Signal Hill Observatory Tower / Platform & the Signal Hill Jungle Trek Trail @ Kota Kinabalu [Sabah]

Background Story 

the Signal Hill Observatory Tower / Platform was touted as a tourist attraction but some of the online reviews were so scathing; i totally didn't want to spend my precious time going there! 

I would not if not for the freed up morning time on the last day of my KK trip. The walk wasn't comfortable under the bloody hot sun although we persevered all the way; so glad that pampered Alex was in a rather good mood and didn't complain much. 

Shall share more about the journey up the observatory on day seven of the KK itinerary. Anyway, on first impression, i must say my verdict was aligned with the online reviewers who gave a low rating. 

The view, however, was breathtaking; i gave my head a knock and lamented i should have visited earlier as i bet the change from day to night at sunset would no doubt be extremely spectacular!

Built precariously on the edge of a cliff, i am hoping its structure remains sound after the shocking Sabah earthquake a few weeks ago.

One of two circular pods at the platform, i could not find any reliable information on when the structure was built although it gave out an aura of familiarity to the rocket tower in Singapore; likely constructed in the same period.

Those hoping to catch the sunset may consider sitting at the benches next to the platform. Safety wise, i thought it was a better option too. 

According to a local Sabahan (yes Mit, i am referring to you), this observatory was more popular at night with many young locals dropping by at the cafe to gaze at the night view of the city and simply, to chill out.

Some might disagree with me but i thought it was quite worth my effort to trek all the way to this place, despite losing my way a few times. Purposely, by the way. 

On a moody day, this would be the kind of place that would assist me to recollect myself, pick up the pieces and be optimistic for a better tomorrow. 

Smoking was allowed! For a non smoker, we were so used to having smoke-free premises that we tend to forget it isn't the case in many countries! 

Don't you just love zoomed / telephone lens!? This was Wisma Merdeka in the picture and behind it, past the water, was Pulau Gaya of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park!

A very tall multi-storey carpark! It was actually very near to Jesselton Hotel; basically just across the small road where our hotel room faced. 

Roundabout although i would like to draw your focus to the Nishiki Japanese Restaurant where the van was parked; which was said to be the oldest Japanese restaurant in KK. Be warned, service was renowned for being slow. 

Signal Hill Observatory Tower / Platform was marketed as the highest point in Kota Kinabalu city but i beg to differ; the white house as shown in the photo was way higher! 

Alex with the Sabah state flag; adopted in 1988, it featured the silhouette of Mount Kinabalu!

We walked up using the hard way from Atkinson Clock Tower and decided to check out Signal Hill trail instead on our way back! We also factored in time savings as the foot of this trail would likely be in close proximity to Jesselton Hotel.

Loving the downward walk! 

An appropriate shelter in the middle of the jungle trek in case it rains; give me a hundred bucks and i doubt i would use the shelter when night falls! Damn, i noted the upward climb for the staircase at the back.

Thank god the staircase was downward sloping after that! In your haste to get out of the trail, which was done in less than five minutes, do be mindful of the "dangers".

Missing and broken wooden planks! I am unsure how well lit the trail would be at night so please do exercise caution! 

Landed safely and we were right; right ahead of us was Jesselton Hotel! 

This was taken at the start of the jungle trek at the foot hill where you could still take a pretty good look of the Signal Hill Observatory Tower / Platform. 

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Location

Jalan Bukit Bendera, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, 

Sabah, Malaysia

How to Get There On Foot

I would recommend the jungle trek near Jesselton Hotel as it saved a lot of time and was safer (less chance of being hit by a speeding car) although you may consider the longer way if you decide to check out Atkinson Clock Tower as well.

Map

As a show of comparison, do refer to the two trails we took as demarcated above; blue signifies the signal hill jungle trek trail while yellow denotes the route we took from Atkinson Clock Tower.

For the summarised itinerary of my 7 days, 6 nights Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) trip, please click here. 

Breakfast at Kudos Modern European Dining (Kudos Cooked Breakfast & French Toast) - Kota Kinabalu [East Malaysia]

After that unforgettable dinner at Kudos Modern European Dining, conveniently located on the ground floor of Jesselton Hotel, i knew for sure i had to have breakfast there on the last morning of my trip! 

And i did; all fresh and alert from a morning shower and my taste buds could not wait to be surprised once again by what was in store for them in the fine dining restaurant. 

