Standing quietly above the city for more than a century, Atkinson Clock Tower remains the oldest surviving structure in Kota Kinabalu. Built in 1905 as a memorial to Francis George Atkinson, the tower reflects the early days of the city when it was still known as Jesselton. Despite the destruction of much of the town during World War II, this historic landmark endured. Today, it stands as an important reminder of Sabah’s colonial past and the origins of modern Kota Kinabalu.
Signal Hill Team
Among the busy streets of Kota Kinabalu stands a structure that has quietly endured for more than a century. Atkinson Clock Tower, widely recognised as the oldest surviving structure in Kota Kinabalu, is more than a simple photo stop. It is a historic memorial built to honour Francis George Atkinson, the first District Officer of Jesselton during the British North Borneo administration.
While many visitors pass by it on their way to nearby attractions, the tower holds a story that dates back to the early days of the city, when Kota Kinabalu was still known as Jesselton. During that time, Jesselton was a small colonial settlement governed by the British North Borneo Company and served as a growing trading port in northern Borneo.
Today, Atkinson Clock Tower stands as a rare reminder of those early years. For travellers interested in Sabah’s heritage, the tower offers a meaningful glimpse into the city’s colonial past and the individuals who helped shape its development.
Photo credit: Daily Express
When Was Atkinson Clock Tower Built?
Atkinson Clock Tower was constructed in 1905 by the British North Borneo Company. It was funded by the mother of Francis George Atkinson after he died in 1902 at the age of 28. The clock tower was built as a memorial to honour his service to Jesselton, which was then a developing colonial settlement.
At the time, the structure served both practical and symbolic purposes. Besides being a memorial, it functioned as a timekeeping reference for the growing town and as a navigational point for ships arriving at the harbour. Its hilltop location made it visible from the sea before modern buildings dominated the skyline.
Photo Credit: The Sabah State Archives
A Rare Pre-War Structure in Kota Kinabalu
During the Second World War, much of Jesselton was destroyed by bombings. Very few colonial buildings survived. Atkinson Clock Tower remains one of the only pre-war structures that is still standing in Kota Kinabalu today.
This survival significantly increases its historical value. The Atkinson Clock Tower represents a direct architectural link to the early 20th-century development of the city. For visitors researching heritage sites in Sabah, it is considered one of the most important landmarks in central Kota Kinabalu.
Architectural Features and Location
The Atkinson Clock Tower stands approximately 50 feet tall and is built primarily from Merbau wood, a durable local hardwood that was commonly used in early construction in North Borneo. One of the tower’s most interesting features is its construction technique.
The structure was built without the use of nails, relying instead on traditional wooden joinery to hold the pieces together. This method reflects the craftsmanship of builders during that era and has helped the tower remain structurally sound for more than a century. The tower’s design is simple and functional, with clean lines and minimal decorative elements. This straightforward architectural style was typical of many early colonial structures built during the British administration.
Today, the clock tower sits along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, within the city centre. It is located just a short walk from popular attractions such as Gaya Street, Padang Merdeka, the Signal Hill Trail, and the Signal Hill Observatory Platform.
Visitors can reach the site by climbing a short staircase from the roadside. The area is compact and easily accessible, making the clock tower a convenient stop for those exploring the historical parts of Kota Kinabalu on foot.
Over the years, conservation and restoration efforts have been carried out to preserve the structure while maintaining its original character.
Photo credit: Daily express / Australian War Memorial
Atkinson Clock Tower
Why Atkinson Clock Tower Still Matters
More than a century after it was built, Atkinson Clock Tower remains an important heritage site in Sabah. It continues to serve as a historical reference point for understanding how Kota Kinabalu first developed as Jesselton.
In recent years, the surrounding area has also seen improvements aimed at enhancing visitor access. Upgrades to the nearby Signal Hill Trail have made it easier for visitors to explore the hill and surrounding green spaces while discovering historical landmarks along the way.
Despite the rapid modernisation of the city, the clock tower still stands quietly above the streets below, offering a reminder of Kota Kinabalu’s origins.
For travellers interested in historical attractions in Kota Kinabalu, visiting Atkinson Clock Tower provides a simple yet meaningful way to connect with the city’s past while exploring one of its oldest surviving landmarks. Don’t miss the chance to stop by and experience a piece of Kota Kinabalu’s history for yourself.