SANDAKAN: A high-profile walk down memory lane has put the spotlight on Sandakan’s rich history, as the city prepares for a record influx of German tourists.
On Friday, Lai King Hang, Founder and Chairman of the Sandakan Heritage Trail, alongside Teo Chee Kim, President of the Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN), guided Her Excellency Silke Riecken-Daerr, Ambassadress of Germany to Malaysia, along a section of the city’s iconic heritage route.
The delegation began their historical journey at the “Little HK Arch” on Jalan 2, concluding at the MPS Square, with a significant stop at the William Pryer Monument—honouring the founder of modern Sandakan.
According to Teo, Sabah is expecting nearly 10,000 tourists from Germany this year, with the majority heading to the Sandakan and Sukau regions. Citing statistics from the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Teo noted that this represents a near double-digit growth compared to 2025, signaling a robust recovery and rising international interest in the state’s eastern attractions.
During the walk, Lai recounted a lesser-known chapter of local history: before the official founding of Sandakan in 1879, an early settlement existed 12 miles away at Kampung German on Pulau Timbang. The village was accidentally razed by fire, prompting William B. Pryer, the first British Resident of North Borneo, to relocate and rebuild the community at Buli Sim Sim on the mainland.
Today, Kampung Sim-Sim stands as one of Sandakan’s largest water villages and a culinary hotspot, famous for serving some of the freshest seafood in the region.
“The Sandakan Heritage Trail is a two-hour walking route that has become increasingly popular with both local and international visitors eager to delve into the city’s past,” said Lai. “Visiting these ten main heritage sites offers a glimpse into the soul of old Sandakan.” – James Leong
At the information board of the William Pryer Monument (from left), Teo, Ambassadress Silke and Lai on Friday.
