SANDAKAN: “Heritage tourism is the heart and soul of Sandakan and its surrounding areas,” said Sandakan Heritage Trail founder and chairman, Lai King Hang.
Lai said that under the renewed leadership of Datuk Walter Kenson, President of the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), the Sandakan Heritage Trail has been further strengthened as one of the town’s premier tourism attractions, offering visitors a leisurely two-hour walk through Sandakan’s historic quarters.
Established in 2003 as a community-driven initiative, the Sandakan Heritage Trail empowers local residents and community leaders to preserve and share the town’s rich history, cultural heritage and living traditions. As a form of heritage tourism, the trail provides an educational experience that allows visitors to discover Sandakan’s historical, cultural and natural legacy.
Adding to its distinction, the Sandakan Heritage Trail was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2025 as the First Historical Tree Trail in Malaysia. A total of 42 heritage trees along the trail have been identified, tagged and equipped with QR codes, enabling visitors to learn about their historical and environmental significance.
Lai recently accompanied Mohd Shahrir Mohd Ali, director of the Production Division of Tourism Malaysia, and his team to document and photograph the trail as part of preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign.
Visitors interested in exploring the self-guided heritage trail can obtain complimentary trail maps at the arrival hall of Sandakan Airport as well as major hotels throughout Sandakan. – James Leong
Lai King Hang (third left), with Mohd Shahrir and his team during their recent visit.
