Kota Belud, located on the west coast is the biggest district in Sabah. The Kota Belud town is a useful stopover en route to Kudat. The town is considered as the unofficial capital and gateway to the heartland of the West Coast Bajau people.
Kota Belud town may not be the most popular travel destination for locals and tourists but the district is gaining popularity as one of the places to visit and see in Sabah.
Kota Belud Town
Kota Belud Mosque, The landmark of Kota Belud Town.
Chinese temple at Kota Belud Town center.
Meet the buffalos
Once you reach Kota Belud, you will notice that there are buffalos everywhere, from roadside, crossing the road or relaxing at the paddy field.
Tamu
Kota Belud is famous for it’s Tamu or also known as Open Market that happens every Sunday. Visitors can expect numerous souvenirs, local foods, local produces sold by the locals.
Tamu Besar
One of the biggest events at Kota Belud is Tamu Besar Kota Belud (Kota Belud’s Big Market) Tamu Besar is an annual event in Kota Belud and an important event in the Sabah Tourism Calendar. vendors proudly set up their stalls to sell their wares during this 2-day market, selling everything from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts.
The main attractions are events at the Kota Belud Town (Padang Kota Belud). Be prepared to join the fun-filled day buffalo races, a colorful parade of horses and Bajau horsemen (Cowboys of the East) and the crowing of the Ratu Sarempak, Queen of Sarempak.
Bajau horsemen (Cowboys of the East) during Tamu Besar Kota Belud
Eat: Kota Belud Mee
Locals love their noodles. Local call it Mee sup Kota Belud.
One of the best Mee Sup Kota Belud can found behind UMNO Kota Belud building (beside Kota Belud Community hall) at Kota Belud Town. The chicken broth is so tasty and they made their own noodles. 
What to do:
Paddy field
Mountain Kinabalu View
Trekking Bukit Bongol
Bongol which means bald in Malay, the Bongol Hill is named as such as there are no trees at the hill and the hill is covered mostly by grass plain. Bukit Bongol (Bongol Hill) offers a panoramic view of Mount Kinabalu, the South China Sea and a long stretch of beaches along the Kota Belud coastline. Bongol hill has 10 hills for trekker and there are many trails to reach the peak.
Visit Beach
River Cruise
River fun
Visit the Water village
Stay:
camping
Glamping
Joanne Lee
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