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AFTER nearly three years of closure and repeated delays, the Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Garden at Bukit Padang will finally reopen to the public on Monday (October 27, 2025), well behind its initial completion date of September 2024.
The RM20 million redevelopment project, undertaken by the federal government under the supervision of the National Landscape Department, was first announced in November 2022.
It involved upgrading 17.86 hectares around the popular jogging track and man-made lake, with new features such as a ginger garden, orchid and nepenthes conservatory, bamboo corner, herbal garden, and botany play park.
In a statement, Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) said the decision to reopen follows a recent pre-reopening “brisk walk” conducted to ensure the safety of the jogging and hiking routes.
“The main jogging track is now open to the public, subject to compliance with safety rules and guidelines set by DBKK.
“The hiking trails are also reopened except for Hiking Trail No. 2, which remains closed as it passes through the Botanical Centre where active construction works are still ongoing,” DBKK said.
The park built in honour of Tun Fuad Stephens, Sabah’s first chief minister who died in the 1976 Double Six Tragedy was closed in December 2022 to make way for its transformation into a full-fledged botanical garden.
It features a 2.1km asphalt jogging path surrounded by tree species, a man-made lake, and dining outlets, several of which continued operating during the redevelopment.
DBKK said the park will operate daily from 6am to 7pm, though several sections remain closed, including the Botanical Centre, Commercial Plaza, Boardwalk and Lake Walk, Conservatory Park, Bamboo Corner, and Herb Garden.
“Any trespassing into restricted areas is strictly prohibited, and DBKK will not be responsible for any accidents or injuries resulting from violations,” the statement added.
The city hall also revealed that the project’s contractor has been fined RM2,704.61 per day in Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD) since July 15, 2025, for delays in completing the works.
Mayor Datuk Sabin Samitah had earlier said the park’s reopening was postponed several times after contractors requested extensions beyond the March 2025 completion date.
DBKK said it is now finalising signage, safety markers, and directional boards to ensure a safe and orderly reopening.
“We hope the public will fully cooperate by adhering to safety instructions and keeping the park clean to ensure its sustainability and collective well-being,” the statement said. - October 24, 2025