Things to Do at Atkinson Clock Tower

Complete Guide to Atkinson Clock Tower in Kota Kinabalu

About Atkinson Clock Tower

Free admission. Local street performers often set up nearby on weekends. Check opening hours before visiting as they change seasonally.

What to See & Do

Colonial Architecture

The tower's simple white wooden construction represents typical early 20th-century colonial design - clean lines and practical materials that could withstand the tropical climate

Memorial Plaque

A commemorative plaque tells the story of Francis George Atkinson, giving you a glimpse into the area's colonial administrative history

Waterfront Views

The tower's location offers decent views of the nearby waterfront area and makes for a pleasant spot to orient yourself in the city

Photography Opportunities

The contrast between the historic white tower and modern KK development around it creates some interesting photographic compositions

Signal Hill Observatory Connection

You can see the tower from Signal Hill Observatory above, which gives you a sense of how it fits into the broader cityscape

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Viewable 24/7 from the outside (interior is not accessible to visitors)

Tickets & Pricing

Free to view and photograph

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds; sunset can be particularly nice for photos

Suggested Duration

15-30 minutes for photos and reading the historical information

Getting There

The clock tower sits on Jalan Dato Salleh Sulong near Kota Kinalu's waterfront, walking distance from most central hotels and close to the main tourist areas. Most visitors find it by accident. It is just a few minutes inland from Jesselton Point where the island ferries leave. You won't make this a destination. People stumble across it while walking between other attractions-which makes perfect sense given how quick the stop is. Taxis and Grab work fine, but you'll want to combine it with nearby attractions.

Things to Do Nearby

Signal Hill Observatory
A short uphill walk that offers panoramic views over KK and a good vantage point to see the clock tower from above

Sabah State Museum
About 10 minutes away, housing collections on local history, culture, and natural history that provide context for the colonial period

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
The departure point for island-hopping trips to nearby islands like Sapi and Manukan

KK Waterfront
A pleasant area for walking with views across the bay, restaurants, and a more modern perspective on the city's relationship with the sea

Central Market
The bustling local market area where you can experience contemporary KK life and sample local foods

Tips & Advice

Don't expect to spend much time here - it's more of a 'quick photo and historical marker' kind of stop

Combine your visit with a walk up Signal Hill for a more substantial outing and better views

The area can get quite warm during midday, so early morning visits tend to be more comfortable

It works well as a starting or ending point for exploring the waterfront area on foot