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20m
Kota Kinabalu City Park serves as the primary gathering point, offering a lush green refuge right in the heart of downtown. Visitors start by taking a leisurely walk through landscaped gardens and tree-shaded pathways.
Landscaping & Flora: Walk along shaded stone paths surrounded by tropical trees, flowering plants, and garden sculptures.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Experience a peaceful spot where locals and travelers take a break from the surrounding urban streets.
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10m
Visit a local street filled with graffiti murals created by local artists.
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20m
Tucked into a quiet alleyway in Kampung Air, it functions like an eclectic mini-museum celebrating local nostalgia, Bornean heritage, and old-world craftsmanship.
What You'll Find Inside
Cultural & Heritage Artifacts: Traditional Bornean brassware, carved wooden statues, heirloom pieces, and rare historical items—including antique gongs and local heritage relics.
Vinyl Records & Audio: Crates of vintage vinyl records, retro media, and classic sound equipment for music lovers and record diggers.
Curiosities & Nostalgia: Vintage cameras, mechanical clocks, antique irons, brass pots, old coins, and unique trinkets where every item carries a backstory.
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20m
Merdeka Square serves as the principal heritage field in Kota Kinabalu, set against the green backdrop of Signal Hill. During the British colonial era, the field served as the city's primary sports ground, but its most famous milestone occurred on September 16, 1963, when the Proclamation of Malaysia was read here to declare Sabah's entry into the nation of Malaysia.
Historical Milestone: The exact location where Sabah's independence through the formation of Malaysia was officially declared by Tun Fuad Stephens in 1963.
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Atkinson Clock Tower
15m
Located on the hillside overlooking Padang Merdeka, the Atkinson Clock Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu, constructed out of heartwood timber in 1905.
Colonial Landmark: Built in memory of Francis George Atkinson, the first district officer of colonial Jesselton.
Scenic Hillside Walk: A brief uphill path behind the clock tower leads toward view spots overlooking the city center.
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Lorong Dewan
20m
Australia Place (officially named Lorong Dewan) is a historic, tree-lined lane running along the foot of Signal Hill in downtown Kota Kinabalu, right behind Gaya Street. It is famous for its World War II heritage, printing history, and transformation into the city's modern art, specialty coffee, and boutique cafe hub.
History & Significance
WWII Camp Site (1945): Toward the end of World War II in 1945, Australian troops (the 9th Division) landed in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) to liberate North Borneo from Japanese occupation. They set up their central campsite along this lane, earning it the name "Australia Place."
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Gaya Street
20m
Gaya Street
4.6 stars rating4.6
Business center
Open
· Closes 11:00 PM
Strolling along Gaya Street on the way down to the waterfront offers travelers an intimate look at Kota Kinabalu’s urban evolution. As you walk under the shade of mature trees and covered five-foot walkways (kaki lima), you will experience a striking contrast between post-war heritage shophouses and contemporary local lifestyle spots.
Architectural Heritage: Marvel at the mid-20th-century shophouses featuring traditional wooden window shutters, pastel facades, and classic family signage painted in Chinese calligraphy.
Traditional Trades: Spot long-standing family-run dry goods stores, traditional Chinese herbalists, old hardware merchants, and classic tailors operating side-by-side with modern specialty cafes and artisan bakeries.
Vibrant Street Life: Feel the rhythmic hum of local daily life as office workers, morning coffee-drinkers, and shoppers weave through the covered arcades.
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20m
Kota Kinabalu Central Market is the primary multi-level hub for daily produce, spices, and Sabah's regional agricultural harvests. Positioned right along the city center promenade, it comes alive early in the morning as local cooks, restaurant owners, and residents gather to shop for fresh ingredients.
Produce & Seasonal Fruits: Walk past vibrant displays of tropical fruits including Sabahan durian, tarap, bambangan (wild mango), and sweet mangosteens.
Regional Spices & Staples: Explore rows of stalls selling house-blended sambals, dried sea cucumber, salted fish, and homemade palm sugar (gula melaka).