Kudos Cooked Breakfast

Not knowing what was recommended could be a bane and i figured the best would likely command the highest price! So here's the Kudos Cooked Breakfast; frankly thought the presentation would be much more impressive since it cost me RM 35!

Came with four slices of half cut bread that weren't as enjoyable as the ones i had from Bread Yard in Singapore. To put it simply, lightly toasted white bread just didn't quite fascinate! 

The above accessories helped a bit and i should be thankful only two slices were white bread. The other two slices appeared to be the sweeter tasting Brioche.

Tomato was grilled perfectly with a softness so delicate; it was an enjoyment just to have it slip down the throat. Bacon wasn't the savoury type often found in breakfast; rather, it was rather similar to a less sweet bak kwa with a softer texture! 

That piece of homemade meat loaf (mistakenly thought to be luncheon meat) was in essence a mince meat patty with a peppery exquisiteness to it. Alex claimed that the baked beans were good (had to have his input here since i don't take baked beans)! 

Given the higher pricing attached to the Kudos Cooked Breakfast, you would be offered coffee / tea and a glass of orange juice. 

French Toast

I absolutely must order French Toast whenever i see it on the menu! Pity they were as normal as they could be; two slices of egg battered bread with a sprinkle of unexciting cinnamon sugar. Likely authentically French toast though. 

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Location

69, Gaya Street,

88800 Kota Kinabalu,

Sabah

Map 

As above

Breakfast Operation

From 7.30 am to 11.00 am

Menu

As above

Price

Kudos Cooked Breakfast - RM 35

French Toast - RM 15

[Inclusive of GST]

Additional Information

For my review on the dinner the night before at Kudos, click here.

Atkinson Clock Tower @ Kota Kinabalu [Sabah]

Some of you might recall the photograph above that was taken in day four of my Kota Kinabalu (KK) trip. Well, i am going to touch on the 15-meter tall clock tower today! 

To get nearer to the tower, you have to take the steps by the side. By the way, this Atkinson Clock Tower was so freaking near to Jesselton Hotel, where we stayed at.

A beacon of historical heritage even though it was built at a relatively young 1905, this is in fact the oldest standing structure in KK! According to records, the whole KK was destroyed during world war two with only two structures that remain till this date. 

Constructed as memorial for Mr Francis George Atkinson (first district officer of KK, then known as Jesselton) who unfortunately died at the age of 28 years old, it might have been of reference back in the days when buildings were not as tall and land reclamation has yet to push the coastline further out. 

Illuminated at night, it used to be a navigation landmark for ships but this was discontinued in the 1950s. The clock remained functional, albeit after undergoing quite a number of repairs.

A weather clock (or weather vane) stood on top of the tower; notice that instead of north, south, east, west, the letters were instead U, S, T and B. North, South, East and West are translated to Utara, Selatan, Timur and Barat in Malay, respectively! 

In modern KK and in the digital age, the clock tower has lost its relevance in the practical sense and i didn't even bump into anyone there; it could be just a touch and go for most tour packages.

I can bet with you - people likely would visit the area because of the carpark right behind the clock, especially on Sundays when the Gaya Street weekend market takes place right across the road. 

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Location

As above

To read more, check out the information board above.

For the itinerary of my 7 days, 6 nights Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) trip, please click here. 

Jovyn is FOUR!

We have endured the terrible twos, braved through the monsters threes and finally, the youngest kid in our close knitted family, Jovyn, is on her way to the fearsome fours! 

And it's fitting to have a cake for us to celebrate our achievements her birthday! As you can see, my family totally loves the yummy cakes from Pâtisserie Glacé!

With improving dexterity, the little brat insisted on sticking the celebratory message and the candles herself. Her assertiveness can be quite a frustration sometimes. 

At the very least, we were already glad she was willing to share with her poor brother, who was often her main punch bag whenever things didn't go her way. 

Counting the candles to ensure she has her mathematics and her age correct! 

Singing the birthday song; yes, in four different versions (English, Malay, Mandarin and Christian) as always. I am glad my sister gave birth to Jovyn to add to her brood; it's really fun and heartwarming to see both kids playing together and protecting each other. 

Until it came to the candle blowing part when Jerald blew the candles too; incurring the wrath of Jovyn who immediately used her fist to hit the brother! Tsk tsk!

Managed to avert the aggression eventually but as you can see, she hinted her murderous streak in the above picture when she cut the cake. Haha, kidding lah, the above was just one of many shots i took of that moment. Jovyn had a good laugh over it though. 

Anyway, happy 4th birthday, Jovyn!