Botanical Village Plan to Transform Bukit Padang Settlement into Eco-Tourism Attraction

11 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: A settlement comprising approximately 150 houses near the Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Park in Bukit Padang will be managed and developed as a Botanical Village under Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, said the initiative reflects DBKK’s commitment to transforming the area into a sustainable tourism attraction within the city.

“The land belongs to DBKK, while the houses are owned by local Sabahans.

“Residents will be allowed to remain, provided they comply with the development guidelines set by DBKK,” he said at the ceremony to present appointment letters to members of the DBKK Botanical Village Management Committee here today.

Also present were Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, DBKK Director-General Datuk Lifred Wong, and senior DBKK officials.

Joniston, whose portfolio includes oversight of DBKK, said the establishment of the management committee marks an important step towards ensuring proper planning and active community participation in the area’s development.

He added that the site holds strong potential to support Kota Kinabalu’s green city agenda while contributing to a more structured urban eco-tourism offering under the Community-Based Tourism (CoBT) concept.

“The Botanical Village will serve as an eco-tourism attraction within the city and forms part of DBKK’s broader strategy to develop additional tourism products in Kota Kinabalu,” he said, adding that the initiative would empower residents to become active stakeholders in environmental conservation.

Joniston also noted that with Kota Kinabalu expecting an increase in cruise ship arrivals, as well as short-stay visitors, there is a growing need to expand tourism offerings within the city itself.

“We must ensure there are suitable attractions for visitors, even if they are here only briefly,” he said.