Kota Belud is home to the Kadazan-Dusun and Bajau communities and is known for its peaceful rural charm and traditional villages. A day is usually sufficient to explore the district, but an overnight stay in Kota Belud allows for a more relaxed pace.
Travelling to Kota Belud, Sabah
From Kuala
Penyu (KUALA PENYU THINGS TO DO) heading to Kota Belud, the drive takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. However, to
make the trip more lively and relaxing, or as comfort breaks in between, some
extra time can be allocated for things to do in Sabah along the way. These
activities reflect nature at its best, whether glimpsed while passing by or
through short stops of about 10 minutes before continuing the journey to Kota
Belud.
Often called
the “Land of the Cowboys of the East,” Mount Kinabalu can be seen in the
distance on the drive to Kota Belud.
Beaufort
Just after Kuala Penyu, along the Padas River, there are views of riverside
kampungs (villages), wooden stilt houses, and small riverine boats. It has a
laid-back rural feel, with farms and paddy fields.
Farmland and
Villages
Between Beaufort and Papar, the route passes through paddy fields, rubber and
coconut plantations, and fruit orchards. Traditional villages line the way,
with colorful wooden homes, churches, and mosques.
Rivers and
Bridges
Along the same stretch (Beaufort to Papar), the road crosses small rivers and
streams via concrete or wooden bridges. These spots reflect greenery mirrored
on the water (KERALA HOUSEBOAT).
Papar District
Nearing Papar, there are agricultural lands, low hills, and small roadside
markets or fruit stalls.
Kota Belud:
Hills, Mountains, and Coastal Areas
Approaching Kota Belud, the landscape changes to hills and distant mountain
foothills, part of Sabah’s northern ranges. Coastal views also appear, with
paddy fields stretching toward the horizon, showing the transition from lowland
rural areas to slightly higher coastal plains.
Flora and Fauna
Along the route, especially in rural areas, there are coconut palms, banana
trees, forest patches, and sometimes birds, butterflies, and small animals near
rivers and fields. The foothills near Kota Belud also have forested patches
where local wildlife can be seen.
Top Spots in
Kota Belud, Sabah
Kota Belud is
known for its nature. It is one of the top spots in Sabah for river cruises,
boat safaris, wildlife safaris, and firefly cruises. These activities are
offered by different operators.
Choosing one
depends on the distance from Kota Belud town, duration, and charges. Most tours
highlight Sabah’s unspoiled nature and the wildlife or scenery along the route.
River cruises, including wildlife safaris and firefly cruises, are must-do
activities in Kota Belud.
Tamau/Nanamun
River Cruise
Location
Tamau and
Nanamun Rivers, Kota Belud
Highlights
Take a 2-3 hour
river cruise to spot proboscis monkeys, mangrove birds, and fireflies at night.
Kawa Kawa River
Cruise
Location
Kawa Kawa
River, Kota Belud
Highlights
Cruise through
the Kawa Kawa mangrove forest to see proboscis monkeys, otters, and various
birds, and enjoy firefly viewing in the evening.
Klias River
Wildlife Safari Cruise
Location
Klias River,
Beaufort (approximately 1.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu, covering Borneo Trails)
Highlights
Spot proboscis
monkeys, silver leaf langurs, and various birds on the Klias River wildlife
safari, with fireflies visible during evening cruises.
Langga Mangrove
Boardwalk
Location
Langga Village,
Kota Belud
Highlights
Walk along the
Langga Mangrove Boardwalk to observe birds and occasionally spot monkeys.
Le Cruise De
Kota Belud
Location
Various rivers
in Kota Belud
Highlights
An 8-hour river cruise tour featuring wildlife and fireflies, including a local dinner and hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Kawa Rampayan
River Cruises
Kawa Rampayan
River Cruises is one of the popular river cruises in Kota Belud. The best time
to experience it is during the off-peak season, with fewer people and shorter
waiting times. This means there is ample space on the boat without feeling
cramped.
The local
operators are friendly and approachable. Before the cruise begins, they share
what the trip covers and what to expect while cruising along the Tempasuk and
Rampayan Rivers. Firefly night tours are also available, saving the hassle of
travelling to another location. However, these tours may involve some waiting
time, as they only take place after dark.
While waiting for the boat, time can be spent appreciating the natural surroundings. Birds kept in large cages can be heard mimicking words spoken by the operators, bringing fun and laughter as part of the river cruise.
River Cruise in
Kota Belud, Kawa Rampayan
Once the boat
arrives at the pier, boarding takes place before it begins moving along the
mangrove river. It is a nature-filled ride, sitting back and waiting for the
proboscis monkeys to appear among the mangroves. The monkeys make appearances,
coming closer to the water or resting on the trees. Birds can be seen flying
overhead, while long-tailed macaques are a rarer sight.
Firefly Cruise
in Kota Belud, Kawa Rampayan
Later in the evening, usually after 7 p.m., the firefly cruise begins. The boat moves slowly through the mangrove areas, approaching spots where fireflies gather in large or small clusters. Before the cruise, it is conveyed that flash photography is not allowed, and the boat engine will be switched off.
Watching the fireflies in silence is expected, as they are sensitive to light and sound. Their glow in the darkness resembles tiny stars in nature, making it one of the highlights to see in Sabah.
Beaches in Kota
Belud, Sabah
Beaches in Kota
Belud are mainly used for recreational activities. Strolling along the
coastline and watching the sunset are among the best things to do in Kota
Belud, as the sun sets beautifully against the natural scenery.
Quiet and
secluded, some beaches are located within coastal villages, home to Bajau and
fishing communities. Visiting in the early morning can be a better option than
in the late evening, as that is when the locals begin their day, heading out to
sea for fishing, a main source of income in Kota Belud.
Some of the
beaches in Kota Belud include
Temindung Beach
A quiet beach with a scenic coastline, ideal for relaxation and coastal
views.
Kota Belud Coastal Villages Beaches
Several small, lesser-known beaches near fishing
villages, reflecting authentic local culture.
Sungai Bandau Beach
Peaceful surroundings and natural beauty, with local fishing activity.
Inanam and Nearby Coastal Shores
Located slightly outside town, these shores are
accessible for coastal visits and scenic stops.
Swimming is possible at these beaches, but mostly for casual swimming or dipping in the water. Parts of the coastline are rocky or muddy, and there are no lifeguards or facilities, so swimming is at one’s own risk.
Things to Do in
Kota Belud, Sabah
Most activities
in Kota Belud are connected to local life and reflect its nature and culture.
Kota Belud stands out for its simplicity and leisure. Nothing over the top,
just calm and authentic living.
Kota Belud
Sunday Market
Known for local
homemade and handmade produce, handicrafts, and a lively cultural atmosphere. A
great way to experience the Bajau and Dusun communities.
Local Villages
and Traditional Longhouses
Showcasing
traditional houses, rural life, farming practices, and community customs.
Paddy Fields
and Agricultural Landscapes
Expansive
farmland, including rice fields and scenic countryside views.
Local Mosques
and Cultural Landmarks
Small mosques and local landmarks that reflect community architecture and culture.
