Kundasang War Memorial — Attraction in Sabah

The Kundasang War Memorial is a poignant and beautifully maintained site in Sabah, Malaysia, dedicated to honoring the memory of Australian and British prisoners of war who perished during the Sandakan Death Marches in World War II. It also pays tribute to the local Sabahans who risked their lives to aid these soldiers.

A Place of Reflection and Remembrance

Established in 1962, the memorial comprises four distinct gardens:

Australian Garden: Features the Australian flag and a bronze plaque detailing the history of the POWs.

English Rose Garden: A serene rose garden honoring British servicemen, with inscriptions commemorating their sacrifice.

Borneo Garden: Showcases native plants and flowers, including rare orchids, representing the local people who suffered and assisted during the war.

Contemplation Garden: A tranquil space with a reflection pond and marble panels inscribed with the names of all victims, offering visitors a place for quiet reflection.

Visitor Experiences

Visitors often describe the memorial as a touching and educational experience. The well-maintained gardens and informative displays provide insight into the historical events and the sacrifices made. The peaceful ambiance allows for personal reflection, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in history and remembrance.

Practical Information

Location: Kundasang, Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia.

Opening Hours: Typically open daily; it's advisable to check current hours before visiting.

Entrance Fee: A nominal fee is charged for maintenance purposes.

Accessibility: The memorial is accessible by car, taxi, or guided tours from Kota Kinabalu.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of World War II's impact in Southeast Asia, the Kundasang War Memorial offers a solemn and respectful environment to honor and...

Kundasang War Memorial

The Kundasang War Memorial (Malay: Tugu Peringatan Perang Kundasang) is a memorial located in Kundasang in the Malaysian state of Sabah, which is dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who died in the Sandakan POW camp during their death marches to Ranau. Besides that, it also recognises the suffering and sacrifice of the native population of Sabah.

Established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the POWs.

The Memorial is made up of four beautiful gardens – the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool – to represent the different nationalities. With its towering pine trees and blooming roses, a walk in the gardens is reminiscent to that of a stroll in a quaint English garden. The scent of roses lingers in the air and the serene atmosphere makes the Kundasang War Memorial an ideal place to contemplate and remember the heroes of the war. Visitors can also opt to view a brief video on the history of the Sandakan Death March.

The memorial is located in the small town of Kundasang, about 92 km (57 mi) from the state capital of...

I recently visited the souvenir shop at the Sabah Kundasang War Memorial Park, and I must say it was an incredibly disappointing experience. I had planned to purchase some printed t-shirts and other souvenirs, with my total bill coming close to RM500+. However, the experience was marred by unprofessional behavior from the shop staff and the owner, Mr. Sevee.

As I was browsing and considering my purchase, the staff communicated with Mr. Sevee through a walkie talkie, mentioning that I had asked for a discount. Mr. Sevee's response, conveyed through the walkie talkie, was simply "harga semua tetap, tak boleh kurang," meaning all prices are fixed and non-negotiable. While I understand that prices may be set, the way this was handled was uncalled for.

Instead of providing a pleasant shopping experience, Mr. Sevee’s response came off as rude and dismissive. It felt like there was no effort to create a welcoming atmosphere for potential customers. As a buyer, I was made to feel like my request for a more reasonable price was inappropriate. The lack of flexibility and poor customer service left a very negative impression.

I will not be returning to this shop, and I would caution others who plan to visit the park to avoid this souvenir shop. Customer service is just as important as the products being sold, and unfortunately, this shop falls short on...