Kampung Kuala Abai

One of the most prominent must-see stops near Kota Belud is Kampung Kuala Abai. It is a popular fishing village which is situated facing the South China Sea. Kampung Kuala Abai is also the departure point for Mantanani Island; a famous spot for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Located 20 kilometers away from Kota Belud and 90 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, it is home to the Bajau Laut (Sea Bajau) community.Getting ThereGetting to Kampung Kuala Abai takes 1 hour and 30 minutes of car journey from Kota Kinabalu.

Kota Belud District

Kota Belud is the hometown of the Bajau ‘cowboys’ who are Sabah’s very own horsemen. This Sabahan native group is famed for rearing and handling of horses.
The quaint and lively little town affectionately addressed by the locals as KB is also home to Sabah’s most vibrant and illustrious weekly ‘tamu’ market. The word ‘tamu’ means “meeting place”; up to this day it is very much a place where traders from the surrounding areas come together both for trading purposes and to discuss the latest events.
Visitors of the Kota Belud district will find many of Sabah’s handicrafts here, muddled up with betel nut stalls, vegetables, dried and fresh fish, sarongs, pots and pans, and Taiwan-made electrical items.

Tamu Kota Belud

When in Kota Belud, be sure to drop by the famous Tamu Kota Belud. This weekly market is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells as traders gather here to sell their produce. From leafy greens to delicious local cakes, vendors proudly display their goods, enticing passersby with bargains.

Once a year, Kota Belud hosts the Tamu Besar - an annual event where people flock to this quaint district to join in the festivities. Tamu Besar - which means Big Market - is literally the biggest tamu organised throughout Sabah. It is a time when traders come out in full force with their best goods and the local residents highlight the colourful cultures of Kota Belud.

A sight to behold is the Cowboys of the East. Bajau horsemen dress their horses and ponies in resplendent costumes, while displaying their unrivaled horse-riding skills. A great time to witness traditional sports such as buffalo racing and the crowning of the Sarempak/Senisip Beauty Queens. Check the event listing to see when this year's Tamu Besar Kota Belud will take place.

Held onSundays

Opening hoursMost ‘tamu' operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm