Hotels in Marudu Town

Kota Marudu is a small, remote town located within the Kudat Division in Sabah. It is situated in the northern part of Sabah and bordered by Beluran, Kota Belud, Kudat and Pitas. Kota Marudu is approximately 130 km north of Kota Kinabalu. Kota Marudu was formerly known as ‘Bandau’, which was derived from the Kadazan-Dusun word ‘Mondou’ that means a mythical buffalo-like creature. Bandau was later renamed in 1974 as Kota Marudu to commemorate a fort built by Shariff Osman, a local warrior in order to protect the areas from British colonists at Marudu Bay. Kota Marudu’s main population is made up of the Kimaragang and Tobilung Dusun communities. Other several ethnics in Kota Marudu include the Bajaus, Bugis, Brunei natives, Orang Sungai and Suluk. Locals in Kota Marudu speak their native languages and Brunei Malay language.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are flights to Kota Kinabalu provided by Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air and Air Asia. From Kota Kinabalu airport, guests may then hail a taxi or a minivan to reach Kota Marudu. Another option is to take another flight to Kudat provided by MASWings and continue the journey to Kota Marudu from Kudat.

By Car

Two thirds of Kota Marudu areas are within mountainous ranges. There is a Sapi-Nangoh Highway connecting Kota Marudu to Kudat and a newer Pan Borneo Highway connecting northern part of Sabah to Kota Kinabalu. Since the route are connecting remote areas, petrol stations are difficult to be found along the long journey.

By Bus/Mini Van/Taxi

The Padang Merdeka Bus Terminal in Kota Kinabalu is dedicated to serve the needs of commuting to places in the northern part of Sabah including to Kota Marudu. Mini vans and Unser taxis are available here to take guests going to Kota Marudu.

Tourist Attractions

Sorinsim Waterfall

Sorinsim Waterfall is a secluded, crystal clear waterfall area situated about 40km from Kota Marudu. Its peaceful surrounding makes it an ideal spot for picnic and camping. Chartered bus is the only way to reach Sorinsim Waterfall from Kota Marudu and it is usually charged at a minimum of RM100 per trip.

Sagabon Park

Sagabon Park is a recreational spot located at Simpangan Village in Kota Marudu. It is famous among locals for camping activities. There is a lake in the park called Buyut Lake also known as Lubuk Buyut that is mainly used for freshwater fish research.

Maize Festival

An annual 2-days celebration filled with corn-related activities to celebrate the local maize industry of Kota Marudu such as corn competitions, corn industry exhibitions, traditional sports involving corns, corn selling and the highlight of the event is the Maize Beauty Pageant, featuring local beauty contestants parading themselves with corn-derived jewelleries made out of corn leaves and seeds.

Kota Marudu Tamu

An open Sunday market event held at Pekan Goshen selling variety of basic human needs and place for mingle around. Local sellers trade fresh produce and even bring amusing, rare fruits and vegetables such as ‘sukang’ and ‘dalit’, which are the red and orange-coloured flesh durians. Ethnic handicrafts are also an eye catcher such as the famous rungus beads, various blowpipes with darts and traditional rattan woven baskets.

Hotels

Marudu Inn

This hotel is a very suitable budget wise accommodation, offering good services and standard amenities for the comfort of its guests staying in Kota Marudu. Located in the centre of Kota Marudu, it provides easy access in getting around.

Northern Inn

This city hotel offers a comfortable and convenient guestrooms while staying in Kota Marudu. A well worth stay for anyone travelling solo, with friends or family.