Signal Hill Observatory

This roofed observation platform is situated on the edge of Signal Hill, or Bukit Bendera, behind the Kota Kinabalu Community Centre overlooking Kota Kinabalu town and the South China Sea. It offers visitors a bird's eye view of the town centre, as well as a distant view of the Tanjung Aru and Likas Bay areas. Signal Hill is in fact, one of the best places to get a good view of KK.

The hill is in a natural area where one can peacefully enjoy the beautiful skyline of the city with a view that extends to the islands.

Signal Hill Observatory. © Mike Cadman

The Kota Kinabalu coastline is clearly visible from this point. This observatory can be quite lonely at times. Hence, it is not recommended for visitors to go there at night, especially if you are alone or a company of two. For bigger groups, it should be no problem to visit there at all.

Getting There

For the more adventurous, you can walk to the Signal Hill Observatory from Jalan Istana by the Kota Kinabalu (KK) town field and take the left junction, Jalan Bukit Bendera. It will then be a 10 minutes up-hill stroll to get to the Tower.

Alternatively, take the short cut, which is a flight of stone steps up the slope of the hill behind, or you might want to take a taxi from KK town to get to the Tower.