Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2026: Dates, Programme and Tips
When is Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2026?
Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2026 runs from 10 to 18 October 2026 in Kota Belud town, with the official opening on 17 October. About 50,000 visitors are expected for the market, cultural shows and buffalo and cattle races.
When is Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2026?
Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2026 runs for nine days, from Saturday 10 October to Sunday 18 October 2026. The official opening is on Saturday 17 October, to be performed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah with the Chief Minister attending.
Tamu Besar (the "big tamu") is the annual festival version of Kota Belud's market, described by the Kota Belud District Office as the largest gathering for local people to trade, show their culture and celebrate Sabah's heritage. Deputy Chief Minister III Ewon Benedick was reported as saying about 50,000 visitors are expected this year.
What is on in 2026
The programme reported in September 2026 includes:
- The tamu itself: stalls selling local produce such as parang (machetes), vegetables and ikan liking.
- Buffalo and cattle races on the Kota Belud field.
- Cultural performances from Bajau, Iranun and Dusun communities.
Tamu Geopark Kinabalu, a new Mount Kinabalu themed tamu developed with Sabah Parks, was reported to start one week before Tamu Besar, so it may already be under way or finished by the time you read this.
In past years the festival has also featured the famous Bajau horsemen in decorated costume, often called the "cowboys of the East". Their appearance in 2026 was not in the reports we checked, so confirm the day's schedule locally.
The dates and the 17 October opening come from reports of the organisers' September announcement. The September 2026 reports we checked did not list times for individual races and shows.
What is a tamu?
"Tamu" is the local word for a meeting place where communities gather to trade goods. Sabah Tourism notes that a tamu is usually held weekly in each district. Sabah Tourism describes the Kota Belud tamu, previously known as Tamu Tempasuk, as the oldest tamu in Sabah, started in Tempasuk village on 13 December 1878.
For Kota Belud's regular weekly tamu, see our Kota Belud guide and the tamu markets list. Tamu Besar is the bigger, once-a-year version, with the culture and competitions added.
Getting there and tips
- From Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Tourism puts Kota Belud at about a two-hour drive from the city.
- Be respectful when photographing performers, riders and stallholders; ask first.
Frequently asked questions
Q When is Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2026?
Q Who is opening Tamu Besar 2026?
Q Where is Tamu Besar held?
Q How many people are expected?
Q How far is Kota Belud from Kota Kinabalu?
Q Will there be a Bajau horse parade?
Sources & References 4 sources
Last verified: 4 October 2026 (sources dated September 2026)