Latest news with #SandakanHeritageTrail
Borneo Post
29-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sandakan Heritage Trail enters M'sian record book
Edwin Yeoh from the Malaysia Book of Records presenting the official certificate to Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson. SANDAKAN (June 29): The Sandakan Heritage Trail has carved its name into the Malaysia Book of Records as the country's first historical tree trail, marking a proud milestone for this historic town. The official recognition was presented on Saturday in a ceremony held in conjunction with Sandakan Founding Day 2025 and the 22nd anniversary of the Sandakan Heritage Trail. President of the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), Walter Kenson, described the achievement as a moment of great honour and pride for Sandakan. 'It is truly amazing to witness this historic milestone unfolding before our eyes in just three months,' he said in his speech. Kenson extended his congratulations to the Sandakan Heritage Trail team led by founder and chairman Lai King Hang, who spearheaded the initiative, together with Teo Chee Kim, president of the Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN). 'The idea of identifying the prominent trees along the heritage trail was conceived in early March when I met the Sandakan Heritage Trail group for the first time,' Kenson said. Today, a total of 42 heritage trees have been identified and equipped with QR codes, with the support of the Sabah Forestry Department in Sandakan. This makes the Sandakan Heritage Trail one of the most unique trails in Malaysia — blending heritage preservation and environmental awareness in a meaningful way. More than 300 people joined the trail walk, including 130 leaders and members of the Sandakan Girl Guides. Members of the Sabah Society Sandakan were also present to provide explanations about selected trees along the trail. Modern Sandakan was founded by William B. Pryer on 21 June 1879 — exactly 146 years ago. Kenson expressed hope that Sandakan Founding Day will become an annual celebration as part of wider efforts to revitalise the town, improve services, and boost business opportunities with the cooperation of residents and community leaders.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Sandakan to launch country's first historical tree trail
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's east coast town of Sandakan is set to carve its name in the Malaysia Book of Records with the Historical Tree Trail project, a first of its kind in the country. The eco-heritage initiative is set to be officially launched by the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) on June 28. Developed with the Sabah Forestry Department, the trail will feature 42 prominent heritage trees tagged with QR codes, allowing visitors to explore Sandakan's natural and cultural legacy. The milestone was announced during a courtesy call by Sandakan Heritage Trail founder and chairman Lai King Hang to Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan. The project is a joint effort by the Sandakan Heritage Trail Committee, Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN) and MPS, with support from voluntary organisations. The route will commence at Masjid Jamik with a stop at Agnes Keith's House for the official Malaysia Book of Records certificate presentation. Over 200 participants from diverse backgrounds are expected to join the inaugural walk. Each tagged tree features a QR code for interactive historical and ecological insights, Lai said. This trail not only highlights Sandakan's rich biodiversity but also positions the city as a pioneer in heritage conservation. The initiative is expected to boost tourism and environmental awareness, he added. Meanwhile, Kugan lauded the initiative, calling it a 'trailblazing effort' that blends conservation, heritage and tourism. Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Arthur Chung, a key member of the trail team, emphasised the unique project's role in promoting sustainable eco-tourism. Also present at the meeting were Forestry Department officers, STAN representatives and members of the Sabah Society Sandakan, underscoring the broad-based support for this landmark project.
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.
The Star
14-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Malaysia's first Historical Tree Trail to be opened in Sandakan
All 42 historically significant trees along the Sandakan Heritage Trail are each tagged and QR-coded to enhance visitor experience and promote eco-heritage tourism. KOTA KINABALU: Already renowned for its rich history, Sandakan is set to launch Malaysia's first Historical Tree Trail, which will be officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records on June 28. Developed in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department, the 3km Sandakan Heritage Trail features 42 historically significant trees, each tagged and QR-coded to enhance visitor experience and promote eco-heritage tourism. The achievement was revealed during a courtesy call by Lai King Hang, the founder and chairman of the Sandakan Heritage Trail, to the Sabah Forestry Department's chief conservator of forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan. "This is an excellent initiative that reflects innovation in both conservation and heritage tourism," said Kugan, adding that the trail represents a new benchmark in eco-education and community involvement. The launch event, which is expected to draw over 200 participants from all walks of life, will begin at Masjid Jamik and make a key stop at Agnes Keith's House, where the Malaysia Book of Records certificate will be officially presented. The trail will be officiated by the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) president, Walter Kenson. Organised by the Sandakan Heritage Trail Committee and the Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN), with full support from the Sandakan Municipal Council and various voluntary groups, the event represents a significant milestone for Sandakan's growing eco-tourism sector. Lai noted that in addition to the historic trees, the public will also enjoy views of restored colonial buildings such as Agnes Keith's House, as well as places of worship including the 100-year-old Masjid Jamik, the Goddess of Mercy Chinese Temple, St. Michael's and All Angels Church, and the Sam Sing Kung (Three Saints) Temple. The two-hour walk along the Sandakan Heritage Trail will conclude at the Sandakan Heritage Museum and include several other cultural landmarks along the way. Also present at the courtesy call were the department's deputy chief conservator of forests, Dr Arthur Chung, senior officers, a senior team member of the Sandakan Heritage Trail, as well as representatives from STAN and the Sabah Society Sandakan.
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sandakan to set record with first tree trail
Kugan (seventh from left), Lai (sixth from right) and others during the courtesy call. Dr Chung is sixth from left. SANDAKAN (June 13): A tree tagging system is developed with the assistance of Sabah Forestry Department to mark the upcoming Malaysia Book of Records, the First Historical Tree Trail In Malaysia on June 28. It will be officiated by Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson. This was revealed during a courtesy call to Datuk Frederick Kagan, the Chief Conservator Forests at his office by Lai King Hang, founder and chairman of Sandakan Heritage Trail yesterday. More than 200 participants from all walks of life are expected to follow the trail starting from Masjid Jamik, pausing at Agnes Keith's House for the official presentation of Malaysia Book of Records Certificate. Forty-two prominent trees within the Sandakan Heritage Trail have been identified, QR coded and tagged for visitors to enjoy the heritage sites and trees too. This significant milestone for Sandakan is organised by Sandakan Heritage Trail Committee and Sandakan Tourism Association STAN with full support from the Sandakan Municipal Council and other voluntary organisations. Present at the courtesy call were Dr Arthur Chung, Deputy Chief Conservator Forests who is also a senior team member of Sandakan Heritage Trail, senior officers of Sabah Forestry Department, representatives from STAN and Sabah Society Sandakan.
