Several theories exist as to the etymological origins of the name 'Kinarut'. One such theory is that it refers to a street in the town which was formerly called China Road.[2] Another theory is that it originated from the Dusun wordKinorut[note 1] which means 'cutting using a knife'.
Kinarut originally belonged to the Sultanate of Brunei. In the late 17th century, when Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin had to withdraw from Chermin Island (Pulau Chermin) during the Brunei Civil War, he built a base in Kinarut at a strategic location protected by two rivers.[3][4] He remained there for ten years as the Sultan of Kinarut, during which incidents of piracy in the surrounding seas decreased significantly. With help from the local Bajau and Dusun people, he managed to counter several attacks from Sultan Muhyiddin.[3]
Kinarut is noted for its weekly tamu, an open air market dominated by native sellers which is held every Saturday. It is also close to Dinawan Island, Lok Kawi Wildlife Centre and the Kinarut Mansion ruins.
^North Borneo Native Dusun Tindal dialect 'Kinorut' mean "serious thing". For example "when you have to put or tie a rope around something e.g. a tree more than once or at least ten times. This mean you made the tie seriously and you have the intention of letting it tied permanently or the knot is not easily loosened. In just a short meaning is that you just cannot afford to let go some precious item. When you tie one end of a rope with big wild buffalo on the other end onto a tree, you have to use this 'Kinorut' method so that your rope won't get loose from the tree with the precious commodity. An example of this word is that when a Dusun man bring in a buffalo to a bazaar, he'll tie one end of the buffalo rope on a tree and using 'Kinorut' method.
Malaysia
Sabah
