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Daily Express
16-06-2025
- Daily Express
Johnson Gallery to boost tourism
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 Text Size: The Johnsons with locals beside their airplane on their second visit in 1935. Kota Kinabalu: Historical tourism will gain momentum in Sandakan once the Martin & Osa Johnson Gallery has been set up at the vacant PWD 2002 Building in the vicinity of the famous Agnes Keith House here, says Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew. She said the development of this facility will not only provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the American couple's exploration history in North Borneo (now Sabah) but will also complement the existing tourism offering in the area, the Agnes Keith House, which receives about 21,000 visitors yearly. Advertisement Agnes, an American author, lived in the House with her husband Harry Keith who was the North Borneo Conservator of Forests based in Sandakan. 'The Agnes Keith House is now conserved by the Sabah Museum Department (an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment - KePKAS). 'Both the Johnsons Gallery and Agnes Keith House, among other historical buildings in Sandakan, are a cornerstone of historical tourism in this east coast town. 'The gallery as a tribute to the Johnsons will attract more Americans to visit Sandakan if this 'must-see' tourist destination is included in tour packages offered by tour operators. The couple's 1920 silent movie 'Jungle Adventure' featuring the native people and wildlife in Kinabatangan became the world's first wildlife documentary,' Liew said in a statement on Sunday. Agnes Keith House and the St Michael and All Angels' Church are located along the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Quoting statistics from the Sabah Museum Department (an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment), the Minister said a total of 64,849 foreign and local visitors toured the Agnes Keith House between 2022 and 2024. 'And the period from January to April this year recorded some 7,976 visitors (1,529 foreign visitors and 6,447 locals).' According to Liew, the House was opened to the public as a historical tourism product in 2004. Since then, thousands from more than 50 countries were drawn to this heritage building which houses a museum, documenting the story of the House and the American author who gave Sabah the famous nickname 'Land Below The Wind' through her award-winning book of the same name. Former Curator of the Sabah Museum Stella Moo (now retired), when contacted, confirmed that she, together with the Chief Editor of Daily Express Datuk James Sarda, had received a set of more than 2,000 photographs (taken by Martin and Osa Johnson in the 1920s and 1930s) from the Chief Curator of the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum in Kansas, USA, Jacquelyn Borgeson in 2004 during the latter's visit to Sabah. 'That year (2004), Jacquelyn brought the Johnsons' photos for the Sabah Museum. She was also working on the exhibition area to be dedicated to Martin and Osa in the proposed Sandakan Heritage Museum,' recalled Moo. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
16-06-2025
- The Star
Sandakan gallery to spotlight American explorers, boost Sabah's heritage tourism
The Agnes Keith House in Sandakan, a restored colonial residence that forms part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail. SANDAKAN: Historical tourism in Sandakan is set to receive a major boost with the planned establishment of the Martin and Osa Johnson Gallery at the vacant PWD 2002 Building, located near the iconic Agnes Keith House. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the new gallery would enrich the town's heritage offerings and draw more visitors — especially Americans — interested in the couple's exploration of North Borneo (now Sabah). 'This gallery will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the Johnsons' contributions and adventures, and it will complement the Agnes Keith House, which already draws about 21,000 visitors annually,' she said in a statement on Sunday. She noted that the gallery will complement the nearby Agnes Keith House — a preserved colonial residence once home to American author Agnes Newton Keith and her husband Harry Keith, then North Borneo's Conservator of Forests — which is now managed by the Sabah Museum Department under her ministry. She added that both the Johnsons Gallery and the Agnes Keith House, along with other historic landmarks in Sandakan, would serve as cornerstones of heritage tourism in this east coast town. Liew said the gallery has the potential to be packaged as a "must-see" destination by tour operators, especially for American tourists. She noted that the Johnsons' 1920 silent film Jungle Adventure, featuring native communities and wildlife in Kinabatangan, is widely regarded as the world's first wildlife documentary. The Agnes Keith House and the nearby St Michael and All Angels' Church are both stops along the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Liew also highlighted that the house has attracted visitors from over 50 countries since it was opened to the public in 2004 as a historical tourism product. It now houses a museum documenting the story of Agnes Keith and her award-winning book Land Below The Wind, which popularised Sabah's enduring nickname. Visitor data from the Sabah Museum Department shows that 64,849 local and foreign tourists toured the Agnes Keith House between 2022 and 2024. From January to April this year alone, the site received 7,976 visitors — 1,529 foreigners and 6,447 locals. Former Sabah Museum curator Stella Moo shared that she and Daily Express chief editor Datuk James Sarda received more than 2,000 archival photographs taken by the Johnsons in the 1920s and 1930s. The photos were handed over by Jacquelyn Borgeson, chief curator of the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum in Kansas, during her visit to Sabah in 2004. 'Jacquelyn brought the photographs to the Sabah Museum and helped plan an exhibition space for Martin and Osa in the proposed Sandakan Heritage Museum,' said Stella. Sandakan is Sabah's second largest city, located on the east coast about 320km from the state capital Kota Kinabalu. It is known for its rich colonial history, wildlife sanctuaries, and eco-tourism attractions.
