[2025 Kota Kinabalu Attraction] Travel Guide for Atkinson Clock Tower (Updated Oct)

It was a short trip to Kota Kinabalu 🇲🇾 On our first day, we visited Gaya Street Sunday Market. We explored the bustling market filled with local crafts, food, and souvenirs. Gaya Street, historically known as Bond Street, dates back to the early 1900s when it was the main commercial hub of Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu). The market is a vibrant reflection of the city’s multicultural heritage, where you can find everything from local handicrafts to traditional snacks. ⏰6:30 AM - 1:00 PM (Sundays) 📍Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu. We also visited the Sabah State Museum. The museum was established in 1965, houses an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Sabah’s diverse ethnic groups, its colonial past, and its natural history. The museum complex also includes a Heritage Village, where traditional houses of various indigenous groups are on display. 💰 RM 15 (~$3.20 USD) ⏰ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 📍 Jalan Muzium, Kota Kinabalu. We also explored the Atkinson Clock Tower. It is one of the oldest standing structures in Kota Kinabalu. It was built in 1905, the Atkinson Clock Tower is a memorial to Francis George Atkinson, the first District Officer of Jesselton, who died of malaria at a young age. The clock tower survived the Allied bombing during World War II and remains one of the few pre-war structures still standing in the city. 📍 Signal Hill Road, Kota Kinabalu. We also explored the Signal Hill Observatory Platform to enjoy panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu and the surrounding islands. Signal Hill is the highest point in Kota Kinabalu, offering sweeping views of the city skyline, the coastline, and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Historically, it served as a strategic lookout point during the British colonial era. 📍Jalan Bukit Bendera, Kota Kinabalu. If you are looking for a place for dinner, I would suggest you to try Welcome Seafood Restaurant. We ordered the Grilled tiger prawns, butter milk crab, and Sabah vegetable (Sabah Choy).They were all very delicious, highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ . 💰 RM 50 - RM 100 per person (~$11 - $22 USD). 📍 Lot G18, Komplex Asia City, Kota Kinabalu. We also visited Manukan Island 🏝️ We tried out various activities such as Snorkeling 🤿 and swimming. Manukan Island is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and is the second largest island in the park. The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and beach activities. 💰 RM 20 (~$4.30 USD) for non-Malaysians. 📍Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a 20-minute boat ride from Jesselton Point. We also visited Sapi Island. If you are visiting the island 🏝️, I would recommend you to try Zip-lining, snorkeling, and jungle trekking. They were all very fun 💯 Sapi Island, also within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, is known for its pristine beaches and adventurous activities. The Coral Flyer, a zip line that connects Sapi Isl #malaysiatrip #vacation

Kota Kinabalu, located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, is a vibrant city nestled between lush mountains and the sparkling South China Sea. Known for its captivating natural beauty, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality, Kota Kinabalu offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. The city's iconic landmark, Mount Kinabalu, stands tall as the highest peak in Southeast Asia, drawing adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for biodiversity, showcasing a rich variety of flora and fauna that thrive in its diverse ecosystems. Kota Kinabalu's picturesque coastline presents pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for beach lovers and scuba divers. The nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of five stunning islands, each with its own charm, offering opportunities for water sports, snorkeling, and relaxation. The city itself reflects a harmonious blend of cultures, predominantly influenced by indigenous groups, Malays, Chinese, and various ethnic communities. This cultural diversity is showcased through the local cuisine, which is a delightful fusion of flavors and cooking styles. The Gaya Street Sunday Market is a bustling hub where visitors can experience the local culture, purchase handicrafts, and savor mouthwatering street food. Kota Kinabalu's urban landscape is modern and evolving, with shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment centers catering to both locals and tourists. The Signal Hill Observatory Platform provides a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, while the Atkinson Clock Tower stands as a historical landmark, dating back to the late 19th century. Beyond the city limits, opportunities for adventure abound. Travelers can explore the Kinabalu National Park for trekking, visit the Poring Hot Springs for relaxation, or embark on wildlife safaris to catch glimpses of proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and other exotic creatures in their natural habitats. In conclusion, Kota Kinabalu is a captivating destination that captivates with its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and adventurous opportunities. Whether you seek outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, or a tranquil escape, this city in Sabah offers a truly enchanting experience.

