Sandakan Heritage Trail

Once a bustling little town dubbed the ‘Little Hong Kong of Borneo’, Sandakan is still one of Sabah’s economic hotspots and boasts a myriad of fascinating historical landmarks.

Remnants of the past are very much alive in this exciting township and there’s always something new to discover during your trip to Sandakan.

Perhaps the best way to see Sandakan’s famous historical landmarks is to take the Sandakan Heritage Trail. As you walk around the roads of Sandakan, you will come across interesting sites with historical significance.

The trail is easy to follow as there are signboards and indicators along the road to lead you. The trail begins at Masjid Jamek, the town mosque, which is more than a hundred years old. Today it continues to faithfully serve the Muslim community as a place of worship, despite some disruptions during World War II. The new Sandakan Hotel stands beside it, replacing the original, which was built in the 1880s.

You will then see the William Pryer Monument, which stands in memory of William B. Pryer (1845–1899), who founded Sandakan on 21 June 1879. He was also the first Resident of the East Coast.

Prepare to work those leg muscles as you make your way uphill using the Stairs of 100 Steps. These were the very stairs that the thriving Chinese community residing behind the hills used to make their way to town for business.

At the top of the steps, you can also find the World War II Chinese Memorial dedicated to the Chinese leaders and those who perished during the war.

One of the most notable landmarks you will encounter is the Agnes Keith House – home of the famous American writer who coined the term ‘Land below the Wind’ (also the title of her first book that recounts her time in Borneo).

As you walk further along the trail, you will see the Sam Sing Kung temple, built in 1887, making it 120 years old. Here you will find the oldest surviving bronze bell.

Also along the trail is the Goddess of Mercy Chinese temple and St. Michael’s and All Angels Church. This solid building managed to escape major damage during World War II and remains one of the very few stone buildings in the whole of Sabah.

Strolling along the side of the field after visiting the Sam Sing Kung temple will bring you to the junction facing the Malaysia Fountain. Along the way, take note of the Harrisons (& Crosfield) building. It is one of the oldest-established British companies in Sabah. Opposite the building are the former Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and Chartered Bank (now Standard Chartered Bank) buildings, both prestige banks of the colonial period.

The last historical landmark that awaits you is Wisma Warisan, which now houses the Tourist Information Centre. This was the main government building during the British administration. The former Residency office was on the first floor and the present Tourist Information Centre was the General Post Office for many years.

Courtesy of: Sabah Malaysia Borneo - Sabah Tourism Monthly Tourism Magazine