A Heritage Walk in Kota Kinabalu Sabah is one of the must-do things when you visit this beautiful state in Borneo. Created and founded by Grace Leong just over five years ago, this very interesting educational trip was something out of the ordinary and if you love to know more about the history of Sabah or North Borneo as it was once called, this is the tour you should be taking. A simple three hour walk around the city viewing the many historical sites and monuments which in turn is narrated by your professional tour guide and is one of the best ways of introducing Sabah's Heritage to travelers.
Merdeka Field in Kota Kinabalu Sabah
The Heritage Walk in Kota Kinabalu Sabah starts at the Padang or Merdeka Field where the basic history on the independence of Sabah was proclaimed. Looking like a common field, there is much to learn from here. Let me just state that if I am going to tell you every detail that happened during my tour, then you will probably not need to go for it. So I am just going to give you bits and pieces of this Heritage Walk around KK.
One thing that I noticed was that Grace was very passionate about her Heritage Walk Tour here where almost every detail and information was passed on to me. There were also many things that I did not know especially when Grace asked me if I knew the older name of Kota Kinabalu which was before Jesselton. I was literally surprised when she told me what it was.
A unique narrow building between two roads in Sabah
From the Padang, we headed over to a beautiful clock tower called Atkinson's Clock Tower. This striking monument had much of a history which was built back in 1905 and you could even climb up the stairs to get a closer look at the clock tower here in Kota Kinabalu city. A plaque is also at the base of the hill describing the tower in not one but four languages.
Pre-War Shops along Gaya Street in Sabah
As we then cross the main road that leads us to Gaya Street which was once called Bond Street, Grace then points out that it was on this street that the first actual commercial shop lots were built back in 1900. Even one row still exists which was well looked after. Gaya Street is also very popular for the Sunday Weekend Market along this street so if you are here on a Sunday, do visit this street.
As we walked in the hot afternoon, I could not help but notice some of the old shop signs place high above the doors and some of them still read in English. A tip while exploring these places, look all around as you may spot something unusual. After Gaya Street, we made a stop at the famous Jesselton Hotel where apparently Muhammad Ali once stayed. This beautiful hotel was also established in 1954 and has maintained the same original look from back in the day and is the oldest hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Malaysia Monument in Kota Kinabalu Sabah
We next passed the Kota Kinabalu Municipal Council (MBKK) building which was one of the stops, but since it was a public holiday and the MBKK was closed, we continued to the next stop which was the Malaysia Monument. Another interesting part of Sabah's past was revealed here by Grace.
North Borneo War Memorial in Kota Kinabalu
Just nearby across the City Hall, we crossed the street and made our way to a small park where the North Borneo War Memorial is located. Apparently this structure was moved here many years ago and now it sits perfectly in this little park by the main road in town. The monument was unveiled back in 1923 in memory of the fallen soldiers from Britain, Australia and Malaysia.
Sabah Tourism Board building in Kota Kinabalu town
Continuing our journey,we made a stopover at the Sabah Tourism Board building which was built in 1916. The architecture was absolutely beautiful following the old British structure. This place has also gone through some major renovations on the interior while the facade still maintains the natural look. This is one of the three structures left standing after the second world war.
Crossing the main road at the back of the STB building, we stop at the Independence Community Center where historical moments are explained by Grace. This place is now known as the Kota Kinabalu Multi Purpose Hall. Out next stop was just a stones throw away and called Australia Place. This was where the Australian Liberation Forces set up camp when they landed in Jesselton back in the day during World War Two.
Kopi Botol of Kota Kinabalu (Bottled Coffee)
Our final stop for the KK Heritage Walk is at the Museum Kopitiam (Museum Coffee Shop) where Grace then invites us to try the famous Kopi Botol (Bottle Coffee) of Kota Kinabalu. This museum cum coffee shop is well decorated with all sorts of memorabilia from the days of the Australian Liberation Forces. Plaques, pictures and various items are spread out in the premises so you can spend some time reading and photographing these items. While here, we also tried the famous ANZAC Biscuits.
Memorabilia at the Museum Kopitiam in Sabah
We were then presented with a really beautiful gift from Grace after the Heritage Walk Tour and it now sits on my desk as a reminder of this amazing tour. A big thank you again to Sabah Tourism for organising this trip and to Grace Leong for making this one of my memorable tours of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Heritage Walk at Kota Kinabalu Sabah;
Each guest will also be presented with a KK Heritage Cap and a Guide to KK Heritage Walk Booklet as souvenirs before you start the tour. Please bring drinking water and wear proper walking shoes for this tour. An umbrella would be practical for ladies.
Please Note: There are many other agents claiming they also have the KK Heritage Walk Tour. The official proper tour is run by Grace Leong and her specially trained guides for this special tour. Please check with the contact details below or with Sabah Tourism as the original walk gives you a passport chop at each of the buildings you visit while the impersonators do not.
Tour departures: Every Tuesday and Thursday ( any number of pax) / (Other days except Sunday by prior arrangement through participating tour operators or hoteliers with minimum 4 pax)
Tour Guides for KK Heritage Walk;
- Grace Leong
- Lilian Agama
- James Chew
- Mary Ann
- Donald Lim
- Alvin Chin
- Leong Choon Kiong
KK Heritage Walk official website
Tour Agents for KK Heritage Walk
Contact for KK Heritage Walk in Sabah
Name: Grace Leong
Telephone: +6012 802 8823
Sabah Tourism Board
51 Gaya Street,
88000 Kota Kinabalu,
Tel: +6088 212121
Fax: +6088 212075
Heritage Walk in Kota Kinabalu Sabah was one of the best tours I have taken in a very long time therefore I recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu Sabah.