Since the tour only started at 1pm, I had the whole morning free! Determined not to waste that few hours time, I decided to visit some of the more famous landmarks in KK.
So which landmarks did I visit? Well, I visited the two Towers.
One was the famous Signal Hill Observatory Tower and the other was the historical Atkinson Clock Tower.
I started out early with a map in hand. And since the sun was hot, I put on this cap which I bought at a souvenir shop.
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After a 15 minutes walk, I reached Jalan Istana which according to the map, would lead to the Clock Tower and the Observatory Tower. Walking along Jalan Istana reminded me of that quiet road in KL leading up to KL Tower. Same kind of ambience.
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To my right, I could see the KK's famous Padang Merdeka (Town Field).
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This is the site where the declaration of Sabah's independence and the formation of Malaysia took place in 1963. Today, Padang Merdeka is used to host the annual City Day celebration on 2nd February and Merdeka (Independence) celebration on 31st August.
Reaching a junction, I took a left turn into Jalan Bukit Bendera.
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There were many cars that zoomed past me as I walked up the road. I think I must have passed the Atkinson Clock Tower on my way up because according to the map, it should not be too far from where I was.
Anyway, I snapped a photo of the Bukit Bendera (or Signal Hill) road going up the hill.
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After walking for about 15 minutes, I saw two UFO-shaped structures. I must have reached the Signal Hill Observatory Tower.
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Reading the words on top of the entrance gate confirmed that I was correct. Although, they should have placed English words there too, don't you think?
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There was no one around! No tourists, no locals. So much for being known as one of KK's famous landmarks and tourist attractions! Or maybe because it was an early weekday morning. Perhaps there would be people coming here during weekends.
Standing under one of the UFO shelters, I snapped these photos.
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From this Observatory Tower, I had quite a good bird's eye view of the town of KK and even the South China Sea!
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You could see the Gaya Centre building from here with the sea and the Gaya Island (if I am not mistaken) behind it.
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At the other side of the Observatory Tower were views of green forests covering part of Bukit Bendera.
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After seeing enough, I decided to make my move. As I left, I could not help wondering where the road uphill leads to.
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But I did not intend to walk up the road to find out as I was more interested in the Atkinson Clock Tower.
Walking back the way I came, I soon reached the Clock Tower. This time, I made sure I did not miss it. It was quite difficult to see the clock tower from the road where I walked as it faces the main road, but luckily, I managed to spot it.
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It seems that there is quite an interesting history behind this clock. You may read about it from this signboard that was placed there. Click onto this photo to enlarge it for easier reading.
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Interestingly, this Clock Tower was previously used as a navigation aid for ships for many decades until taller buidings started sprouting around and blocking the view of the clock tower from the sea. Having survived the air raids in World War 2, it remains the oldest standing structure in KK.
I am glad I was able to visit these two landmarks in KK. No doubt, they were not on the priority list of places to visit among tourists, and you may even skip them if you have a very tight schedule. However, as a first timer to KK, I really think it is worth-while visiting these two places.
As I walked down the road leaving the Atkinson Clock Tower, it seemed to bade me farewell with the sound of its chime. I counted. It chimed 9 times. I was leaving Signal Hill at exactly 9am.
Coming up next - My Elusive Search For Tarap Fruit
FIRST COMMENTER
Good morning Foong!
Nice view of KK town from the observation tower. The Padang brings back familiar memories of my last trip a couple of years ago.
Well..you've ventured to the off beaten track since not many tourists / locals mingle there. It's good to visit places where others don't...sometimes, you see another side missed out by others.
I didn't know about this 2 places. Haha
Mei Teng on a roll again, chopping FC left right centre. :D
Why wasn't it be filled by tourist buses and loads of tourists if it is KK's famous landmark? Hmm...
But then again, you got the place to yourself. So, no crying no singing there, right? XD
I should make a trip to KK... never been there :p
So the observatory tower is a waste of taxpayers' money?
