Ranau District, Administrative district in West Coast, Malaysia
Ranau District is an administrative area in Sabah that covers mountainous terrain at higher elevation. The district is organized into smaller administrative sections, with Ranau Town serving as the hub for government and commerce.
The name Ranau comes from the Dusun language and refers to the rice fields that sustained local communities for generations. This agricultural tradition shaped the region's character and development over many decades.
The Kadazan-Dusun people form the core of the community here and shape daily life with their customs. You can experience their connection to farming through the annual Tadau Kaamatan harvest celebration held each year.
The best time to visit is during the dry season when mountain roads are easier to travel. Bring warmer clothing since the higher elevation means cooler temperatures.
From 1975 to 1999 the Mamut Copper Mine operated as one of the major resource extraction sites in the region. The former mining site remains an important part of Sabah's industrial heritage.
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