Location: Kota Belud
Top Things to do in Kota Belud
Top Hotels in Kota Belud
- 1. TD Lodge Kota Belud
- 2. The Beachaven Chalets, Kota Belud (formerly The Haven Beachfront Chalets)
- 3. Taun Gusi Village Homestay
- 4. Cabana Retreat
- 5. Bigfin Beach Resort
- 6. Usukan Cove Lodge
- 7. Sutera at Mantanani Island Resort & Spa
- 8. Muan's Homestay
- 9. Tambatuon Homestead
- 10. Dragon Pearl Beach Resort
Top 10 Things to do in Kota Belud, Malaysia
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. 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.
Restaurants in Kota Belud
1. Bigfin Divers
Overall Ratings
5 based on 44 reviews
We are the first dive centre in Kota Belud with daily Fun Dives and a full range of PADI dive courses for Introductory to Experienced divers. Based in Kota Belud, Sabah, we offer a close by alternative to the crowded KK marine park. We are in world class dive territory with stunning reefs, wrecks and Islands all situated within the coral triangle famous for outstanding marine diversity. Enjoy learning to dive directly off our white sand beach, take a short boat trip to local reefs, submerged pinnacles and picture perfect off shore islands… plus watch out for the seasonal giants that visit annually! We are a small personal dive centre. We dive in small groups lead by experienced qualified instructors to create a safe professional learning experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We dive sites in Kota Belud and Mantanai Island. To book diving please contact us in advance. We are open all year however our dive season runs from February through to September
Reviewed By mayooo87 - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Did two leisure dives w a dive instructor of Bigfin - Richie. He was patient and super helpful, but most important of all- safe. Always keeping an eye out for us. We had a great time at Mayne Rock and Mayne Reef. Viz was great....MoreHappy to hear you enjoyed diving with us! The visability is often very nice at Mayne Rock since it is situated further out to sea, making for some very pretty colourful dives! Thankyou for the great review!
2. Dragon Pearl Beach Resort Sdn Bhd
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
We provide snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fire fly trip, beach activities, camping, jungle trekking and many more. Few options traditional style room type also available like tree house, long house, double/single mobile cabin (tent type) For room reservation, kindly contact us here .. https://www.facebook.com/dragonpearlbeach/
Reviewed By Adam-T-Travel
Ended up here very unexpectedly after getting let down by the Mañana Beach 'resort'.
These guys were great. Had their tent 'cabin' accommodation available and put me up at the normal price on Booking.com, even though I think they had block booked themselves as unavailable with a school group they had staying there.
Can't say enough for the friendliness an helpfulness of the owners! He even drove me to Kudat himself for when I needed to move on, for cheaper than another taxi quote I got.
+ Value for money with beachside tent containing power & lighting.
+ Good value simple menu at the restaurant
+ Slow, chilled pace to relax on your own bit of beach
+ Beach and resort in general kept clean by staff, all very friendly and helpful.
+ Running water/ showers/ flushing toilets (see below)
+ Friendly camp dogs!
+ Others I met here were using it as their base for heading off diving (with a different company, I don't know which)
- All the running water is salt water, hence it coming out of some of the taps brown (with rust). Don't drink it!
- The RM80 snorkelling trip isn't really worth the money. They have a small selection of gear, all of the fins too small for my/ most European feet. The water was murky and the selection of coral and shoal fish aren't of much interest.
3. ATV Borneo
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 221964 - UK
We booked this from the UK online. There was little being offered for ATV in Borneo so we made contact with David . From the outset he was efficient and keen to ensure our trip was going to be good.
On arrival in Borneo he confirmed via email the experience was on track and looked forward to picking us up as arranged from our Hotel . David was on time and drove us to his ATV Site in the beautiful outskirts of KK . Upon arrival we were welcomed and a full comprehensive brief was given along with an assessment ride to ensure we could all manage the bikes and the proposed terrain - David took time to ensure everyone was ready for the day ahead.
The bikes are well maintained , clean and fit for purpose. All safety equipment is provided along with food and drinks .
We visited several different areas of beautiful rural Borneo and stopped at some stunning beach locations for breaks and drinks . We visited local villages and saw some of raw Borneo .