Wondering if they also have parade in Padang Merdeka on Sep 16...
mei teng, good morning! Yes, I agree it's good to go to places where tourists and even locals don't normally go. Glad my photo of the Padang brought back familiar memories to you : )
che-cheh, you don't? I guess it's not that popular on the tourists' map! But it is mentioned in KK's tourism brochures. I think also mentioned in Lonely Planet.
lina, haha! She's the chopping champion! No fight lah! : )
Why no tourists at these landmarks? I guess there are other far more interesting places to go. Would you rather go Kinabalu Park or one of those islands near KK or visit these two towers? Haha!
But I have no complaints. I don't really like crowds of tourists all over the place! It's nice to have the whole place all to myself. More relaxing and no need to jostle with the crowds for a good position to take photos! : )
TZ, yes you should! : )
khengsiong, not sure if it's really a waste of taxpayers' money. Maybe there are locals who go lepak there during the evening to see the sunset? Or perhaps tourists go there in the evening?
Not sure if they have parade in Padang Merdeka on Sept 16. Any readers from KK who can answer this? Hmmm, I notice not many bloggers from KK - in fact, I know of no blogger from KK.
I cannot believe it was so deserted! Beautiful view though and I love looking at your pics! Wow!
You really can walk! Hehe.
Wow 9am! Considering you walked so much, you really went there very EARLY! No wonder you didn't see anyone around. :P
When I travel..I like to get up early to see what most would have missed if they had slept on. It's a good opportunity to photograph away from the hustle and bustle of ppl. Just my thoughts :)
hey.. did you plan this trip by your own? it seems very organized to me coz you know all the 'strategic' places in KK.. im sure you did a research before you travel there right?
the scenery pics you took are simply amazing.. now my impression towards KK has already changed.. haha =D
now i know bout KK sooo much! thanx to u.. i've never been there. hmm.. dunno if i'll ever get there! looking forward to see wat is a tarap fruit though.. hehehe..
like the way you write your entries.. coz you have pics to entertain me.. instead of just words.. i dont like wordy entries.. haha.. keep it up foong! =D
That's a pretty (and very British) clock tower and a memorable name to go with it. At least there is history there unlike most clock towers that are just called "(City name's) clock tower". Eh?
Nice view from the observatory. I like the picture of the town - so clear. Nice weather and firm hands, I suppose. ;)
Great picture of the padang - quite like those found in school textbooks. LOL!
Thanks, Foong, for sharing your visit. Looking forward to the next day's events. Quick...
And oh.... nice red cap. One for the souvenir shelf.
Nice photos foong, you're right about the observatory it should have an english translation.
Mei is always too early! I also agree about going out earlier so no hustle with picture taking. I can snap as much as i want without distractions.
Enjoy your day foong, I'm off to sleep! =D
it seems that the place was so relaxing my friend
have a greatday and thank for sharing
Other than the monkeys and Mt Kina, the place has not much else interesting to offer hor?
+Ant+
I haven't even visited KL Tower. :)
This place definitely worth visiting
hi there just dropping by here again
the view is nice. Hmm... how come I haven't heard of the tower?!! So jakun la me..
heidi, I guess it's too early in the morning, that's why no one was around! Haha! Thanks for the compliments! : )
superman, I can walk and you can fly! LOL!
iamthewitch, yeah, maybe I was very early. But you know 7am in KK is like 10am. So even though I started early, the sun was already up there and shining hotly on me! Didn't feel like I was early at all! : )
mei teng, that's a very good idea! To get up early and take photos while everyone is still asleep! : )
kenwooi, yes I planned it on my own with the help from blogs, websites and Lonely Planet.
Your impression towards KK has changed just from reading my blog? Wow! I'll take that as a compliment! Thanks!!
Glad you like reading my blog. I really appreciate it! : )
merryn, glad that you know more about KK now. You should go there for a holiday. It's really a nice place! : )
happysurfer, yeah nice clock tower with a nice name! Haha!
Thanks for all the compliments! Yes, the red cap makes a nice souvenir : )
ayie, you agree don't you? English speaking tourists would not know it's an observation tower without any English information although they can guess, I suppose.
