SANDAKAN: A journey through history with an educational purpose.
“Many may not realize that the primary goal behind establishing the Sandakan Heritage Trail was to deepen young people’s understanding of our local history and cultural heritage,” said Lai King Hang, Founder and Chairman of the Sandakan Heritage Trail.
He shared this during the 2026 Agnes Keith Day celebrations, hosted by the Sabah Museum at Agnes Keith’s House on Tuesday.
The event marked the annual tribute to the American author and wartime figure, Agnes Newton Keith (1901–1982), best known for her 1939 bestseller Land Below The Wind.
Lai and his team took part in a mini exhibition held alongside the official opening ceremony, which was led by Dr. Andi Md Shamsureezal, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, representing the Minister.
Also in attendance were Aldofus Lester John Milip, the newly appointed Director of Sabah Museum, and other senior officials.
According to Lai, the Heritage Trail turns historical and urban landmarks into open-air learning spaces. Visitors can explore these sites independently, guided by detailed maps and informative descriptions.
Agnes Keith’s former home, restored starting in 2001 and opened to the public in 2004, now serves as a key attraction within the trail. It draws approximately 25,000 visitors each year and remains a highlight for those touring Sandakan.
“It’s encouraging to see so many schoolchildren engaging in today’s activities,” Lai remarked.
“We remain committed to expanding our outreach to students. While the trail has grown into one of Sandakan’s top tourist attractions, our core mission of education continues to guide our efforts.” he added.
Sandakan Heritage Trail – A Heritage For Future Generation
SANDAKAN: An educational journey through time”Unbeknownst to many, the original objective of forming the Sandakan Heritage Trail is to raise the awareness of our own history and heritage to the younger generation”,
This was revealed by Lai King Hang, Founder and Chairman of Sandakan Heritage Trail at the annual Agnes Keith Day 2026 organised by Sabah Museum at Agnes Keith’s House on Tuesday.
Lai and his team members were participating the mini exhibition held in conjunction with the Opening Ceremony of Agnes Keith Day 2026 by Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah representing the Minister.
Also present is Aldofus Lester John Milip the new Director of Sabah Museum and other senior officials.
Heritage Trail education transforms urban and historical sites into outdoor classrooms, allowing users to explore and learn at their own pace guided by informative maps and write-ups, added Lai.
This event celebrating the life of Agnes Newton Keith (1901-1982) is the perfect opportunity for the community to know up close this war time heroine,
a celebrated author who wrote Land Below The Wind in 1939 which became a bestseller.
Her residence in Sandakan now known commonly as Agnes Keith’s House was earmarked for restoration in 2001 and opened to the public in 2004.
Around 25,000 people has visited the house-museum annually and it is a must-stop of Sandakan Heritage Trail.
“It is a joy to see participation of school children in various programmes organised throughout the day. On our part, engagement with students will continue and intensified to promote the Sandakan Heritage Trail eventhough over the years it has also become one of the most popular tourism destinations in Sandakan, concluded Lai.
