Franz ElizKundasang is home to the Kundasang War Memorial, a significant place of interest, which remembers British and Australian Prisoners of War (POW) who died in Sandakan during their death marches to Ranau. It also remembers the Sabah people’s sacrifices in helping the prisoners.
At the Kundasang War Memorial, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk while learning about the Prisoners of War (POW) and the death marches from Sandakan to Ranau. This memorial, established in 1962, features four small gardens – 3 representing the victims’ countries.
Keep reading for more information on the Kundasang War Memorial.
In Remembrance of the Heroes Who Died During the Death Marches
Under the Japanese occupation during WWII, British and Australian soldiers were taken as prisoners at the Sandakan POW camp. There, the prisoners started what’s known as the infamous Sandakan Death Marches.
Many soldiers died (2,428 people) during their marches to Ranau in 1945 – even some local Sabahan had died trying to help them at the time. Only 6 men survived the ordeal with the help of the Sabahan people.
WWII was ugly, and its horrific events shouldn’t repeat themselves. While we move forward, the lessons learned from the past shouldn’t be forgotten, and neither should we forget the victims of war. Kundasang War Memorial was established in remembrance of the Prisoners of War and the local people’s contributions and sacrifices.
A Thai Living in Malaysia Took Up the Memorial’s Restoration Project
In 1962, a war veteran from New Zealand, Major G.S. Carter DSO, came up with the idea of building the Kundasang War Memorial. Mr JC Robinson was the local architect who was responsible for the memorial’s construction. However, the project didn’t continue long due to the lack of funding.
However, Mr Sevee Charuruks, a Thai living in Malaysia, took up the restoration project. Later, the Australian government also contributed a huge sum of money to help with the restoration. Mr Sevee Charuruks was awarded by the British and Australian governments for his contributions.
Today, the Kundasang War Memorial receives visits from international and local travellers. An entrance fee applies, which helps in maintaining the memorial and its daily operations.
The War Memorial Has Four Gardens
After getting your entry ticket, explore the memorial hall where you can learn about the WWII fallen heroes. There are photographs from the past, newspaper clippings, a short video of the death marches, and more. You’ll also find a big map showing the painful journey of the POW through the Sandakan–Ranau Death March Track (265 km).
There are souvenirs sold at the memorial hall if you’re interested to buy perhaps later before leaving.
After that, proceed to a gate that takes you up the stairs to the war memorial’s main section. This fortress-like section is where you’ll find the memorial’s gardens. Along the way, you’ll come across the British, Australian, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Sabah flags.
There are four gardens in total, of which 3 of the gardens represent the countries of the victims:
- Australian Garden
- English Garden
- Borneo Garden
- Contemplation Garden and Pool
Australian Garden
From the main stairs after the memorial hall, the Australian Garden will be on your left. The garden has a rectangular lawn with a small heart shape.
There, visitors can find lovely flowers and a plaque that says ‘Kinabalu Kundasang War Memorial and Australia’.
Signs reminding people to not steal flowers or vandalise the monuments can also be seen.
English Garden
When you get to the English Garden, you’ll find roses and a black marble slab with the UK flag. The English Garden is just next to the Australian Garden. It’s designed to look like an English rose garden, so you’ll find rose bushes on the ground. Apart from roses, the English garden also has other flowers.
Borneo Garden
The Borneo Garden has many beautiful local plants. There, visitors can find flowers native to Sabah, including the Kinabalu rothschildianum Paphiopedilum. The Borneo Garden is dedicated to the Sabahan people who helped the POW despite facing threats from the Japanese army.
Contemplation Garden and Pool
At the Contemplation Garden and Pool, visitors can find a small pool, pergola, and marble panels with the war victims’ names. The Contemplation Garden and Pool is a popular spot for photoshoots thanks to its romantic setting. On the side is a beautiful hill view. Visitors can see local houses and Mount Kinabalu from here.
More Maintenance Is Needed at the Kundasang War Memorial
The war memorial looked beautiful when I visited it in 2021. However, my recent visit to the war memorial in February 2023 was quite disappointing – it looked neglected and the flowers looked like they were dying.
But don’t let this deter you from visiting the war memorial. It’s one of the most important places in Sabah. Perhaps, the memorial was waiting to plant new flowers when I visited the place last February. Hopefully, the memorial will get more funding in the future to ensure it doesn’t fall behind with its maintenance.
Is There an Entrance Fee?
An RM4 entrance fee applies to local visitors. It’s RM10 for foreign visitors. Other fees apply as well, such as fees for photography purposes, the use of big cameras, and so on. These fees are important as they help the war memorial to keep up with its maintenance and daily operations.
Tips for Visiting Kundasang War Memorial
After exploring all four gardens, stop by the memorial hall again for some souvenirs. Since the Kundasang War Memorial can get quite hot, make sure you stay hydrated always. The souvenir shop also sells beverages if you forgot to take water with you.
I recommend taking your time when visiting the memorial. There are benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. Alternatively, you may sit on the stairs as long as you don’t block people’s way.
I enjoyed hanging out at the stairs near the Australian Garden because the view (of tall trees, plants, etc.) was amazing.
As you enjoy the flowers, remember not to pluck or steal them. You’ll see warning signs and surveillance cameras around the memorial.
When you reach the Contemplation Garden and Pool, be sure to enjoy the hill view and capture some photos to take home. You can see local houses and Mount Kinabalu from here.
Is the Kundasang War Memorial Worth Visiting?
Kundasang War Memorial is worth visiting, although it could use more improvement. This war memorial was established to remember the Prisoners of War who died during the death marches from Sandakan to Ranau. It also remembers the sacrifices made by the Sabah people during the war.
That said, consider adding the Kundasang War Memorial to your Kundasang travel itinerary. For an affordable price, you can explore four flower gardens, enjoy the lovely and peaceful natural surroundings, and pay your respect to the WWII fallen heroes who fought hard for our freedom today.
Summary
You can learn a lot about the WWII death marches and show your respect to fallen heroes by visiting Kundasang War Memorial. This war memorial is dedicated to British and Australian soldiers who fought hard for the freedom we get to enjoy today. It also remembers the Sabah people who helped the prisoners of war.
Although the memorial could use more maintenance, it’s an educational local attraction that’s worth visiting. So, consider adding Kundasang War Memorial to your travel itinerary.
