Kota Belud is a small town about halfway between KK and Kudat, famous across Sabah for its Sunday Tamu — one of the largest and most authentic weekly markets in the state. It's also the homeland of the Bajau people, known as the "Cowboys of the East" for their horsemanship traditions.
Most visitors pass through Kota Belud en route to the Tip of Borneo, but it's worth a proper stop — especially on a Sunday morning. The town is also the jumping-off point for Mantanani Island.
Things to Do
- Sunday Tamu (weekly market) — Kota Belud's main draw. A massive open-air market with fresh produce, livestock (buffalo, goats, chickens), handicrafts, traditional machetes, mengkuang mats, rattan baskets, and Bajau handicrafts. Starts early morning, winds down by noon. Arrive by 8am for the best experience.
- Mantanani Island — Offshore snorkeling paradise with dugongs in the seagrass beds. Day trips and overnight stays available. 90 min from KK + 60 min speedboat from Kota Belud jetty. Also has 3 WWII wreck dive sites.
- Bajau horsemen culture — The Bajau of Kota Belud are famous equestrians. During festivals (especially Tamu Besar), you can see traditional horse parades and riding displays. A unique Sabah cultural experience.
- Kota Belud Trail (Mount Kinabalu) — An alternative, more challenging summit trail. 1.1km, limited to 30 climbers/day, guide ratio 1:3. For experienced hikers.
- Stargazing — Kota Belud has 10+ designated stargazing sites with minimal light pollution. The Milky Way is visible on clear nights.
Plan your KK-to-Kudat road trip to pass through Kota Belud on a Sunday morning. The Tamu is the single best market experience in Sabah — loud, chaotic, colourful, and completely authentic.
Where to Eat
- Sunday Tamu food stalls — Grilled fish, satay, kuih (traditional cakes), fresh coconut water, and local snacks. Cheap and delicious.
- Town kopitiam — Simple local coffee shops. Nasi campur, mee goreng, roti canai. RM5-10 per meal.
- Roadside stalls on the KK-Kudat highway — Fruit stalls, grilled corn, pisang goreng (fried banana).
Getting There
- Drive from KK — ~77km via Tuaran, approximately 1.5 hours. Good sealed road.
- En route to Kudat — Kota Belud is the natural stop between KK and the Tip of Borneo.
- Public minivan — Available from KK (Inanam terminal) but infrequent. Car rental recommended.
- Mantanani boats — Depart from Kota Belud jetty. Usually arranged through tour operators.
Accommodation
Most visitors stop in Kota Belud as a day trip or en route to Kudat. Limited accommodation:
| Type | Style | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Town guesthouses | RM40-80/night |
| Homestay | Village stays with families | RM50-100/night |
| Mantanani | Basic island chalets | From RM200/night (package) |
Practical Tips
- Sunday Tamu timing: Arrive by 8am. The market is busiest 8-10am and starts packing up by noon.
- Mantanani booking: Book island trips in advance, especially during peak season (Jun-Aug). Boats don't run in rough seas.
- Cash only: The Tamu and most local shops are cash only. ATMs available in town.
- Combine with Kudat: Morning at Kota Belud Tamu → afternoon at Tip of Borneo makes a perfect Sunday road trip from KK.
- Tamu Besar festival: Annual event (check local dates) featuring Bajau horse parades, traditional sports, and cultural performances. Worth timing your visit around.