Kota Belud (Malay: Pekan Kota Belud) is the capital of the Kota Belud District in the West Coast Division of Sabah, Malaysia. Its population was estimated to be around 8,392 in 2010.[1] It is 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 as the unofficial capital and gateway to the heartland of the West Coast Bajau people.

Kota Belud
Pekan Kota Belud
Kota Belud Town
Other transcription(s)
 • Jawiكوتا بلود
 • Chinese古打毛律 (Simplified)
古打毛律 (Traditional)
Gǔdǎ Máolǜ (Hanyu Pinyin)
Kú-tá Mâu-lu̍t (Hakka Pha̍k-fa-sṳ)
Official seal of Kota Belud
Location of Kota Belud
Coordinates: 6°21′00″N 116°26′00″E / 6.35000°N 116.43333°E / 6.35000; 116.43333
Country Malaysia
State Sabah
DivisionWest Coast
DistrictKota Belud
Area
 • Total
1,385.6 km2 (535.0 sq mi)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total
8,392
Tamu (Weekly Market)Sunday

Kota Belud's population is divided between the Bajau-Sama (including Illanun) and Dusun peoples. There is a Chinese minority, which consists mainly of Hakkas. It is 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.

A 520 feet (160 m) bailey bridge was opened on 12 November 1962, following three months of construction. It was opened by Governor William Goode.[2]

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References

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  1. ^ "Population by ethnic group, Local Authority area and state, Malaysia" (PDF). Department of Statistics, Malaysia. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  2. ^ "Tempasuk bailey bridge opened". Daily Express. 6 November 1994. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
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