Tuaran

Tuaran is a town and district in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Located on the west coast of the state, it lies about 30 to 40 kilometers north of Kota Kinabalu, the state capital. Tuaran town is the administrative centre of Tuaran District, which is part of the Kota Kinabalu Division. The district encompasses coastal plains along the South China Sea and inland highlands at the foothills of the Crocker Range. The Tuaran River runs through the district and empties into the sea near the town.

The economy is largely agricultural, with paddy fields occupying much of the fertile lowlands. Rubber and oil palm are cultivated in the interior, while fishing supports coastal communities. In Tuaran town, commerce and services complement small-scale manufacturing and processing activities. The district is culturally diverse, with Dusun, Bajau, Malay, and Chinese communities contributing to local traditions, markets, and cuisine. Tuaran is known beyond Sabah for Tuaran mee, a local egg noodle dish often served with meat or vegetables in a soy-based sauce.

Transportation is primarily road-based, with a highway network linking Tuaran to Kota Kinabalu and other settlements. The town serves as a gateway for visitors exploring western Sabah, including rural communities along the river and nearby natural areas. Education under the Sabah state system includes several primary and secondary schools serving the district population.