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 SABAH - District Of Kudat Overview

 

KUDAT

DISTRICT

 

Sabah's First Capital

 

The district of Kudat, which spreads across the two arms enclosing the deep inlet of Marudu Bay, is home to Sabah’s most traditional people, the Rungus. Impressive longhouses and skillfully made handicrafts can still be seen around Kudat, which also boasts some of the finest beaches in all of Sabah. A range of sporting facilities, good accommodation and inexpensive and delicious seafood all add to Kudat’s appeal.

 
HISTORY & HERITAGE SITES
 

Shortly after the British North Borneo Chartered Company leased the territory of Sabah from the sultans of Brunei and Sulu, they established a settlement at Kudat and declared it their first capital in 1882. Just two years later, however, water shortages forced the administration to move their capital east to Sandakan. The Rungus - the indigenous tribe on the Kudat peninsula and on the east side of Marudu Bay -  made their homes inland, while the coastline attracted Muslim Bajau, Irranun and Suluk.

 

The Rungus called the Kudat area after the Tomborungus River that ran into an inlet nearby. When the British arrived and asked for the name of the place, the Rungus thought they wanted to identify the coarse grass growing there, so said Kutad. Eventually, the name was corrupted to Kudat, and was used in preference to the old name of Tomborungus. Because of a labour shortage, the British North Borneo Chartered Company engaged the Basel Missionary Society to bring in families of Christian Hakkas from southern China to help develop Kudat.

 

The first pioneers arrived in 1883, followed by a steady flow of Hakkas who cleared the jungles to establish coconut plantations and small farms. They built their own homes, churches and schools, and in the early years of the 20th century, began planting rubber. Although other Chinese groups eventually made Kudat their home, the district remains dominated by the Christian Hakka and the Basel Church.

 

Accessible primarily by sea until less than 50 years ago, when a road eventually linked Kudat with Kota Kinabalu, Kudat’s past isolation has ensured that much of the original charm and tradition of the region remain relatively unchanged.

 
 

 

TRANQUILITY

ON THE BAY

 

Kudat, blessed by its location by the sea, is a spacious, clean and attractive town with plenty of trees and open spaces.

 

 

 

 

Kudat District

 

Old” Kudat is focused around the main street, Jalan Lo Thien Chok, where traditional fan-cooled coffee shops, mixed traders and provision shops are joined by more modern shops and hotels. Reflecting Kudat’s multi-ethnic population, Chinese temples, mosques and churches all sit in happy proximity.

 

In the 1970s, a massive project reclaimed 500 acres from the sea to the northwest of the fishing harbours. Part of this is occupied by 3-storey shop houses with spacious walkways and a large open market or tamu ground, with the general market nearby. This newer area of Kudat, Pekan Tomborungus, is the site of the Tuesday evening open market or tamu, as well as the annual Pesta Kelapa, which celebrates the once all-important coconut, held here each September.

 

One of the most striking features of Kudat is the 2-kilometre Sidek Esplanade, running along the bay. This spacious, attractive esplanade has plenty of seating (making it a popular place to relax at sunset), play areas for children, plenty of room for jogging or strolling, and several food stalls. Kudat boasts a modern sports complex, opened in 2002, as well the Kudat Golf Club, which has an attractive 18-hole golf course.

 

A three-star resort, the Kudat Golf and Country Club, sits adjacent to the golf course overlooking a small marina. Kudat is renowned for its seafood, and popular places for enjoying this are the food stalls next to the Pasar Ikan or fish market, and a group of Muslim food stalls set up every early morning near the town green or Padang.

 

 
 SABAH - District Of Kudat Overview

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