In the afternoon of 12.12.2025, while strolling along Jalan Gaya, we caught glimpses of the newly completed Kota Kinabalu Elevated Forest Walkway tucked behind dense vegetation at Signal Hill. Curious and intrigued, we decided to seek it out and discover what this new urban landmark had to offer.
Our walk began at the historic Atkinson Clock Tower, where the elevated trail rises gently into the treetops. From the very first steps, we were immersed in an urban forest canopy experience, enjoying the greenery and cool shade while still very much in the heart of the city. The walkway stretches for approximately 500 metres and gradually leads visitors toward the Signal Hill Observatory Tower. The trail is family-friendly, with only a few steps along the way, making it accessible to casual walkers and nature lovers alike.
Neither the Atkinson Clock Tower nor the Signal Hill Observatory Tower was new to us. We have passed by these iconic landmarks countless times during our weekend morning cycling routes along the winding, hilly Jalan Bukit Bendara through Signal Hill (Read here). Yet experiencing them from this elevated perspective, woven into the forest canopy, offered a refreshing and entirely different appreciation of places we thought we already knew well.
As we made our way along the path, we paused at several viewing platforms to take in the sweeping panoramas of Kota Kinabalu’s skyline, the shimmering South China Sea, and the surrounding green hills. These platforms provide ideal spots for photography or for simply lingering to appreciate how nature and urban life intertwine. The intended finale of the walk is the Observatory Tower, a favourite vantage point for sunset views. Unfortunately, on the day of our visit, the gate leading to the tower was closed, and we were unable to access it.
Even without reaching the tower, the walk proved to be both an invigorating and scenic experience. It beautifully blends urban heritage with the tranquility of nature in a way rarely found in city centres. Although the trail is known to offer opportunities to spot native birds, butterflies, and small mammals, we hardly encountered any wildlife during our visit. Nevertheless, the peaceful treetop stroll and refreshing perspective of the city made the experience worthwhile and memorable.
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