Capitol Cinema In Kampung Air, Jesselton History

 New Capitol cinema 1958

In the 60's, 70's and 80's, watching movies in cinemas is just one entertainment around Jesselton, now Kota Kinabalu. The cinema was also known as a 'dating' site for young couples those time. In Jesselton, the new Capitol theater was completed in 1958. It is located in Kampung Air and the cinema site is actually the land reclamation of the sea. Previously, the Capitol cinema, which building board located in Karamunsing near the Odeon, or Victory.

New Capitol cinema site in Kampung Air, which surroundings still the sea 1958

If a new movie screen is launched at cinema, we can usually see many people buying tickets. After the show, we can see hundreds of spectators from the area around Jesselton out of the cinema. Large of them walk to each other home.

Old Capitol cinema in Karamunsing before moved to Kampung Air

However, there were bicyclists and some who boarded trains and buses, because not many had a private car in that era. Sometimes if there is a popular movie show, getting a ticket becomes difficult. At that point, illegal agents will be upsetting selling tickets at a higher price. These is the situation when in 'see movie' era.

 Finished the movie

Finally, when the introduction of cassette video in the mid-80's, watching movies become extinct in the ground. The Capitol cinema has now been transformed into a club house named 999 Bar in 2015.