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Sandakan Heritage Trail: Agnes Keith House & St Michael's Church

Walk Sandakan's storied colonial hilltop with a private historian guide — through the lovingly restored home of author Agnes Keith, the oldest Anglican church in Sabah, and panoramic views over the bay that once made Sandakan the richest city in the British Empire.

What to expect

Agnes Keith's whitewashed colonial villa crowns a forested hill with sweeping bay views; the interior is meticulously restored with period furniture and her original manuscripts. St Michael's All Angels Church, consecrated in 1893, carries bullet-scarred walls from WWII. The trail continues through the old Sandakan town grid to the Puh Jih Shih Buddhist Temple. A private guide weaves personal anecdotes of pre-war Sandakan life into every stop.

Book it with
Shore Excursions Asia (local operator, Sandakan Heritage Tour)
From USD 75 per person (private group; 6.5-hour heritage tour including port pick-up/drop-off)
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Good to know

Agnes Keith House is a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Sandakan Port. Entry to Agnes Keith House is MYR 15 per adult (included in tour price above). The tour runs in the cooler morning hours — ideal for a half-day call. Wear comfortable walking shoes; the hilltop involves some steps. Book directly via shoreexcursions.asia specifying cruise ship and all-aboard time.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Sandakan — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Onward
11 nights · calls at Sandakan
from $5,526
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