Kota Belud

Kota Belud is a town located in the West Coast Division of the state of Sabah, east Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It is located roughly at the midpoint of the federal highway connecting the state capital, Kota Kinabalu, and Kudat, near the northern tip of Sabah.

The town is considered the unofficial capital and gateway to the heartland of the Bajau people. It is also noted for its open air market, or tamu, which is held every Sunday. Once a year, the tamu is held on a much larger scale. During this time, it is known as the Tamu Besar or Grand Market.

Demographics

In 2010, the population of Kota Belud was estimated at 91,272. The populace is almost evenly divided between the Dusun and Bajau Sama peoples. However, there is also a large Chinese minority, which in turn consists mainly of Hakkas, Hokkiens and Cantonese.

A paddy field in Kota Belud.

A paddy field in Kota Belud.

References