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Sandakan to boost historical tourism with US couple gallery
The Agnes Keith House SANDAKAN (June 15): Historical tourism will gain momentum in Sandakan once the Martin & Osa Johnson Gallery has been set up at the vacant PWD 2002 Building in the vicinity of the famous Agnes Keith House here, says Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew. She said the development of this facility will not only provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the American couple's exploration history in North Borneo (now Sabah) but will also complement the existing tourism offering in the area, the Agnes Keith House, which receives about 21,000 visitors yearly. Agnes, an American author, lived in the House with her husband Harry Keith who was the North Borneo Conservator of Forests based in Sandakan. 'The Agnes Keith House is now conserved by the Sabah Museum Department (an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment – KePKAS). 'Both the Johnsons Gallery and Agnes Keith House, among other historical buildings in Sandakan, are a cornerstone of historical tourism in this east coast town. 'The gallery as a tribute to the Johnsons will attract more Americans to visit Sandakan if this 'must-see' tourist destination is included in tour packages offered by tour operators. The couple's 1920 silent movie 'Jungle Adventure' featuring the native people and wildlife in Kinabatangan became the world's first wildlife documentary,' Liew said in a statement on Sunday. Agnes Keith House and the St Michael and All Angels' Church are located along the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Quoting statistics from the Sabah Museum Department (an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment), the minister said a total of 64,849 foreign and local visitors toured the Agnes Keith House between 2022 and 2024. 'And the period from January to April this year recorded some 7,976 visitors (1,529 foreign visitors and 6,447 locals).' According to Liew, the House was opened to the public as a historical tourism product in 2004. Since then, thousands from more than 50 countries were drawn to this heritage building which houses a museum, documenting the story of the House and the American author who gave Sabah the famous nickname 'Land Below The Wind' through her award-winning book of the same name. Former Curator of the Sabah Museum Stella Moo (now retired), when contacted, confirmed that she, together with the Chief Editor of Daily Express Datuk James Sarda, had received a set of more than 2,000 photographs (taken by Martin and Osa Johnson in the 1920s and 1930s) from the Chief Curator of the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum in Kansas, USA, Jacquelyn Borgeson in 2004 during the latter's visit to Sabah. 'That year (2004), Jacquelyn brought the Johnsons' photos for the Sabah Museum. She was also working on the exhibition area to be dedicated to Martin and Osa in the proposed Sandakan Heritage Museum,' recalled Moo.
The Irish Sun
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Europe's first Lego-themed waterpark reopens for summer and you can fly there for £17
THE first LEGO-themed waterpark in Europe has officially re-opened for the summer season. Gardaland itself is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe, with the only themed aquarium in Italy and a Peppa Pig land. 5 Gardaland in Italy has re-opened its water park 5 There are huge Lego figures around the park And in 2019, Gardaland opened the first, and only, LEGOLAND-themed The waterpark has been closed through the winter months, but from May 31, 2025, has started to welcome visitors back to the pools and flumes. It's a great place to cool down during the summer months, especially for any fans of Lego. The water park has taken a lot from the parks, including its own Italian Miniland. Read more on Legoland The recognisable Miniland is the heart of every Legoland Park where visitors can see the most iconic landmarks from across the world. Gardaland water park also has its own lazy river called the River Adventure, a slow-moving river. Visitors can bob down the slow-moving water attraction on a dinghy customised with Lego bricks. From there, you can actually see Miniland depicting Italy and spot a Lego-brick built Colosseum, Tower of Pisa, Basilica and Bell Tower of St. Mark's Square. Most read in Family Also in the water park is a Beach Party - with its seven slides and a huge tipping bucket of water. Also in the park is the Pirate Bay swimming pool , as well as a pirate fortress, as well as Jungle Adventure waterslides and Beach Party cannons. Huge indoor-outdoor waterpark in Europe has 12 slides, lazy river and bars 5 Jungle Adventure has lots of waterslides 5 There's a lazy river with Lego-inspired dinghies For younger kids, there's the Duplo splash park, which has smaller water rides and attractions. Creation Island is the spot to go to for any kids who want to make their own Lego designs. Souvenir shops and restaurants will also be opening in the park. The water park is a real hit with visitors, one wrote on Tripadvisor: "The park is phenomenal and the water park is absolutely amazing." One even said it gives "I loved the jumanji ride, and the kids loved legoland water park." Another said that the water park is the perfect place to "cool down" in the summer. With From there, Gardaland is a 25-minute drive towards the coast. One Plus, the tropical indoor One Sun Travel Writer Had The "Best Family Holiday Maria Realf visited Garaland with her family - and it's safe to say she had an incredible holiday... As the ride began to climb, the two views before me were dramatically different. To my right, the serene turquoise waters of Italy's Lake Garda. On my left? A steep drop and a double loop-the-loop. I'd stumbled across