Places of interest in Kota Marudu include Sorinsim Waterfall, located 40 kilometres from the main town, and Sagabon Park, an agriculture research station on Buyut Lake.

Kota Marudu also boasts Southeast Asia's largest solar power station.

The town celebrates an annual Maize Festival in honour of the agricultural product's contribution to the district's socio-economic development.

The line-up of activities includes a variety of exhibitions, competitions, traditional sports and a beauty pageant.

According to the legend, Bandau is a derivative of the word 'Mondou' from the Rungus dialect which means "the head (leader) of all the beasts".