After a period of upgrade and redevelopment, the Tun Fuad Stephens Sabah Botanical Park in Bukit Padang has officially reopened its doors to the public starting today, October 27, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) on October 25, marking the return of a popular green lung for city residents.
The park will be accessible daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, welcoming the public for various healthy outdoor pursuits such as jogging, walking, and hiking.
A safety assessment confirmed that the main jogging track and primary hiking trails are safe for use, with remaining work near these areas primarily involving finishing and complementary touches.
Access and Free Entry
Visitors will be able to access the reopened sections of the Tun Fuad Stephens Sabah Botanical Park without any entrance fee.
However, DBKK noted that entrance fees for certain specialised facilities would be announced at a later date when those facilities become fully operational.
Restrictions and Safety Warnings
While parts of the park are open, the public is urged to be cautious and respect the continuing development works.
Several areas within Tun Fuad Stephens Sabah Botanical Park currently remain completely closed for safety reasons to facilitate the final stages of construction cleanup and development.
These closed areas include:
- Hiking Track No. 2 (as it passes through the Botanical Centre)
- The Botanical Centre
- Commercial Plaza
- Boardwalk and Lake Walk
- Conservatory Park
- Bamboo Corner
- Herb Garden
Visitors must follow all signage and instructions from duty DBKK officers. The public is especially advised to be careful, as heavy vehicles may still be moving through parts of the jogging track to deliver construction materials to the closed-off areas.
DBKK has also issued a strict set of rules to ensure the cleanliness, safety, and natural preservation of the park environment, appealing to the public for full cooperation. The include the ones listed below.
- Maintain cleanliness and do not litter.
- Use only designated routes.
- Obey all park rules and signs.
- Comply with instructions from DBKK officers.
- Do not pick plants or flowers.
- No smoking or lighting fires.
- Do not damage park property.
- No excessive noise.
- No pets allowed.
Strictly prohibited activities include fishing, barbecuing, camping, and cycling (including mountain biking).
Mountain biking activities previously conducted in the park have been permanently halted following an agreement with the Sabah Cycling Association, which will seek an alternative venue.
DBKK stresses the importance of adhering to these rules to maintain the beautiful, natural environment of the Tun Fuad Stephens Sabah Botanical Park for the collective well-being of all visitors.
About Tun Fuad Stephens Sabah Botanical Park
The Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Park, nestled in Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, is a significant urban green space undergoing an exciting transformation.
Originally established as a recreational park, it honors the late Tun Fuad Stephens, Sabah’s first Chief Minister.
For years, the park served as a popular exercise ground, known for its 2.1-kilometre asphalt jogging track that encircles a picturesque man-made lake and its hiking trails offering superb city views.
Following an extensive three-year redevelopment, the park is rebranding and reopening as a botanical garden said to enhance its ecological value and incorporate new features like a ginger garden, an orchid and Nepenthes conservatory, and a bamboo corner.
Source of info & images: DBKK