Gardaland in spring while trying to book a last-minute trip to Disneyland Paris. Don't get me wrong, I love a Disney park — but this time, faced with high prices and the possibility of French strike disruption, I decided to take a chance on somewhere new. The result? One of the best family breaks we've ever had. On arrival, the next pleasant surprise was the lack of long queues. Most waits were 10-20 minutes. But while the resort might have been short on queues, it's certainly not short of fun. There's plenty for all ages here, from Fantasy Kingdom and a small Peppa Pig Land for little ones, to adventure attractions including the latest Jumanji ride and white-knuckle thrills galore. My personal picks were epic log flume Fuga da Atlantide and the Mammut coaster, which reminded us of Disney's popular Big Thunder Mountain. During the warm summer months until mid-September, guests can also cool off at Legoland Water Park — a 15,000-square-metre area within Gardaland. Explore the Lego River Adventure with its floating rafts, the Beach Party packed with slides, or the Duplo Splash zone for younger visitors. If all that has worked up your appetite, there are lots of places to eat dotted around, from sit-down restaurants to takeaway kiosks - 5 Gardaland water park has opened up for the summer season
Scottish Sun
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Europe's first Lego-themed waterpark reopens for summer and you can fly there for £17
One Sun Writer described their visit as being "one of the best family breaks" SPLASH ABOUT Europe's first Lego-themed waterpark reopens for summer and you can fly there for £17 THE first LEGO-themed waterpark in Europe has officially re-opened for the summer season. Gardaland itself is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe, with the only themed aquarium in Italy and a Peppa Pig land. 5 Gardaland in Italy has re-opened its water park 5 There are huge Lego figures around the park And in 2019, Gardaland opened the first, and only, LEGOLAND-themed water park in the world. The waterpark has been closed through the winter months, but from May 31, 2025, has started to welcome visitors back to the pools and flumes. It's a great place to cool down during the summer months, especially for any fans of Lego. The water park has taken a lot from the parks, including its own Italian Miniland. The recognisable Miniland is the heart of every Legoland Park where visitors can see the most iconic landmarks from across the world. Gardaland water park also has its own lazy river called the River Adventure, a slow-moving river. Visitors can bob down the slow-moving water attraction on a dinghy customised with Lego bricks. From there, you can actually see Miniland depicting Italy and spot a Lego-brick built Colosseum, Tower of Pisa, Basilica and Bell Tower of St. Mark's Square. Also in the water park is a Beach Party - with its seven slides and a huge tipping bucket of water. Also in the park is the Pirate Bay swimming pool, as well as a pirate fortress, as well as Jungle Adventure waterslides and Beach Party cannons. Huge indoor-outdoor waterpark in Europe has 12 slides, lazy river and bars 5 Jungle Adventure has lots of waterslides 5 There's a lazy river with Lego-inspired dinghies For younger kids, there's the Duplo splash park, which has smaller water rides and attractions. Creation Island is the spot to go to for any kids who want to make their own Lego designs. Souvenir shops and restaurants will also be opening in the park. The water park is a real hit with visitors, one wrote on Tripadvisor: "The park is phenomenal and the water park is absolutely amazing." One even said it gives "I loved the jumanji ride, and the kids loved legoland water park." Another said that the water park is the perfect place to "cool down" in the summer. With Ryanair, one-way flights from the UK to Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona start at £17. From there, Gardaland is a 25-minute drive towards the coast. One Sun Travel writer lives in the water park capital of the UK - and you can visit five of the country's best for £8. Plus, the tropical indoor UK water park that families say 'feels like a holiday abroad' with 30 attractions. One Sun Travel Writer Had The "Best Family Holiday Maria Realf visited Garaland with her family - and it's safe to say she had an incredible holiday... As the ride began to climb, the two views before me were dramatically different. To my right, the serene turquoise waters of Italy's Lake Garda. On my left? A steep drop and a double loop-the-loop. I'd stumbled across Gardaland in spring while trying to book a last-minute trip to Disneyland Paris. Don't get me wrong, I love a Disney park — but this time, faced with high prices and the possibility of French strike disruption, I decided to take a chance on somewhere new. The result? One of the best family breaks we've ever had. On arrival, the next pleasant surprise was the lack of long queues. Most waits were 10-20 minutes. But while the resort might have been short on queues, it's certainly not short of fun. There's plenty for all ages here, from Fantasy Kingdom and a small Peppa Pig Land for little ones, to adventure attractions including the latest Jumanji ride and white-knuckle thrills galore. My personal picks were epic log flume Fuga da Atlantide and the Mammut coaster, which reminded us of Disney's popular Big Thunder Mountain. During the warm summer months until mid-September, guests can also cool off at Legoland Water Park — a 15,000-square-metre area within Gardaland. Explore the Lego River Adventure with its floating rafts, the Beach Party packed with slides, or the Duplo Splash zone for younger visitors. If all that has worked up your appetite, there are lots of places to eat dotted around, from sit-down restaurants to takeaway kiosks - Maria Realf
