SANDAKAN: “Heritage tourism lies at the heart of Sandakan and its surrounding regions,” stated Lai King Hang, Founder and Chairman of the Sandakan Heritage Trail.
With Datuk Walter Kenson recently reappointed as President of the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), the trail has been highlighted as a key tourist destination.
Lai explained that visitors can take a relaxed two-hour stroll through Sandakan’s historic districts, immersing themselves in the town’s rich past.
Established in 2003 as a community-driven initiative, the Sandakan Heritage Trail enables local residents and leaders to share not only historical facts but also intangible cultural traditions with both locals and tourists.
Heritage tourism is a form of educational travel centred on exploring a region’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
What sets the Sandakan Heritage Trail apart is its recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2025 as the country’s first Historical Tree Trail.
A total of 42 notable trees along the route have been officially tagged and equipped with QR codes for interactive learning.
Lai recently hosted Tuan Mohd Shahrir Mohd Ali, Director of the Production Division, and other representatives from Tourism Malaysia, who visited specifically to document and photograph the trail.
This effort supports the ongoing promotion of the national tourism initiative, Visit Malaysia 2026.
Individuals interested in exploring the self-guided trail can obtain free maps at Sandakan Airport’s arrival hall, Hotel Sandakan, and other major hotels across the town.
