Discover Kota Kinabalu: Atkinson Clock Tower and Island Park

Kota Kinabalu offers two distinct focuses for planning your trip: the town’s history and island nature off the coast. Atkinson Clock Tower is linked to a personal memorial, while the nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park comprises five islands and activities in coastal waters. Would you like to include historic sites in your stay in the city, or should the islands and water activities take centre stage?

City History at Atkinson Clock Tower

Atkinson Clock Tower was built in 1905 by Mary Edith Atkinson in memory of her son, Francis George Atkinson. The dedication gives the structure a clear personal connection: it commemorates a specifically named person and is associated with a particular year. Both the construction and its family motivation are therefore tangible aspects of the city’s history. If you are interested in historical topics, the tower offers a clearly defined point of reference for this part of your trip.

Five Islands with Different Conditions

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park lies off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and comprises Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. There is an important difference in the islands’ development: Sulug remains undeveloped to protect its natural ecological state. The other four islands have facilities for day visitors and overnight guests. This distinction is also relevant when choosing between a day visit and an overnight stay. If you are interested in a particular island, check the latest information about its facilities before your trip.

Water Activities in the Marine Park

Possible activities in the park’s coastal waters include snorkelling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and parasailing. The gentle currents around Sapi and Mamutik are also relevant for families with children and beginner snorkellers; these conditions are suitable for both groups. The range of activities applies to the park’s coastal waters, while the stated suitability specifically relates to the waters around Sapi and Mamutik. If you are travelling with children or planning your first snorkelling experience, you can take this specific combination into account when planning your island visit.

Plan Boat Connections and City Sightseeing

Daily boat connections and island-hopping services operate from three main jetties in Kota Kinabalu: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, DBKK Jetty, and Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty. These are three specific departure points for visiting the island park. The daily services indicate regular operations; for your specific departure, the current timetable and the operator in question remain decisive. Check the timetable before adding a particular connection to your day’s plans. If you would like to take a free city tour, it starts at the Sabah Tourism Board headquarters and includes a visit to the North Borneo War Monument. Check in advance whether and when the tour is currently offered.

Discover more destinations: Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Semporna, Menumbok, Kota Belud, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Kuala Penyu, Tambunan.

For the overview of the wider region: Sabah.