Sabah North Borneo Commemorative Tour

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we head off on a highlights tour of Sandakan to learn about its history, take a stroll through the Sandakan Central Markets, see the stilt houses of the Sim Sim water village and the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Chinese Temple, which is at 300 meters above sea level, provides wonderful panoramic views of Sandakan Bay. Our next stop is at St Michael’s and All Angels Church – the oldest stone church in Sabah and home of the Windows of Remembrance and The Friendship Windows, which were initiated by a group of POW relatives from Australia. We then enjoy lunch at the English Tea House, a charming former colonial residence perched overlooking the city and bay. We also visit the restored colonial home of the famous American writer – Agnes Keith. During the years between 1934 and 1952, Agnes Keith penned a trilogy – “Land below the Wind”, “Three Came Home” and “White Man Returns”, accounts of her moving experience during her stay in Sandakan. After a wonderful insight into the city, we head back to our hotel to relax and freshen up before joining a special Commemorative dinner.

Overnight Sandakan: Sabah Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

This morning, we attend the Memorial Day Service and ‘wreath laying’ at Sandakan Memorial Park, once the site of the Japanese Prisoner of War Camp. Here we remember the fallen heroes of the Australian and British Prisoners of War (POW’s) who suffered and perished during the infamous ‘Death Marches’ from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945. Over 2500, Australian and British soldiers were taken to Sandakan to build airstrips. They were tortured, left malnourished and in poor physical condition. The surviving POW’s were then forced to carry Japanese supplies on a tortuously long walk to Ranau, a distance just over 260km. Only six men survived, managing to escape and were then fed and hidden by the locals. The story of the Sandakan POW Camp and Death March is one of the most tragic of World War II. After returning to the hotel for breakfast and freshen up, we travel to the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre and learn about the rainforest and its exotic flora and fauna. Experience the canopy walkway that gives an incredible view of the treetops and overview of the rainforest and its unique flora and fauna. Our visit also includes lunch at the Sepilok Forest Edge Restaurant. Late afternoon there will be time to relax back at the hotel and prepare for dinner.

Overnight Sandakan: Sabah Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today we head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Founded in 1964, the centre helps once captive, injured or abandoned Orangutans learn to climb and fend for themselves in the wild, so they may return to the forest. We then proceed to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) founded in Sabah, Malaysia in 2008 as a two-stage effort to provide for the care, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned and captive sun bears, as well as address the lack of knowledge and awareness of this little-known bear both in Malaysia and internationally. Later in the day after a freshen up back at the hotel, we gather at the bar for a cool drink before dinner in the Ming Restaurant.

Overnight Sandakan: Sabah Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we travel up to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, located in the centre of the mangrove along the coastal land near Samawang Village. From platform B we not only get to see Proboscis Monkeys but also have a good chance of meeting the Silver Leaf Monkey and Oriental Pie Hornbills. We view these unique primates that are not found elsewhere in the world, providing us with an exhilarating and memorable experience. Then we travel down to Sukau and the mighty Kinabatangan River. On arrival at Bilit Jetty we transfer by boat to Bilit Rainforest Lodge for lunch, check-in and rest. Late afternoon we venture out for our Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise, spot wildlife like the unique Proboscis Monkey, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Pygmy Elephants, and many others. Return to Bilit Rainforest Lodge to refresh before dinner at the Lodge Restaurant.

Overnight Kinabatangan River: Bilit Rainforest Lodges

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Flight Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu (Flight details & times TBA)

