Kota Kinabalu history

The history of modern Kota Kinabalu begins in the late 19th century, although these lands had been under the influence of the Bruneian Empire since the 15th century. Originally, a fishing village named Api-Api was located here. In 1899, the British North Borneo Company (BNBC), having lost its base on Gaya Island, established a new administrative centre here. The settlement was renamed Jesselton in honour of Sir Charles Jessel, the Vice-Chairman of the company.

Several factors played a key role in the city's formation. Firstly, its strategic location: the natural deep-water harbour was sheltered from winds and was ideal for a port. Secondly, its proximity to the North Borneo Railway under construction, which connected the coast with the interior regions, facilitated trade development. Under the administration of the British company, Jesselton quickly transformed into a vital trading hub.

From the very beginning, the city's economy was export-oriented. Jesselton became a centre for the trade of rubber, rattan, honey, and wax, which were delivered from the island's interior. After the Second World War, during which the city was almost completely destroyed, it was rebuilt and in 1946 became the capital of the British Crown Colony of North Borneo, replacing Sandakan in this status. In 1968, now part of independent Malaysia, Jesselton was renamed Kota Kinabalu in honour of the majestic Mount Kinabalu located nearby.

• Late 19th Century: On the site of the modern city, known as Api-Api ("Fires"), a small fishing settlement was founded in 1882.
• 1899: The British North Borneo Company establishes its new administrative centre and port here, naming it Jesselton in honour of the Vice-Chairman, Sir Charles Jessel. Thanks to its strategic location and the construction of the railway, the city quickly becomes an important centre for the export of rubber and other resources.
• 1942–1945: During World War II, the city is under occupation. In 1945, during the battles for liberation, Jesselton is subjected to massive bombardments, which almost completely destroy it.
• 1946: After the war, the devastated city comes under the direct rule of the British Crown and becomes the capital of the colony of North Borneo instead of Sandakan. Its large-scale reconstruction begins.
• 1963: North Borneo, renamed Sabah, becomes part of the newly formed Federation of Malaysia. Jesselton retains its status as the state capital.
• 1968: On September 30, the city is officially renamed Kota Kinabalu. The new name is given in honour of the nearby Mount Kinabalu, which is considered sacred by the local indigenous peoples.
• 2000: On February 2, Kota Kinabalu is granted official city status, marking a new stage in its development as one of the key tourism and economic centres of East Malaysia.

Key Milestones in the Development of Kota Kinabalu

The modern appearance and status of Kota Kinabalu are the result of several key stages that turned a small coastal settlement into a dynamic metropolis and the tourism centre of East Malaysia. Here are the main milestones of its development:

• Foundation of Jesselton and Railway Construction (1899). The creation of a new administrative centre by the British North Borneo Company and the laying of a railway into the island's interior became the starting point for economic growth. The city quickly turned into a key port for the export of rubber, timber, and other natural resources.
• Post-War Reconstruction and Capital Status (1946). After almost total destruction during World War II, the city, then still Jesselton, was rebuilt and appointed the capital of the new British Crown Colony of North Borneo, surpassing Sandakan in status. This laid the foundation for its future administrative and political significance.
• Renaming to Kota Kinabalu (1968). The change of name from the colonial "Jesselton" to "Kota Kinabalu" (Kinabalu Fort/City) after joining Malaysia marked an important cultural shift. The city gained a new identity, inextricably linked to Mount Kinabalu, which is sacred to the local peoples.
• Granting of City Status (2000). The official conferment of "city" status on February 2, 2000, was a recognition of its rapid growth and importance. This step stimulated further investment in urban infrastructure, the construction of modern shopping malls, hotels, and residential complexes.
• Transformation into an International Tourism Hub (Late 20th – Early 21st Century). Thanks to its unique location between the sea and the mountains, Kota Kinabalu has become one of Malaysia's main tourist destinations. The development of the international airport, the creation of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the popularisation of Mount Kinabalu climbs have attracted travellers from all over the world to the city.
• Economic Growth and Modernisation. Kota Kinabalu is one of the largest industrial and commercial centres in East Malaysia. Its economy is diversified and includes trade, logistics, tourism, and the service sector. The construction of modern buildings, such as the 30-storey Sabah Foundation Tower, symbolises its economic success and rapid pace of development.

The architectural appearance of Kota Kinabalu is a story of its practically complete rebirth. Since the city, then bearing the name Jesselton, was almost entirely destroyed during World War II, its modern look was formed primarily in the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries. There are no ancient quarters here in the traditional sense, but there is a unique blend of styles reflecting a turbulent history and rapid development.

