Kota Belud is a small town on the road from KK to Kudat, famous across Sabah for its Sunday Tamu, the weekly open market held every Sunday (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 7 October 2026). It is one of the largest and most authentic weekly markets in the state. The district had about 107,000 people in the 2020 census (OpenDOSM, checked 7 October 2026). 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 island for diving, snorkelling and kayaking, with accommodation on the island. The journey is a two-hour drive to the Kampung Kuala Abai jetty in Kota Belud, then about an hour by speedboat (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 6 October 2026).
- Bajau horsemen culture — The Bajau of Kota Belud are famous equestrians. During festivals (especially Tamu Besar, which runs 10 to 18 October in 2026, per Nabalu News, 9 September 2026), you can see traditional horse parades and riding displays. A unique Sabah cultural experience.
- Kinabalu Park — Part of the park lies in Kota Belud district (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 7 October 2026), but summit climbs start from Timpohon Gate on the Ranau side, and the Mesilau route is closed (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026).
- Stargazing — Rural Kota Belud has little light pollution, and the Milky Way can be seen 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.
- Roadside stalls on the KK-Kudat highway — Fruit stalls, grilled corn, pisang goreng (fried banana).
Getting There
- Drive from KK: about 70 km via Tuaran (Bernama, checked 7 October 2026).
- En route to Kudat — Kota Belud is the natural stop between KK and the Tip of Borneo.
- Public minivan — Minibuses to Kota Belud leave from Padang Merdeka in KK city centre, not Inanam (which terminal for where). 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 (10 to 18 October in 2026; check the organisers' dates in other years) featuring Bajau horse parades, traditional sports, and cultural performances. Worth timing your visit around.