This morning, we wake to the calls of Long Tail Macaque and birds searching for food. We can opt to either go for an early morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of more Bornean-endemic wildlife or just relax. Midmorning we depart the Kinabatangan and travel back up to the Sandakan Airport for our afternoon flight across to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival we are transferred to our luxury 5-star hotel, edging the waterfront the Le Meridien Hotel is the perfect location to explore the cities central retail outlets and local markets, while enjoy stunning sea and city views. After settling into our rooms, we can gather in the Rooftop Bar, enjoying panoramic views of the South China Sea while sitting down to dinner.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Our journey this morning takes us up through breath taking scenery towards Mount Kinabalu. Along the way we stop at Nabalu Village Markets to savour the local fruits and to bargain for the handicrafts which the villagers sell. On arrival at the sprawling Sabah Tea Plantation and Processing Plant we enjoy a stroll through the factory before sitting down to lunch and admiring the view across the tea plantation. The Renau War Memorial marks the site of the final POW Camp, where the survivors of the Death Marches where held. The memorial stones talk about the history of the death marches and show the names of the 83 prisoners of war from this camp. It must be remembered that after arriving at the camp, just 6 weeks later only 32 remained alive, of them 17 were murdered on the 1st of August with the remaining 15 slaughtered on the 27th of August, twelve days after the Japanese had surrendered and the war had ended. Our last stop for today is the Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens, established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died while in the Sandakan POW Camp and during the infamous “Death Marches”. Later in the day we return to Kota Kinabalu to relax before dinner.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today we enjoy a unique experience, as we take a rail journey on the North Borneo Heritage Train. Upon arrival at Tanjung Aru Train Station, we hop aboard our carriage to experience Borneo’s historical grandeur while being served light refreshments throughout our train journey. At 9.00am our train departs and winds its way through scenic landscapes on the only railway track in Sabah since 1896. This 134 km line stretches south from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom (Pangi Station). Originally used to transport tobacco to the coast, today it serves as a vital public transport for locals. Mid-morning we arrive in Papar, where we can mingle with the locals at the wet market and the vintage shophouses that lace the charming small town. Feel free to explore exciting spots around town as we complete the mission book for our treasure hunt activity. Then its back on the train to enjoy a delicious lunch on-board as we relax for our return journey to Tanjung Aru Station. Take part in the henna tattoo-making activity while indulging in the afternoon tea selections served onboard. Our adventure concludes as we arrive back at Tanjung Aru Station at

approx 1.30pm, before transferring back to our hotel for a relaxing afternoon or taking a stroll along the waterfront market stalls across the road. This evening, we gather back at the hotel for dinner.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Flight Kota Kinabalu - Labuan (Flight details & times TBA)

After breakfast and short flight across to the island of Labuan we enjoy the sights of island which includes a visit to the Labuan Museum to experience the historical and cultural heritage of the Federal Territory of Labuan. We also stop by the Chimney Museum which features the history of coal mining in Labuan around 1847 to 1911 and the history of Tanjung Kubong. After a light lunch we make our way up to Surrender Point where the 32nd Japanese Southern Army surrendered to the 9th Division Australian Imperial Forces on 9th September 1945 which led to the end of World War II in Borneo. A bronze plaque commemorating the surrender is mounted on a stone slab near the entrance to Peace Park. Our final stop for the day is for our wreath laying ceremony at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, home to 3,908 graves of soldiers who either died at the POW Camp Sites, Death Marches or in battle. The graves lie in long neat rows all bearing a plaque, mostly identified, a few graves still say ”Known only to God”. We then arrive back at Labuan Airport to board our flight back to Kota Kinabalu and transfer back to our hotel for some refreshments before a good night’s rest. Flight Labuan - Kota Kinabalu (Flight details & times TBA)

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast & lunch

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the Mari-Mari Cultural Village passing by the historic Atkinson Clock Tower, Tun Mustapha building formerly known as Sabah Foundation Building, the Phu Thou Se Chinese Buddhist Temple and the magnificent new Moorish Likas Bandaraya Mosque “Floating Mosque”. We then discover the captivating traditions and customs of Northeast Borneo’s 5 main tribes and uncover the rich heritage of Sabah’s cultural tapestry at Mari Mari Cultural Village. Experience the essence of “As It Was... As It Is...”, as we delve into the vibrant mosaic of Sabah’s culture. From the skilled farmers and traders of Dusun and Rungus to the resourceful hunters and fishermen of Lundayeh, the adventurous cowboys and sea gypsies of Bajau, and the legendary warrior tribe of Murut, each group contributes to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Sabah. After leaving the village we pay a visit to the Sabah State Museum before returning to the hotel. After a relaxing afternoon we board our farewell Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise, which takes us past the island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and the famous city waterfront all in the warm glow of golden hour.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

This morning after breakfast and checking out, we enjoy a leisurely day to checkout the waterfront markets and city shops for those last-minute gifts to take home. This afternoon, we transfer to the Kota Kinabalu Airport for check in and overnight flight back to Australia via Kuala Lumpur.

Flights Kota Kinabalu - Homport via Kuala Lumpur + 1 Day (All flight details & times TBA)

Daily: Breakfast

We arrive back home mid-morning, where we clear customs and immigration after an amazing adventure and moving

experience up in Sabah North Borneo with Trade Travel.