Kunak

Kunak is a small town located in Tawau Division, east coast of Sabah. It was formerly a sub-district administered under the Lahad Datu District Office, but achieved its status as a full district on 1st June, 1981.

Its population was estimated at 48,571 in 2000. The population is mainly Bajau and Bugis, (See "Bugis of Sabah").

There is also a sizeable Chinese population,involved in the running of most shops in the town. Many are also landowners who cultivate oil palms. There are also Chinese primary and secondary schools.

A resettlement scheme for Cocos Islanders is situated a few kilometres away, near Giram Oil Palm Estate (Golden Hope Berhad).

A jetty is situated about 5 km from the town, in an area named Pengkalan Kunak. A single road lined by wooden shophouses (possibly a squatter colony) leads to the jetty and wet market.

In 2002, a 76-bed government hospital was built in the town. At around the same time,a new highway linking Kunak to the town of Semporna was also opened.