Sabah : Yearly Grand Market of Kota Belud (KB Tamu Besar)

Kota Belud, Sabah 沙巴， 哥打毛律

It was my first visit to Tamu Besar of Kota Belud. My dad mentioned about it sometime last month, checked on Sabah calendar and it happens to be on 22nd and 23rd October this year. 

A brief understanding on Kota Belud (KB) - Kota Belud is a town located in the West Coast Division of the state of Sabah. It is located roughly at the midpoint of the federal highway connecting the state capital of Kota Kinabalu and Kudat, near to the northern tip of Sabah.

The town is considered the unofficial capital and gateway to the heartland of the Bajau people. It is also 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.

 

- Horse Riding -

Ever heard from Cowboy of the East? Cowboy of the East also known as the Bajau. The largest tribe could be found in KB.

During Tamu Besar, the Horsemen will decorate their horses and bring them to competition. Well, it was sad to say that I didn't stay longer and the said event will be later in the afternoon. 

- Snap -

The horse in the above image was for photography purpose only. The authentic Bajau horsemen will decorate their horse even eye catchy with bright colour, same to the horsemen. 

More photos from 2012 by Eddy to view here.

- One of the iconic item -

When we see this, it means that its the beginning of Tamu Besar!

- Basket weaving -

- The fabric -

A traditional pattern fabric which represent the Bajau. Normally will folded into a headgear for the men.

- Kuihs -

The local delicacies. It is hardly to see so many local cakes at one time! Penjaram, "The Pipe", Malay donuts and etc.

- Traditional attires -

We do noticed that the native here are normally wear traditional clothes in black.

- Beads and accessories -

Handmade items can't be avoided from beads. Different designs carries different meanings too.

-Traditional snacks/ tobacco - 

Saw the old man, old lady munching the red coloured snacks one side in their mouth? That's the purpose of the brown dried tobacco and the white consumable chalk.

While the yellowish loaf item was the real beeswax for our lip! That's my first seeing such traditional nature goodness. 

- Local delicacies -

- Introducing local delicacies -

-Traditional food cover and local delicacies -

- The Chinese -

Mainly Hakka in Kota Belud. We could see the diverse culture at one market in Sabah, which is a very good norms to adopt. Loving our land, culture and remaining the culture should be educated from young.

- Necklaces and head accessories - 

I bought one head accessories for keeping, loving it and not frequently found now a days. Luck perhaps? Moreover, there's limited size!

- Cheapest Snack -

Bought few Apam Balik with cheap price! RM0.50 each was surprising! And you know what? One of my reader told me that the old man selling his snack with the same price for ages.

- Vegetables -

The best thing to do at Tamu is buying the local vegetables with cheap prices and its fresh. 😊

That's all for our yearly Tamu Besar visiting. Good experience for the first time. 

Set your plan to visit our KB Tamu Besar next year if you happen to come Sabah next year. 😉