Temples & religious sites
St. Michael's Church, Penampang
St. Michael's Church, Penampang
This is a Catholic church located in the Penampang district. It is the oldest church in the area and is recognized as one of the historic stone churches in Sabah. Travelers visit this site to see its colonial-era stone architecture and to learn about the early history of the Catholic faith in the region.
Getting There
The church is located just outside the main city center of Kota Kinabalu. The most common way to reach it is via taxi or ride-sharing apps. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes from the downtown area.
Visit Duration
Most visitors spend approximately 45 to 90 minutes here. This allows enough time to view the exterior stone structure and explore the interior of the sanctuary.
When to Visit
Visiting during the morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. The site can become crowded during Sunday services and major religious holidays. Visitors are advised to maintain a quiet demeanor and dress modestly out of respect for the active place of worship.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its location, this site can be combined with other cultural landmarks in the vicinity:
- Pogunon Community Museum (3.9km)
- Kepayan (5.2km)
- Tun Datu Mustapha Memorial (5.6km)
- Sabah Art Gallery (6km)
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors