The gateway to Eastern Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu does not hold back with architectural design and famous landmarks. The city is home to enthralling designs, including an assortment of modern, traditional Malay and colonialist styles.
Tun Mustapha Tower
One example of modern architecture is that of the Tun Mustapha Tower. Built in 1976, it was designed by the Mori Building Company of Japan and mirrors that of similar buildings joining the skyline in Tokyo. It is a purely glass structure and stands at 122 meters in height reaching 31 floors above the ground. It is the fifth tallest building in Borneo and includes a revolving 18th floor.
Sabah State Mosque
A prime example of religious architecture can be found at the Sabah State Mosque. Since opened in 1977, the mosque is considered one of the city’s most outstanding pieces of architecture: where traditional Islamic architecture meets contemporary design. Its large dome is ringed by gold motifs, each with their own crescent moon. Next to the Sabah State Mausoleum in the city center, it can hold up to 5,000 worshippers. The mosque also includes a special balcony for women, up to 500, during prayer times. It is considered one of the region’s most splendid landmarks.
Atkinson Clock Tower
For a peek into Kota Kinabalu’s past, visitors need look no further than the Atkinson Clock Tower. This tower happens to be the oldest structure in Kota Kinabalu and sits atop Signal Hill Road. Originally built using wood, the tower was a life-saving navigation landmark for incoming ships, at 15 meters high. Completed in 1905, the tower rose in memory of the area’s first district officer. Protected by the Sabah Cultural Heritage Enactment of 1997, the tower has undergone several renovations since, but its original purpose has not been forgotten.
Landmarks of Interest
Tun Mustapha Tower
Address: Likas Bay, 88817, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 326 300
Operating Hours:
– 24 hours daily
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Sabah State Mosque
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 88100, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6013 – 869 3148
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
– Friday: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
– Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Atkinson Clock Tower
Address: Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone: +6088 – 212 121
Operating Hours:
– 24 hours daily
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