Atkinson Clock Tower is the oldest man-made structure in Kota Kinabalu City. There is an interesting story of the tower: it was built in 1905 at the request of the mother in memory of her son, an officer who served in Jesselton and died here of malaria. This tower is one of the few sights of Kota Kinabalu that survived the bombing of World War II. Atkinson Clock Tower is located in Kota Kinabalu city centre, about 3 minutes walk from the Gaya Street. This white-coloured timepiece looks beautiful at night, when lit up. #bucketlistreboot #malaysia #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #summervacation #cityoverlook #tower #kotakinabalu

#September Good Places 2025 Kota Kinabalu itself is a laid-back and exotic city, walking through the city center you will find that in addition to sea views and food, there are actually many underrated historical attractions! This time I would like to introduce the must-see "Ei Kyung Sang Clock Tower", plus the Sabah Tourism Bureau next to it, it can definitely be easily included in the half-day tour. Attractions Inventory: The golden combination of traversing history and getting travel information Stop 1: Ai Jingsheng's Great Clock Tower This World War II relic "Ei Kyung Sang Big Clock Tower" located in the center of Kota Kinabalu has a pure white and simple appearance, which is great for taking pictures! With a rich historical rhyme behind the clock tower, it is one of the very few preserved monuments in Kota Kinabalu. Whether it's sunny during the day or in the dim light of dusk, it's perfect for photos. (Open all year round, you can go anytime you want! Address: Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia) Stop 2: Sabah Tourism Bureau After typing the card, we might as well walk to the Sabah Tourism Bureau next door! Personally verified, the staff is super helpful and will not only help you with information about local attractions, culture or food, but also have a variety of free maps and travel manuals to make impromptu trips without stress. Location is just one street away from the clock tower, 2 minutes walk along the road from the clock tower. Itinerary insights & tips These two places are truly worth recommending, whether you are a history junkie or like to take pictures to find your own fun. The clock tower itself is one of Sabah's identity symbols, witnesses of World War II traces; 📍 Ai Jingsheng Great Clock Tower Address: Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia 🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day year round (very convenient, no reservation required) Practical little tips 1. Shooting the bell tower is recommended to use a wide-angle lens, the bell tower is not very high, can be contrasted with the blue sky behind, more beautiful. 2. There are convenience stores and snack shops nearby. You can buy water resupply after playing cards. 3. Sabah Tourism provides multilingual services, English communication is completely no difficulty. 4. Although the clock tower is open year-round, it is close to a peak pedestrian area and can be more traffic and visitors at noon, and it is recommended to avoid crowds in the morning or evening. Transportation guide Both Ai Jingsheng Clock Tower and Sabah Tourism are located in the center of Kota Kinabalu, which are basically easy to walk or Grab from Gaya Street. And the nearby bus stops are dense, suitable for self-service or chartered travelers. Food recommendations There are plenty of local specialty snacks in nearby Gaya Street. You can try Sabah Laksa and Coconut Rice for more down-to-earth reasons! Itinerary-related topics: #Kota Kinabalu #Sabah World War II Relics #Tourist Bureau Tips #Easy Tour of Downtown #Malaysia Attractions

#kotakinabalutrip The **Atkinson Clock Tower** is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in **Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia**. Here’s a detailed review of this heritage site: ### **Overview** - **Location**: Jalan Balai Polis, near the KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu. - **Built in**: 1905. - **Height**: Approximately **15.7 meters (52 feet)**. - **Purpose**: Built as a memorial to **Francis George Atkinson**, the first District Officer of Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu), who died of malaria at age 28. ### **Historical Significance** - One of the **oldest surviving structures** in Kota Kinabalu, having survived World War II bombings. - Originally used as a **navigation aid** for ships entering the harbor. - A symbol of **British colonial history** in Sabah. ### **Architecture & Design** - **Wooden structure** with a **four-sided clock face**. - Features a **simple yet elegant** colonial-era design. - The clock mechanism was imported from **England**. ### **Visitor Experience** - **Free to visit** (no entrance fee). - **Great for photography**—blends colonial heritage with the modern city skyline. - **Surrounded by greenery**, offering a quiet spot in the bustling city. - **Nearby attractions**: Jesselton Hotel, Signal Hill Observatory, Filipino Market. ### **Pros** ✔ Rich historical value. ✔ Easily accessible in the city center. ✔ A peaceful, nostalgic landmark. ### **Cons** ✖ Relatively small—visitors may spend only 10-15 minutes here. ✖ Some wear and tear due to age (though preservation efforts exist). ### **Final Verdict** ⭐ **4/5** – A must-visit for history lovers, though not a major tourist attraction. Best combined with other nearby sights.