rest House’

11 rooms and 1 mini-dorm at the ‘Kondiu Hostel’

5 rooms in 2 contemporary Kampung Chalets

Camping grounds

In addition, Mai Aman has 2 large fresh water fish ponds for recreational fishing or fish feeding, a natural wetland and lush forest ideal for eco and biodiversity educational programs and activities.

Getting There:

Mai Aman can be reached via a 40-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu. Guests can either take the cab or a bus from the city. But due to the rather remote location of the resort, it's more advisable for guests to rent a vehicle.

The Maranjak Longhouse Homestay is located near Tinangol, not very far from the main road leading to Kudat.

Maranjak Longhouse Homestay is wholly made out of traditional materials such as split bamboos for walls and nipah palm leaves for roofing. The longhouse is fully furnished in traditional style with traditionally-styled dining table, rooms, lightings, as well as in terms of the food that are being served. It’s a perfect getaway stay for those craving for a truly atavistic cultural experience.

The Maranjak Homestay Longhouse can accommodate an estimated of 30 to 40 people at one time. Besides the truly traditional atmosphere, visitors will also have a wide set of things to do such as fishing in the river, jungle trekking, sightseeing in the herbal botanical garden, crab catching, and monkey watching.

Visitors will also be able to get a taste of seven different local wines which are served at night. Besides the wining experience, visitors will also be entertained with traditional Rungus dance and serenaded by performances of traditional musical instruments after dinner.

Here, visitors too will be able to take a close look at how beaded accessories are made and how intricate Rungus tapestries are woven—all done by women dressed in beautifully ornamental traditional Rungus costumes.

Getting There

The Maranjak Homestay Longhouse is situated approximately 98 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu (2.5 hours away by road).

There are several means of transportations that visitors can choose in order to get to Maranjak Longhouse Homestay; namely buses, taxis and rented cars. The rates and additional information regarding the means of transportation to opt for are listed in the table below:

The Mari Mari Cultural Village is situated amidst a remote forest setting in Kionsom, Inanam; 25 minutes away from the hustling and bustling city. Its surrounding atmosphere may faintly remind you of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Lost World’; in the Sabahan sense. The beauty of untapped nature is guaranteed to capture your eyes and heart as soon as you arrive at the village!

In the village, you will be introduced to various traditional homes of Sabahan ethnic communities—the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun—which are built by descendants of the tribes which they represent. Your friendly excursion guide will also give thorough introductions to the houses, making it a highly educational experience.

Be prepared to teleport back to the times of ancient Borneo through the display of unique ingenious architecture, simulated lives and ritualistic ceremonies. Also, get acquainted with each village tribe as you enter their homes and experience their rich culture.

For a more hands-on experience, check out the little huts in the village where daily routines of traditional Sabahan life come alive. Grab the chance to see blowpipe-making demonstration, fire-starting demonstration using bamboo, tattoo-making demonstration, and get an in-depth look at the mystical symbolisms behind them. Visitors will also get chance to sample Sabahan traditional delicacies from each ethnic group.

A visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village will be a cultural excursion of a lifetime! See, taste and feel the essence of Sabah presented to you as it was and as it is.

Mari Mari!!

Getting there

To arrange a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, you would have to book a tour package from the company. No individual drop-ins are allowed.

Tariffs

Local Malaysian: RM 130.00 (Adult) RM 100.00 (12 years and below)

International: RM 150.00 (Adult) RM 130.00 (12 years and below)

Package includes: Return transfer, English speaking guide, buffet Lunch/High Tea/Dinner, House Tour with demo, activities and cultural performances.

Nestled besides the Penampang River are the many traditional buildings that make up the Monsopiad Cultural village, a living museum located 16 km or about half an hour away from the KK City Centre. Monsopiad was a fearsome warrior who lived in the village of Kuai nearly 200 years ago.

At the Village, visit the Tangkob or Grainery where the padi is housed. Kotos Di Monsopiad or Monsopiad's Main House is dedicated to the life and times of Monsopiad and his descendants. On display are ceramic jars, padi grinders, bamboo items as well as the costume of Bobohizan Inai Bianti, direct descendant of Monsopiad and very senior high priestess.

Other interesting exhibits include the massive monolith which invokes a dozen legends, the traditional restaurant and of course Siou Do Mohoing, or the House of Skulls, where all 42 'trophies' of Monsopiad hang from the rafters.

Getting There

Take the No.13 bus to Donggongon town in Penampang from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in KK City. Fare is RM1.50. At Donggongon, board a minibus bound for Terawi and indicate your stop to the driver. Fare is RM1.00. You can also use any taxi to get there for RM35.00. Or contact the Village for shuttle services.

Opening Hours Daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm

Admission fees (includes welcome drink, interactive guided tour)

Local Malaysian: RM 45.00 (Adult) RM 15.00 (12 years and below)

International: RM 65.00 (Adult) RM 25.00 (12 years and below)

The agricultural town of Papar is situated 38.5 kilometers from the State Capital, Kota Kinabalu. Journey from Kota Kinabalu to reach Papar takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by car and 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.

The most popular spot in the Papar district is its Tamu (Sunday market) which opens every Sunday from 6a.m to 1.30p.m. The Tamu offers a wide variety of juicy local fruits, unique Sabahan handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fish, and many more.

Visitors who take the train will get to cross the Papar River over a steel trestle bridge as Papar, the ‘Rice Bowl of Sabah’ comes into view.

Getting There

Visitors intending to visit Papar can come either by train, bus, or taxi.

Visitors may take the train at the Tanjung Aru Train Station to reach Papar Train Station. From Monday to Saturday, the train is scheduled to depart at 7.45a.m and on Sunday, the train departures are scheduled at 7.45a.m and 1.35p.m. Train fare per person is RM1.85 per way.

Buses to Papar can be taken at the Bus Station if front of Wawasan Plaza; drop off point is at the Papar Bus Station. Please communicate with the bus driver or the conductor regarding your desired drop off point. Buses are available daily from 6.30a.m to 6p.m. Bus fare is RM5 per person/way.

Otherwise, visitors with extra budget allocation can take a taxi (from taxi station near Merdeka field) to Papar. Taxi fare is RM50 per taxi/way.