MY · Sabah · 6.35°N 116.43°E

kota belud

Sunday tamu, Bajau horsemen and Kinabalu views over the paddy plains.

Best time
Sunday mornings for the tamu. February to April is usually driest. Kinabalu is clearest early, before the clouds come in.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
About 1.5 hours' drive north of KK on the road to Kudat. KL to KK is about 2.5 hours by air.
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MY · Sabahkota belud6.35°N 116.43°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Sunday tamu, Bajau horsemen and Kinabalu views over the paddy plains.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKota BeludMY, Sabah
KLkota belud
≈ 1,672 km from KL, as the crow flies
Kota Belud, Sabah: Welcome Plate in Kota Belud

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A small town north of KK and the heartland of Sabah's west coast Bajau, known for its Sunday tamu and its horsemen. Mount Kinabalu rises over the paddy fields on clear mornings, and boats leave nearby for the Mantanani islands.

Makan

  1. Tamu snacksKuih, grilled fish and local fruit from the Sunday market stalls.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The Sunday tamuThe weekly open-air market, with produce, livestock, local snacks and crafts from early morning.Map ↗
  2. Tamu BesarOnce a year the market grows much bigger, with Bajau horsemen in full costume on decorated ponies.Map ↗
  3. Kinabalu viewsThe paddy plains around town have wide views of the mountain on clear mornings.Map ↗
  4. MantananiBoats to the islands leave from jetties near Kota Belud.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Go early. The tamu is a morning affair, and Kinabalu usually hides in cloud by late morning.
  • Ask before taking photos of people, especially the horsemen.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.