Pre-War Heritage: Fragments of the Past

Only a few buildings remain from colonial Jesselton. The most famous of them is the Atkinson Clock Tower. This wooden structure, built in 1905, miraculously survived the bombings and today serves as a silent reminder of the city's early history. Another example is the building that now houses the Sabah Tourism Board (formerly the post office). These few structures represent the typical British colonial style of the early 20th century, adapted to the tropical climate.

Post-War Modernism and Functionalism

After 1945, large-scale reconstruction began. The city was rebuilt anew with a clear layout, where streets ran parallel and perpendicular to the coastline. The basis of the central area's development consisted of two- and three-storey "shophouses" — buildings in the functionalist style, where shops and workshops were located on the ground floor, and living quarters on the upper floors. This utilitarian approach formed a recognisable urban landscape that still prevails in the old centre.

Symbols of a New Era: Modernism and Brutalism (1970–1990s)

With the entry into Malaysia and subsequent economic growth, iconic, ambitious projects appeared in the city. The brightest example is the Tun Mustapha Tower (Menara Tun Mustapha), also known as the Sabah Foundation Building. This 30-storey cylindrical building made of glass and steel, built in 1977, is one of the few structures in the world with a "hanging" construction, where the floors are suspended on steel rods extending from a central core. This futuristic skyscraper became a symbol of the progress and prosperity of the state of Sabah.

Contemporary Architecture (since the 2000s)

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by a construction boom that turned Kota Kinabalu into a modern metropolis. Numerous high-rise hotels, residential complexes, and large shopping centres, such as Imago and Suria Sabah, appeared. An important place in the city's new look is occupied by modern mosques, for example, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, surrounded by a man-made lake creating the illusion that it is floating on water. The development of the waterfront and the construction of facilities like the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) underscore the city's status as a key tourism and business centre in Borneo.

Notable Figures in the History of Kota Kinabalu

The history of Kota Kinabalu, from colonial Jesselton to a modern metropolis, is inextricably linked with the activities of brilliant individuals — from local chiefs and independence fighters to politicians and figures of international scale. They left a noticeable mark on the development of the city and the entire Sabah region.

• Datu Muhammad Salleh (Mat Salleh) (died in 1900)

  Role/Profession: Chief and resistance fighter.

  Historical Significance: Mat Salleh was the leader of the local resistance against the rule of the British North Borneo Company. He led a series of rebellions in the late 19th century, including the famous attack on the British settlement on Gaya Island in 1897, which led to the transfer of the administrative centre to the mainland and the founding of Jesselton (the future Kota Kinabalu). Although his rebellion was eventually suppressed, Mat Salleh is revered in Sabah as a national hero who fought for independence.

• Tun Fuad Stephens (1920–1976)

  Role/Profession: Politician, the first Chief Minister of Sabah.

  Historical Significance: Donald Stephens, who later embraced Islam and took the name Fuad, was a key figure in the process of Sabah gaining independence and joining Malaysia in 1963. He became the first Chief Minister of the state and the first Governor (Yang di-Pertua Negara) of Sabah. His work laid the foundations for the political and economic development of the region. He died tragically in a plane crash in 1976.

• Tun Datu Mustapha bin Datu Harun (Tun Mustapha) (1918–1995)

  Role/Profession: Politician, the third Chief Minister of Sabah.

  Historical Significance: Tun Mustapha was one of the most influential politicians in the history of Sabah, serving as Chief Minister from 1967 to 1975. He is often called the "Father of Sabah's Development" for his contribution to the economy, education, and the spread of Islam. He founded the Sabah Foundation (Yayasan Sabah), which played a huge role in the social and economic progress of the state. The famous Tun Mustapha Tower in Kota Kinabalu is named in his honour.

• Datuk Peter Mojuntin (1939–1976)

  Role/Profession: Politician, minister in the state government.

  Historical Significance: Peter Mojuntin was a prominent political leader of the Kadazan-Dusun people and one of the founders of the UNKO party. He actively championed the rights and interests of the indigenous population of Sabah. As the Minister of Local Government and Housing, he made a significant contribution to infrastructure development. His life was cut short in the same "Double Six Crash" aviation disaster as the life of Tun Fuad Stephens.

• Penny Wong (born in 1968)

  Role/Profession: Politician, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia.

  Historical Significance: Penny Wong was born in Kota Kinabalu and spent her childhood here before moving to Australia. She became one of the most influential figures in Australian politics, assuming the post of Minister for Foreign Affairs. Her story symbolises the close ties between Malaysia and Australia, and her visits to her homeland always attract great attention, highlighting the international significance of Kota Kinabalu.