Sandakan Death March Memorial

A solemn World War II memorial site honoring the Australian and British prisoners who died during the brutal forced march from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945. It stands as an important historical monument and testament to the horrors of war.

Things to do

• Pay respects at the memorial site — View the solemn monument and read the names of the 2,428 Australian and British prisoners who perished during the forced march.
• Visit the adjacent museum and interpretive center — Learn detailed accounts of the Sandakan camp, the march, and survivor testimonies through photographs, artifacts, and documented histories.
• Walk the historical grounds — Explore the pathways around the memorial that provide context about the camp layout and the conditions prisoners endured.
• Attend the annual memorial service — Join the ceremony held each year on the anniversary of the march, typically featuring Australian and British officials and local community participants.
• View the prisoner roll of honor — Study the comprehensive list of names engraved at the site to honor those who died during captivity and the march.
• Photograph the landscaped gardens — Take images of the carefully maintained grounds designed to create a peaceful and respectful atmosphere for contemplation.

Food to try

• Sabah laksa — A rich coconut-based noodle soup local to Sandakan, featuring shrimp and topped with crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs.
• Seafood at local markets — Sample fresh prawns, fish, and crabs from Sandakan's bustling waterfront markets, often grilled or prepared in local spice blends.
• Roti canai — A Malaysian flatbread served with curry dipping sauce, commonly eaten for breakfast or as a quick meal throughout Sabah.
• Hinava — A traditional Sabahan raw fish salad made with freshly caught fish, lime juice, chili, and ginger that reflects local coastal cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress respectfully at the memorial — Wear modest clothing and shoes as a sign of respect when visiting this solemn war site, particularly during official ceremonies.
• Allow time for quiet reflection — Visit during quieter hours to fully absorb the historical significance and to show appropriate reverence to those commemorated.
• Engage with local guides — Hire a knowledgeable guide from Sandakan who can provide deeper context about the march's impact on the local community and region.
• Understand local WWII history — The march represents a profound moment in Malaysian and British Commonwealth history; locals appreciate visitors who demonstrate genuine interest in learning this difficult past.