Loading ...Kundasang War Memorial
The Kundasang War Memorial is located near the renowned vegetable market in Kundasang Village. It was established as a tribute to World War II prisoners of war who died during the Sandakan Death Marches in 1945.
Major G.S. Carter, D.S.O. (Toby Carter) a New Zealander employed with Shell Oil Co. (Borneo) initiated the building of the Memorial in 1962, together with the launching of Kinabalu Park; to remember the 2,428 Australian and British prisoners who died during the World War II at the Sandakan POW Camp, and the casualties of the 3 infamous forced death marches i.e. Sandakan-Ranau Death March from Sandakan to Ranau. On top of that, it is also a tribute to the many locals who risked their lives while releasing the prisoners of war. Only 6 Australians recorded survived in this tragedy to tell their horror and no English survivors were recorded.
The ‘fort-like’ Memorial was designed by a local architect by the name of J.C. Robinson. It has 4 interlocking but separate gardens to represent the homelands of those who has died: an Australian Garden, a formal English Garden of roses, a Borneo Garden with wild flowers of Kinabalu and at the top level is the ‘Contemplation Garden’ with a reflection pool and pergola.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Memorial was beautifully restored in 2005 by many concerned individuals as well as the Malaysian Government and the Australian Government. The Gardens are replanted with flowers, particularly roses and rare orchids that includes the much sought after valuable Rothchild’s slipper orchids. The memorial is open to local and foreign visitors not only to view the perfect gardens but to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the Freedom of others.
ANZAC Memorial Service and private Memorial Services are welcomed with prior arrangements. The Memorial is open to visitors with minimal entrance fees charged.
info source: wikipedia
massy
I owez wanted to go but nobody wants to go with me T_T
Like few months ago I was there but it rained T_T
Jeff
We don’t often hear much about Sandakan in WWII history here in Australia. Mostly New Guinea and Singapore, Europe get the attention. Nice Pics and intersting to see this. Jeff(Perth Aust.)
Zie
Thanks Jeff. We as the new generation should know and never forget the destruction and casualties of World War II. Too many have lost their lives because of the tyranny of some. We just hope that nothing like this should ever happen again in the future.
Red
zie… good job! i must say that is what people wants to see and understand about life in borneo. I do encourage you and your team to cover as much as historical events in borneo. This is kinda interesting for the few some. Maybe you can cover antenom, mat salleh and all the other heroes people wants cheer. PEACE BRO!!!
Zie
Thanks Red! we’ll go and cover other historical sites in Borneo as we travel to each place and capture more interesting images here and there.
John Williams
it is important to note that several Australians who Mr Charuruks got to know since 2004 have made significant contributions by way of lobby and sought financial support from the Australian Government. Support was given and it is fair that this support by Australian Taxpayers is acknowledged: http://www.dva.gov.au/commems_oawg/OAWG/grants/Pages/kundasang.aspx
It worth noting that the Malaysian Goverment contributed singificantly as well as many individuals including locals from the Kundasang area who worked themselves to the bones to get this memorial to what it is today. It was NOT only Mr, Charuruks who contributed!
Linda L. @ SilverBullet
few month ago i watched a documentary about the WWII prisoners of war in north borneo (sabah) the documentary title: RETURN TO SANDAKAN. its really sad and gruesome experience.
i just move to sandakan and i will pay a vist and to honour those fallen. Lest we forget.
Maria Hrafn
Hi – really good site you have made. I enjoyed reading this posting. I did want to publish a remark to tell you that the design of this site is very aesthetically pleasing. I used to be a graphic designer, now I am a copy editor in chief for a merchandising firm. I have always enjoyed playing with information processing systems and am attempting to learn code in my spare time (which there is never enough of lol).
Peter Wise
@John Williams yes it’s a good place to visit for sure. Australians should visit and so should many Japanese as well. I trust the others who contrubuted to Kundasang War Memorial get a mention too.
Dundee
nice one John, it should also be noted that Australia took 40 yrs to tip in and then finaly jump on the Bandwagon and help to restore the place…
Mr, Charuruks took it upon himself to clean the place up…
Lest we forget…
Stuart & Barbara Irvine
We visited Kundasang Memorial in 2007 while it was still under construction but were allowed to walk through and were shown what would be. We are very glad to see the photos of it’s completion and commend all those who worked so hard in bringing it about. Lest we Forget.