Atkinson Clock Tower

One of the most enduring landmarks in Kota Kinabalu which has stood prominently on the bluff along Signal Hill Road is the Kota Kinabalu Clock Tower. It was built as a memorial to Francis George Atkinson – the popular first District Officer of Kota Kinabalu. This memorial has the distinction of being the oldest standing structure in the whole of Sabah that survived the air raids and blitz of World War II.

Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary

Situated just two kilometers north-east of Kota Kinabalu City, the Bird Sanctuary covers 24-hectare (60 acres) of mangrove forest vicinity on the coastal surrounding area of Kota Kinabalu.

Strategically located as an environmental education centre serving both local and international visitors who’s interested in wetlands, flora and fauna. On recreational aspect, the sanctuary also provide a general nature appreciation and eco-tourism attraction. Mangrove plants are specially adapted to grow in the mud and brackish water that become home to many birds, crab, prawns and fishes.

Commonly sighted birds here include the migratory species from as far as Northern Asia, Siberia and Northern China, sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank, egrets, herons, canopy birds such as collared kingfisher and stork-billed kingfisher. To date almost 80 species of birds have been identified at the sanctuary. The mangrove is a special type of wetland found only in tropical climates. Rhizophora species such as Rhizophora sp and Sonneratia sp are the most abundant plant you will see here that covers 70 to 80% of the region. These plants have special leaves, roots, flowers and seeds adapted well to harsh mangrove environment.

Gaya Street Fair

Gaya Street is located within the Central Business District along the stretch of road that is the oldest part of the City. Known as Bond Street during the old Jesselton days, Gaya Street has been in the centre for business over more than 100 years! From the time when wooden shops with atap or nipah leaves roofs lined the street to the modern concrete shoplots of today. Business in Gaya Street continues as usual but every Sunday the street livens up with the weekly street fair.

There are plenty to look at as you stroll down the street’s entire length. Colorful stalls line your path selling a variety of goods from plants and flowers, fresh vegetables, fruits, antiques, handicraft, jewellery, clothing, footware, food, herbs and even pets and arts work. Items are priced reasonably but there are always opportunity for you to practice your bargaining skills. Visiting Gaya Street Fair is a popular family outing activities for locals who flock the market looking for stock new plants for their gardens or just to browse the many stalls with their children.The Street Fair is open for business from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm noon.

Sabah Museum & Heritage Village

Sabah has as many as 12 museums. Discover and learn about Sabah’s rich history and culture at the Sabah State Museum. Deemed one of the best in the region, the museum is home to an impressive collection of artefacts that reflect Sabah’s cultural, ethnic and natural history. Some of the archaeological findings here dated back 28,000 years ago.

Ceramics, traditional weapons and costumes reflect the amazing diversity of culture and bears testament to Sabah’s early trade links with neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia and China. Find out more about Sabah’s heroes, ranging from politicians to warriors, who have helped build the state to what it is today. The museum also houses musical instruments, tools and ritual paraphernalia, each with a unique story of its own.

Take a walk outside the main building and venture to the Heritage Village. The village showcases various traditional houses of the various indigenous groups of Sabah. These houses depict the beauty of the traditional architecture, which incorporates the respective cultural aspects of each ethnic group. Visitors can enter the houses and get a closer glimpse of each room. Each house is furnished with artefacts to create a true atmosphere of a typical traditional house. Cultural activities are held here from time to time to enliven the village.