Mei Teng is always early - she's an early bird. Well, the early bird always catches the worm, right? Haha!
bluedreamer27, yeah it's relaxing looking at the city from way up there! You have a great day too! : )
anton, oh, there is much more than just Mt Kinabalu and proboscis monkeys! You can go white water rafting at Padas River, island hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, go clubbing at Waterfront nightclubs, visit Loh Kawi Wildlife Park, take a train to visit Sabah Agricultural Park, visit Monsopiad Village to learn about Kadazan Dusun headhunters and culture, and shopping at Central Market, Filipino Market and all those shopping malls! There's so much to do! My 4D/3N trip just wasn't enough! : )
neo, well it's about time! But be warned of the high entrance fee - I think it's RM38 if not mistaken!
borneo falcon, yes, definitely worth visiting. Glad you agree with me! : )
bluedreamer27, hi! thanks for dropping by again! You can drop by as many times as you like! : )
eiling, don't worry. I also jakun before I went to KK. I only know about the towers from research : )
nice shots Foong! oh I love tarap :-D
Totally agree foong!! =D
the environment looks so peaceful, quiet and serene. The tower is great for glimpses of the city skyline.
Hi Foong! Visit you back here. I enjoy reading your adventures. It's as if I'm tagging along with you. ha ha ha! Thanks for sharing those wonderful places. I wish I could visit them too.
Btw, I only have this two blogs. And you're up on these blogs.
http://beng-gee.blogspot.com
http://ailecgee.i.ph
Wow this two towers is better than LOTR :P. Though it seems like the sunny side of KL is everywhere! I would supposed it was early in the morning since you mentioned you left at 9am sharp and the sun was already so bright and sunny!
Love the greenenry of the place. Very nice view of the SCS too! Thank you for sharing this <3
RM38?! Wah, so expensive! Have to start saving for the entrance fee! Can you sponsor me a bit? lol
I guess one reason there aren't many people there was due to the high entrance fee.
monica, everyone who is from Sabah tells me they love this fruit! So I already expected you to say the same! : )
ayie, : )
life ramblings, yes I love the environment there! : )
tita beng, thanks for putting my links on both your blogs! : )
ladyviral, are you sure it's better than the Two Towers of LOTR? Haha! Anyway, yes in KK, the sun is up so early. Even at 7am, it looks like 10am over there! : )
neo, haha! You just do a few more photo shooting assignments for irenelim, sure you can afford lah! : )
lina, I think you've misunderstood my conversation with neo. We are talking about the KL Tower, not the two towers in KK! : )
LOL. Two Towers, corny but worked.
never heard of any of those though. you were right, not on tourists' priority list. but a good find nonetheless.
wow..u really can walk..i would have called for a taxi... too apek oledi :)
in fact the last time we were in KK, we jus arranged for a taxi to b with us the whole day :)
hmmm, by looking at all your KK photos, why wasn't there a single other person at wherever you have been going?? and you are all alone by yourself, safe ah?? :p
J2Kfm, haha! Well, I'm not sure if it's corny or not! : )
bengbeng, actually, it's not a very long walk. But I love to walk of course! : )
SK, are you sure? You must have missed some of the photos! : )
i came and expected an update! but.. lol =D visiting again =)
It seems tourist attractions are quite costly every where in the world. :) Singapore's will be times 2 for RM. :P
KK is a nice cosy town indeed. It's ok if the spot didn't have people, now I can take pics all I want without people staring at me xD
kenwooi, thanks for dropping by again! : )
eastcoastlife, yes they like to take advantage of tourists! I only visit Singapore when they have half price promotion for Malaysians : )
JL, actually I also prefer no people. Can take as much photos as I like without jostling with others : )
Nice pictures of the town you took from the highland! Very clear!
War...the 2 towers? How come not the same from LOTR? ha :D War...mei ting can really relate huh! You'd even been into the UFOs?
Anyway nice snaps. :D Hopefully I can go KK too.
pete, thanks! It's a nice view from up there : )
tekkaus, hope you can go KK one day and blog about it! : )
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you would like to find another Lord of the rings game or any other game for that matter just request it on Jeugo Forums.
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