After a good lunch and BBQ chicken we rode on .
The terrain is challenging in parts but easily manageable - this is not a high speed blat along flat roads and paths - a tester for both bike and rider which is a pleasant change.
We returned to the site where we could shower and change in the purpose built ATV reception area. Everything you could possibly need was provided by David and his assistant Sham . Sham is a delight and eager to please .
In summary a great day with David and Sham . David is passionate about customer service and safety and clearly wants to build a business based on this . If you want a fab day out in beautiful Borneo whilst experiencing an ATV then really consider them.
Reliable , honest , polite and friendly . Thanks for a great day out . Neil , Di and Karen .
4. Tamu Market of Kota Belud
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Tosca1962 - Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom
Had hoped to see the Bajau horsemen, but didn't catch sight of any. Busy little market with colourful stalls of food, homewares, material, knives, drums and general knick-knacks. Lovely to photograph some of the locals and the market itself. Interesting but nothing out of the ordinary.
5. Bukit Bongol
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By marsha1122 - Malaysia
According to the local, bongol hill has 10 hills and there are many trails to reach the peak. We started from Pirasan trail which is the farthest (my gps = 9.4km back & forth). We started in the early morning, and we able to catch the sunrise, the view from the peak was so nice. After having quick breakfast we hiked to Monunggui hill which is 12-15mins from bongol hill. Well different peak have different view but i personally loved the view from Monunggui. The way back to the starting point was so hot, the heat was killing me. Luckily it only took us 1 hour++ reached the car park. This trail felt fairly easy for me, it took 3hrs to finish it (back & forth).
Small advice:
1. Bring at least 2 ltr water, trust me if you don't want get dehydrated.
2. Snacks/bun/coffee/isotonic drinks
3. Sunblock
4. UV protection hand cover (prevent darker skin and cut by the long grass)
5. Cap
6. Hiking poles
P/s: Guide is unnecessary.
1. Pirasan trail free of charge (9.4km about 3hrs)
2. Mandap trail ent fee rm2 (adult), rm1(kid) : 2.6km bk & forth (about 2hrs)
3. Kinasaraban trail (unsure bout this trail)
6. Kawa Kawa River
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By flyinggurnard
Boat trip around the mangrove area to see native wildlife. We observed 2 large groups of Proboscis Monkeys playing in the trees close to our boat. The river was very picturesque, an interesting habitat and not overly crowded. This wetland area is also brilliant for spotting birdlife, with kingfishers, egrets, herons, eagles, kites and more. Kawakawa also offer a good local dinner time buffet and night trips to see firefly.
7. Mt. Nopungguk
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By marsha1122 - Malaysia
I've hiked to countless hill and mountain for years, this peak considered tough, i'll rated the toughness 8/10. The trail is steep, narrow plus slippery. It took approx 3hrs++ to reach the summit, which is 1430m. We started to hike 4am, but missed the sunrise, the time we reached the peak bout 7.30am. We still managed to see the clear and magnificent view of Mt kinabalu from this peak. Remember to bring atleast 3ltr water, i've finished mine before reaching the ending point. Bare in mind, cover all your body and bring leech spray, a few of my friends attacked by the leech!!
This place must hire guide because it is under Sabah Park (max 20 hikers per day) and you will get lost easily. The guides were spectacular, they provided excellent leadership and very patient with the team members various questions. I gained lot of experiences anf benefits from this trip. Many thanks to Jonny, he was a great assistance in many ways.
8. Eko Pelancongan Kg Melangkap Tiong
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Afidzah - Kuala lumpur
The locals are not allowed to do fishing herr and fir that reasin there is overflow of fishes here. They are big but yet friendly. You can also swim in this river with the fishes if you wish to. Its is shallow, also suitable for kids but of course under supervision of the adults.
If you love hiking, you may also book the guide before hand to arrange. There is also a waterfall along the trail.
9. Borneo Cowboys Tour and Travels
Our main trip is to bring you to see proboscis monkey and fireflies at the kawa-kawa river, however if you wish for your own customized trips, feel free to contact us for a private trip!
10. Pantai Mangkabar
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