Jesselton Docklands Brings A New Era for Kota Kinabalu
Jesselton Docklands is a tropical master plan designed to revitalize the port area of Kota Kinabalu, Borneo – the world’s third largest island. The site will feature a communal ferry and cruise terminal located near Kota Kinabalu International Airport. As a pivotal transportation hub with excellent connectivity options and rich tropicality, it is set to become a destination and gateway to the rest of Sabah. Snøhetta’s design for Jesselton Docklands will usher the city into a vibrant and dynamic future - one defined by sustainable urban living, cultural richness, and economic vitality.
This master plan redefines Kota Kinabalu’s interface with its waterfront, transforming the former port into a civic and cultural anchor for the city. By integrating resilient infrastructure with the island’s ecological and cultural identity, Jesselton Docklands positions the city as a strategic nexus within the Southeast Asian archipelago, bridging local heritage with global connectivity.
Photo: Aesthetica Studio
Through the strategic reuse of industrial pier foundations and the careful calibration of the waterfront, the Jesselton Docklands articulates an eco-friendly and community-oriented gateway to Kota Kinabalu, focused on well-being, where natural processes and urban life coalesce at the water’s edge.