Kota Belud: Untamed Beauty, Sun Watching & Fireflies

Between the 1st and 3rd day, I met up with several people in Kota Kinabalu, which served as my base. What and what not, I will let you know after the finale of my so-called looking for new ventures in Sabah. On the 4th day, I decided to include some sightseeing. I arranged and paid for a drive to Kota Belud. This trip was also to explore this part of Sabah and assess its potential for future ventures, which I can't disclose more about (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE).

The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud takes about 1 ½ hours, and I requested stops along the way for some discoveries. We stopped at Gerai Kelapa Bakar Kak Tini (Lokan Bakar & Puding Kelapa) on Jalan Sulaman Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu. It's famous for Kelapa Bakar, where whole coconuts are roasted to perfection, resulting in tender, smoky coconut flesh and uniquely flavored coconut water. The coconuts, with their hard outer shells, are roasted over charcoal, and once done, the shells are peeled off before serving.

The roasted coconut offers health benefits, including improved digestion, hydration, and a boost of essential electrolytes. Equally enticing is the Lokan Bakar, grilled clams marinated in a spicy blend that offers a burst of flavors. The Puding Kelapa, a creamy coconut pudding, is prepared and served in convenient plastic cups. This smooth, sweet treat made from fresh coconut milk is perfect for cooling down and cleansing your palate.

 

At an unassuming roadside stall, I experienced roasted-over-charcoal coconut for the first time at Gerai Kelapa Bakar Kak Tini. I delight in street food discoveries like this, and sitting on a long bench, savoring the warm coconut juice and scraping the tender flesh with a spoon, was incredibly satisfying. It felt like a significant find, and enjoying the roasted coconut and creamy coconut pudding added to the pleasure.

 

Although I walked around to see the surroundings, I only saw the final product, not the roasting process by itself. If you're traveling to Kota Belud, a stop at Gerai Kelapa Bakar Kak Tini should be good. 

Continuing to Kota Belud, known as the "Land of the Cowboys of the East," I immersed myself in the local culture. The town is famous for its traditional horsemen and vibrant weekly tamu (market), where locals trade fresh produce and handcrafted items. Situated at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, Kota Belud offers stunning views and serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures like hiking, river rafting, and exploring the area's rich biodiversity.

True to its promise of natural splendor and simple, humble people, Kota Belud captivated me. I decided to embark on the Kota Belud Wildfire Safari River Cruise, an adventure through Sabah's pristine waterways. This immersive experience allows visitors to explore lush mangrove forests and spot diverse wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other exotic bird species (CAPE TOWN SEAL ISLAND, COLOMBO MADU RIVER CRUISE, SACRED GANGES & KERALA POOVAR CRUISE). 

While waiting for the boat, the cruise coordinator introduced us to birds in cages, the talking birds, that can mimic animals and humans through their keen listening skills. It was fascinating to witness such birds, a phenomenon I had only seen discussed online.

As we boarded the boat at the jetty and navigated through Kota Belud's waterways, we caught glimpses of proboscis monkeys and various other species of monkeys and birds amidst the untouched, wild mangrove wetlands. 

Later, in between the time waiting for the Fireflies Safari Cruise, we visited Kota Belud Beach, where we took a lengthy walk to explore two distinct areas - one closer and one further afield. The natural beauty was truly breathtaking. By the time we reached the beach, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow and shimmering colors on the rising waters - simply stunning. 

We timed it perfectly to return to the riverbank and board the boat again, this time for a firefly experience. The boat navigated through the waters, and with everyone aboard waiting patiently, we witnessed groups of fireflies flickering in synchrony, illuminating the darkness like a living fairy tale. The boat's engine was turned off to avoid disturbing the magical display, and no photos were allowed. It was an awe-inspiring, captivating moment, marking my first experience with such a natural wonder.

Unfortunately, it was time to say goodbye to Kota Belud as we drove back to Kota Kinabalu. I wished I could have stayed another day to explore the local food scene and unassuming eateries, but with time constraints, those plans had to be set aside.