West Coast, Administrative division in northwestern Sabah, Malaysia
The West Coast is an administrative division in northwestern Sabah, spanning a hilly region that connects multiple towns and rural areas. It is anchored by Kota Kinabalu, where the major international airport and main harbour are located, while smaller towns like Ranau, Tuaran, and Papar serve as secondary centers.
The division originated from administrative structures established by the North Borneo Chartered Company, which were reorganized into its current form when Malaysia was created in 1963. The area remained strategically important as a maritime gateway and economic hub throughout these transitions.
Multiple indigenous groups including the Bajau, Dusun, and Kadazan have built their communities here over generations, and their traditions remain visible in daily life. Visitors can experience this diversity through local markets, celebrations, and handicraft workshops scattered throughout the area.
Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main transportation gateway, while the harbour accommodates sea arrivals and departures for visitors. Roads connect the various towns, though some villages are situated in hilly terrain, so travel between locations may require extra time.
Despite covering only about one-tenth of Sabah's land, this division is home to roughly one-third of the state's population. This concentration makes it one of the most densely inhabited areas on the entire island of Borneo.
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