[1] 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.

Kota Belud's population is divided between the Bajau-Sama (including Illanun) and Dusun peoples.

It is noted for its open air market, or tamu, which is held every Sunday.

A 520 feet (160 m) bailey bridge was opened on 12 November 1962, following three months of construction.