Sandakan Memorial Park
Sabah
Sandakan Memorial Park is a solemn site located in Sabah, Malaysia, dedicated to the memory of Allied prisoners of war who suffered and died during the infamous Sandakan Death Marches in World War II. Established on the grounds of the former Sandakan POW camp, where thousands of Australian and British soldiers were detained and forced into labor by the Japanese, the park serves as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice and the suffering endured by the native population. The park is divided into six stations connected by a circular route, featuring historical relics such as a sabotaged excavator, a steam generator, and a food depot. Central to the park is the Sandakan Memorial Pavilion, housing permanent exhibitions that narrate the harrowing history of the POW camp and death marches, presented in both English and Malay. A black obelisk bearing inscriptions honors all who suffered and died here, symbolizing remembrance and reconciliation. The park also hosts annual memorial services on Sandakan Memorial Day and Anzac Day, reinforcing its role as a place of reflection and education. Beautifully landscaped and tranquil, Sandakan Memorial Park offers visitors a deeply moving experience and a connection to a significant chapter of wartime history in the Pacific.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the outdoor exhibits and memorials. The park is well-maintained and sign-posted, making self-guided tours feasible. Purchasing tickets or entry is not required as it is an open site. Attending the annual Sandakan Memorial Day on August 15 or Anzac Day on April 25 offers a unique opportunity to participate in commemorative ceremonies. Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect and reflection, as it is a solemn memorial. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the circular route connecting the stations.
Interesting facts
- •The excavator displayed in the park was sabotaged by Australian prisoners to prevent its use by the Japanese and never operated again.
- •The original 'Great Tree' was a huge Mengaris tree that dominated the POW camp landscape but was destroyed by fire after the war; a new tree was planted in 2008 near the park entrance.
- •The park is the starting point of the 'POW Route' that traces the path of the death marches from Sandakan to Ranau.
- •Only six prisoners are known to have survived the Sandakan Death Marches out of over 2,400 who were forced to march.
- •The black obelisk at the park bears an inscription commemorating all who suffered and died at the camp and on the death marches.
History
The Sandakan Memorial Park was established on the site of a former Japanese POW camp where, during World War II from 1942 to 1945, approximately 2,500 Australian and British prisoners were held and forced to build a military airfield.
In 1945, as Allied forces advanced, the remaining prisoners were forced on brutal death marches to Ranau, resulting in nearly all perishing.
After the war, remains of the prisoners were relocated to a military cemetery in Labuan.
In 1995, the governments of Sabah and Australia, along with veterans' associations and local authorities, agreed to create a memorial at the site.
The park was officially opened in 1999, featuring restored artifacts and a commemorative pavilion to honor those who suffered and died during the camp's operation and the death marches.
Place Guide
Excavator1940s
This excavator was used by prisoners to build the Japanese airfield but was deliberately sabotaged by Australian POWs to render it inoperable, symbolizing resistance.
Steam Generator and Generator1940s
A wood-fired steam engine powered generator provided electricity for the camp, including lighting the camp and its enclosure, highlighting the camp's infrastructure.
The Great TreeOriginal tree destroyed post-war; new tree planted 2008
Originally a massive Mengaris tree that stood at the site, it was a dominant natural landmark within the POW camp. It was destroyed by fire shortly after the war and replaced by a new tree planted in 2008 near the entrance.
Food Depot, Storage Area and Kitchen1940s
Remains of the Japanese-operated food depot and kitchen, including a preserved concrete water tank, illustrate the daily logistics and harsh conditions of camp life.
Main Entrance and Access Road1940s
The original main entrance to the camp was located on the east side of the park. The adjacent road was the Mile 8 Road, the starting point for the three death marches to Ranau.
Memorial Pavilion1999
Opened in 1999, this pavilion contains permanent exhibitions about the POW camp and death marches in both English and Malay, educating visitors about the camp's history.
Obelisk1999
A black stele on a circular cobbled square bearing the inscription remembering all who suffered and died at the camp and on the death marches, serving as the park's symbolic centerpiece.
Contact
Phone: 089-275 400
