History

Kota Kinabalu is a region with an impressive historical heritage and culture. The town has been inhabited by several ethnic groups who have brought their own distinct civilization and lifestyle patterns. Here is a guide that helps you trace the history of this laid-back Malaysian city.

Earliest Origins

Kota Kinabalu’s earliest origins can be traced to the late 1800’s, when the British North Borneo Company started setting up colonies all over the North Borneo region that is now the State of Sabah. The original settlement in the area was on the Gaya Island, which was inhabited by the Bajau people. The Borneo Company termed their settlement Gaya Bay, and had to face the wrath and rebellion of the Bajau tribe, led by their leader Mat Salleh. After the uprising, the company made a decision to move base to the Api Api fishing village, in a location that was easier to defend than the earlier spot. The brand new settlement soon rose to the status of the prime harbor, port and terminus of the North Borneo Railway. The port was named Jesselton in honor of Sir Charles Jessel, the presiding Vice Chairman of the North Borneo Company.

Kota Kinabalu’s Rise as a Trade Center

Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) was soon catapulted into the league of important commercial trading centers in southeast Asia. It traded in honey, rubber, rattan crafts and wax. The new railway network helped in strengthening the commerce of the region, by transporting goods to the main Jesselton Harbor. With a burgeoning trade identity, the officers had to contend with increasing piracy in the region, and there were also several revolts by the local Bajaus against the company during this period.

World War II

Jessleton was completely destroyed by the British during the early stages of World War II, to thwart attempts by the Japanese to capture it. The Japanese forces still managed to lay their hands on the region and restored and re-named it Api again. There have been innumerable chronicled incidents about rebellion against the Japanese forces by locals. The most significant was by the Kinabalu Guerrillas in 1943 lead by Albert Kwok, a rising local leader. The revolt was suppressed by the well-armed Japanese soldiers, and Kwok was jailed and executed in 1944. The allied bombings of the Borneo Campaign destroyed the region completely, and only a couple of buildings still stood in the town. On September 10, 1945, the Japanese 37th Army, led by Lieutenant General Baba Masao, officially surrendered in Labuan and ended the conflict in North Borneo.

Kota Kinabalu has a history of intense colonization, conflicts and rebellions, owing to the fact that it was a very significant commercial trading center.