Japanese WWII Anti-Aircraft Guns — Attraction in Sokehs

A short hike with great views and history. Highly recommended if you have a couple of spare hours.

This is the Japanese military fortification on Sokeh. As other reviewers noted, it's on top of a hill that's only drive-able halfway up - depending on how rugged your car is, you'll have to stop at or before the first switchback that you can see on Google maps. If you don't have a car, you can ask any taxi in town to take you here. You might have to point to it on your phone's map, as local knowledge of this place seems to be hit and miss. If you're taking a taxi, you can have the driver drop you off halfway up the hill, and then walk all the way down the hill and across the bridge to the Mangrove hotel when you're done to hail another taxi (or grab sashimi).

The best views of Kolonia are actually not at the top, but along the way past the first switchback. There are signs explaining some WWII history at the top. From the top, it's easy to reach the radio tower slightly to the north (good views and cool breeze) and some other Japanese installations to the south.

You shouldn't need any sort of local guide to do this hike, though I guess it can't hurt. I didn't encounter any private property or checkpoint issues. Unlike Sokeh's rock to the north, you don't need any climbing skill, just a bit of stamina.

Be prepared for rain - it can come in quickly and unpredictably! During rain, the top of the hill may be shrouded in low-lying clouds. Even if it isn't raining, be prepared to walk through some mud at the top.

Bring plenty of water. It will be hot (if it isn't rainy), and you will sweat a lot. If you're not sweating, you should probably...

Drive up the hill towards the guns and the official car park as at the sharp left switch back. There is another spot 200m back that is also suitable for parking if your car can't quite make it. Then walk up the steep road about 250m and you will arrive at the Japanese command post and anti-aircraft battery. The guns are rusted but along with the ruins still in good condition so you can imagine what life was like during the war. Be careful of tunnels and open shafts, falling would be very dangerous. Well worth a...

A bigger area to explore than I was expecting. A couple of large guns that are still in reasonable shape. Various bunkers too, including some ladders down to what are either entrances or tunnels. Either way, we opted against going down them with no one else around! Information boards help to...