Virtually destroyed during World War II when the British attempted to repel the invading Japanese army, the town of Sandakan has risen from the ashes as Sabah's second city. Located on the east coast, Sandakan served as capital of north Borneo during the era of British colonial rule in Malaysia and is today the gateway for some of Borneo's most popular eco-tourism destinations. Many of the postwar buildings are being treated to a 21st century makeover with much of the rengeneration focused on the buzzing waterfront with sidewalk cafes and shops, excellent restaurants and a number of modern hotels.Read More
What survived of Sandakan's colonial heritage after the devasting effects of the war is concentrated north of the city centre with the restored former British quarters of the Agnes Keith House - now a museum showcasing Sandakan's heritage - and the attractive stone St. Michael's & All Angels Church, which features an impressive stained class window. The comprehensive Sandakan Heritage Trail, an enjoyable walk through the city, takes visitors past these sites as well as the 100-year old Masjid Jamik, the Taoist Sam Sing Kung temple, the lantern-covered Puu Jih Shih Temple and a number of other interesting architectural relics and monuments.
Sandakan's war history is commemorated at the Sandakan Memorial Park, designed to mark the deaths of some 2,400 Australian and British prisoners of war that died here during the Japanese invasion in 1945. Located 11km outside of the city, the well-maintained grounds feature a small museum, a Commemorative Pavilion, and evocative rusty remains of an excavator, generator and boiler still stood in their original positions.
Here are some popular itineraries that include a visit to Sandakan. Alternatively, if you would like to include a visit to Sandakan on a bespoke touring itinerary to Borneo, take a look at our tailor-made holiday planning section.