Top 20 fun things to enjoy in Kota Kinabalu! (No. 12 – Admire the architecture of Yayasan Sabah)

Yayasan Sabah – Background and Getting to Yayasan Sabah

Today we’ve travelled a few kilometres north on the coast road out of Kota Kinabalu to take a look at one of the city’s iconic landmarks, the cylindrical-shaped Yayasan Sabah (Sabah Foundation Building) that is located on the coast overlooking Likas Bay.

The idea for the building was conceived in 1975 and the design was the result of an architectural design competition won by Wisma Arkitek & James Ferrie International. Build was undertaken by Japanese contractor Mori Building Company and was completed in 1978 with the building officiated in 1979. The building comprises of 32 storeys and is 122 metres tall and until the opening of the nearby Sabah State Administration Centre in 2013 it was the tallest building in Borneo.

Yayasan Sabah – Futuristic Architecture

Both from an architectural and build perspective, circular buildings are difficult to build and Yayasan Sabah was way ahead of its time, particularly in South-East Asia and was only the fourth such building to be built in the world following Commercial Union HQ (London 1969), Standard Bank (Johannesburg 1970) and BMW HQ (Munich 1972). The design has aged very well, still looks contemporary – even futuristic and reminds your blogger of a space rocket. The exterior that’s comprised of 2,160 panes of reflective mirrored-glass finish can be seen from many miles away.

Yayasan Sabah – Renamed Tun Mustapha Tower

In 2001 the building was renamed Menara Tun Mustapha (Tun Mustapha Tower) to recognise Sabah’s former Chief Minister who passed away in 1995 and who originated the idea of the Sabah Foundation and Yayasan Sabah – It was Tun Mustapha that was one of the key local players as independent Sabah as part of the Federation of Malaysia established itself after being a British Colony (North Borneo).

Yayasan Sabah – Climbed by French ‘Spiderman’ Alain Robert

In April 1997 Frenchman Alain Robert also known as ‘Spiderman’ scaled the building without a rope for charity and with the blessing of the government here – other buildings he has climbed include the Eiffel Tower and Petronas Twin Towers in KL.

The building which was home to the local Sabah State Government is now shared between public and private sector and although public are allowed on Ground Floor unfortunately there is no viewing platform.

The cylindrical design is evident when entering the building

Yayasan Sabah – Celebrating the life of Tun Mustapha

Located adjacent to the tower are a public gallery that celebrates the life of Tun Mustapha with a small gift-shop that includes local crafts and also a Research Library opened in 1980 which has a wealth of books and archive material relating not just to Sabah but the whole of the island of Borneo. There used to be a revolving restaurant on the 18th floor called Amosphere (sic) but this has been closed for several years.

Top Tip:

Visit Yayasan Sabah as part of your Blue Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu city tour!

https://www.bluekinabalu.com/day-tours-from-kota-kinabalu

About Martin

Martin is a British expat living in Kota Kinabalu who arranges tailored tours within Sabah primarily for British and Western tourists on behalf of Blue Kinabalu Travel Agency.