# Gurdwara Sikh Temple, Kota Kinabalu - GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Sikh Temple is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. It is situated in Malaysia, where the Sikh community has deep historical roots dating back to the British colonial period. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sikh Temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). # Gurdwara Sikh Temple Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Sikh Temple is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. It is situated in Malaysia, where the Sikh community has deep historical roots dating back to the British colonial period. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sikh Temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). ## Significance The gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and community center. In Sikh tradition, a gurdwara is not merely a place of worship but a center for learning, community service, and social equality. The institution of Langar (community kitchen), Sangat (congregation), and Pangat (eating together in rows) are practiced here, reinforcing the Sikh values of equality and brotherhood. For the Sikh community in Kota Kinabalu, Gurdwara Sikh Temple serves as a focal point for celebrating important Sikh festivals and commemorations, including Gurpurabs (anniversaries of Sikh Gurus), Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year), Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali), and Hola Mohalla. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ![Gurudwara Sahib Kota Kinabalu](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=KotaKinabalu%20Sabah%20GurudwaraSahib-02.jpg&w=600) ### Gurudwara Sahib Kota Kinabalu Malaysia 6 m away Open daily; weekly congregational prayer... Gurdwara Sahib Kota Kinabalu stands as the sole Sikh place of worship in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo, Malaysia. Situated along Jalan Mat Salleh near the Sembulan district, this century-old gurdwara occupies a 0.74-acre site and has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the local Sikh community since 1924. Managed by the Kinabalu Singh Sabha Association (KSSA), the gurdwara is an enduring symbol of Sikh presence in Southeast Asia and a rare example of pre-World War II religious heritage still active in Borneo today. For the approximately 100 Sikh families who call Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas home, this gurdwara is far more than a house of worship. It is a gathering place where generations have been raised in Sikh values, where the Punjabi language and Gurmukhi script are taught to children, and where the universal Sikh tradition of langar — the free community kitchen — ensures that all who visit, regardless of faith or background, are welcomed with food and warmth. Weekly prayers are held every Sunday morning from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, drawing families together in kirtan (devotional hymn-singing) and recitation from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living scripture of the Sikhs. What makes Gurdwara Sahib Kota Kinabalu particularly remarkable is its extraordinary historical resilience. The building is a pre-World War II structure that survived the Allied bombing of Jesselton — as Kota Kinabalu was then known — during the final stages of the war. Though the roof and walls were struck by machine gun fire and a bomb dropped directly into the darbar hall, the projectile miraculously failed to detonate. This survival is considered by the community to be a sign of divine protection and has become an integral part of the gurdwara's living tradition. The gurdwara also acts as a cultural anchor for Sabah's Sikh diaspora, organizing Gurmukhi language classes on Sundays, commemorating major Gurpurabs, and maintaining connections with Sikh communities across Malaysia. Visitors of all faiths are warmly welcomed to join in prayers, partake in langar, or simply to experience the serene open-hearted hospitality that distinguishes Sikh shrines worldwide. As of late 2025, the gurdwara is undergoing a significant RM650,000 restoration of its century-old Darbar Sahib under the leadership of KSSA President Baldev Singh and Building Sub-Committee Chair Dr. Amarjit Singh, with architectural work led by Kuala Lumpur-based firm Arkitek Khosa. This project, backed by the Sabah State Government's approval, ensures that this irreplaceable piece of Sabah's multicultural heritage endures for generations to come. Historical ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Modest clothing covering arms and legs. Head must be covered at all times inside the Gurdwara. ### Head Covering Free head coverings (rumaals) are available at the entrance for all visitors. ### Shoe Storage Remove shoes before entering. Free shoe storage (Jora Ghar) is available at the entrance. ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises. Please be respectful inside the main prayer hall. ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering. Sit on the floor facing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Do not point feet towards the Guru Granth Sahib. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The Gurdwara operates a free community kitchen (Langar) serving vegetarian meals to all visitors. Langar embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Everyone sits together on the floor (Pangat) regardless of background. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Vaisakhi Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This major Sikh festival celebrates the creation of the Sikh community of initiated men and women. Special prayers, processions (Nagar Kirtan), and extended Langar are organized. April 14 #### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru who created the Khalsa. Special prayers, Kirtan, Akhand Path, and community celebrations mark this important day. January (varies by lunar calendar) #### Maghi Commemorates the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones) who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705. Special Kirtan and prayers honour these brave Sikhs who returned to fight alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji. January 14 #### Hola Mohalla A Sikh festival of martial arts and valor, established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji as an alternative to the Hindu festival of Holi. Features martial arts displays (Gatka), mock battles, music, poetry, and community feasts. March (day after Holi) #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Akhand Path (48-hour continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji) is held, followed by Nagar Kirtan, special Kirtan Darbars, and extended Langar Seva. November (varies by lunar calendar) #### Bandi Chhor Divas The Sikh Festival of Liberation, celebrated on the same day as Diwali. It commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 Hindu kings from Gwalior Fort. The Gurdwara is illuminated with lights and candles. October/November (varies by lunar calendar) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting No, there is no entry fee at Gurdwara Sikh Temple in Kota Kinabalu. Like all Gurdwara Sahibs, it is open to everyone free of charge, regardless of faith, caste, or background. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers, participate in Langar, and explore the premises. When visiting Gurdwara Sikh Temple, wear modest clothing that covers your arms and legs. All visitors must cover their head inside the Gurdwara — free head coverings (rumaals) are available at the entrance. Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall; shoe storage is provided. Absolutely! Gurdwara Sikh Temple warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. Sikh Gurdwaras are open to everyone. Non-Sikh visitors are encouraged to attend prayers, enjoy Langar (free community meal), and learn about Sikh traditions. Just follow basic etiquette: cover your head and remove shoes. Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises of Gurdwara Sikh Temple. However, please be respectful inside the main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) and avoid using flash. Video recording during prayer services should be done discreetly. Always ask permission before photographing individuals. Gurdwara Sikh Temple is generally open from early morning (around 4:00-5:00 AM) until late evening (9:00-10:00 PM). The morning prayers (Amrit Vela) begin at dawn, and evening prayers (Rehras Sahib) are held at sunset. Langar timings may vary. For exact hours, please contact the Gurdwara management. ### langar Yes, Gurdwara Sikh Temple serves free vegetarian meals through Langar, the Sikh community kitchen. Langar is available to all visitors regardless of background. Everyone sits together on the floor (Pangat), embodying the Sikh principle of equality. The food is prepared by volunteers as an act of selfless service (Seva). ### logistics Gurdwara Sikh Temple in Kota Kinabalu typically has parking facilities for visitors. During major events and festivals, additional parking arrangements are usually made. For specific parking information, it is recommended to contact the Gurdwara management directly or visit during non-peak hours for easier parking. Gurdwara Sikh Temple is located in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. The GPS coordinates are 5.9568°N, 116.0655°E. You can use map navigation apps for precise directions. Public transportation and ride-sharing services can help you reach the Gurdwara. ### accessibility Accessibility features vary at Gurdwara Sikh Temple. Many Gurdwara Sahibs are working to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. Please contact Gurdwara Sikh Temple management directly for the most current accessibility information and any special arrangements that can be made. ### accommodation Many Gurdwara Sahibs offer basic accommodation (Sarai) for travellers and pilgrims at no charge or minimal cost. Availability at Gurdwara Sikh Temple in Kota Kinabalu may vary. It is recommended to contact the Gurdwara management in advance to check current accommodation facilities and make any necessary arrangements. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Sikh Temple Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit