Unique Tourism Products in Every District

Every district in Sabah must take advantage of its nature, beauty, talent and resources to develop tourism products in adventure-based, natured-based and culture-based activities in preparation for Visit Sabah Year 2027. Kota Belud is among the destinations which have untapped potentials in tourism.

“Kota Belud is recognised as part of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark and the 148-year-old Tamu Besar Kota Belud is an annual event in Sabah’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors with its unique culture, local food, handicrafts and traditional way of life, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at the opening of the Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2026 on 17 October 2026 at Kota Belud.

“Tamu Besar Kota Belud has served as a social gathering place for people of different races and religions, including the Bajau-Samah, Kadazandusun, Murut, Iranun, and Chinese communities. Through the strong spirit of unity at this tamu, we demonstrate that Sabah’s racial and religious diversity is one of our pillars as we move forward together in realising the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan.” Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin also attended the event.

Hajiji said the State Government will continue to prioritise the development of basic infrastructure and facilities to support Kota Belud’s economic growth, in line with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the SMJ 2.0 Development Plan including the nearly-completed Kota Belud-Wariu section of the Pan Borneo Highway and the establishment of a Digital Economy Centre at the District Council building.

Kota Belud has considerable strengths in agriculture, particularly padi cultivation, food production, handicrafts and tourism, Hajiji said. Of the 12,000 entrepreneurs in Sabah who have received and small and medium enterprise (SME) grants, 1,800 are from Kota Belud, Hajiji added. “This reflects the tremendous potential and capabilities of entrepreneurs in the district, whom we must continue to support and empower,” he said.