KOTA KINABALU, Oct 24 — The Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Garden in Bukit Padang will reopen to the public on Monday, October 27, nearly three years after it was closed for redevelopment.
Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) made the announcement after a “brisk walk pre-reopening Programme” conducted recently to assess the safety and readiness of the jogging tracks and surrounding areas.
“Findings from the inspection show that heavy construction works along the jogging track have ceased, with activities now focused on the finishing and complementary works,” DBKK said in a statement.
The main 2.1-kilometre jogging trail and several hiking paths will reopen, but Hiking Trail No. 2 will remain closed as it passes through the Botanical Centre, where construction is still ongoing.
The park will operate daily from 6am to 7pm, with certain sections still undergoing upgrades.
Nearly three years after it was closed for redevelopment, the Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Garden in Bukit Padang will reopen to the public on Monday, October 27. — Picture courtesy of Kota Kinabalu City Hall
DBKK said several areas will remain off-limits due to safety concerns, including the Botanical Centre, Commercial Plaza, Boardwalk and Lake Walk, Conservatory Park and Bamboo Corner, and the Herb Garden.
The council warned the public against entering restricted zones and said it would not be responsible for any accidents or injuries resulting from violations of these safety restrictions.
Meanwhile, the contractor responsible for the redevelopment has been penalised with Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD) of RM2,704.61 per day since July 15, 2025, until all works are completed according to specifications.
The park, one of very few open recreational areas in the city and popular for its jogging track looping around a large fish pond and hiking trail, was closed amidst much unhappiness and was slated to open on September 2024.
The reopening was delayed several times.
The project also sparked controversy last year after the “Tun Fuad Stephens” — a reference to Tone of Sabah’s founding fathers — name was dropped in favour of “Sabah Botanical Garden”, drawing major backlash.
