Kundasang War Memorial — Sabah's Tribute to WWII Fallen Soldiers
What is the Kundasang War Memorial?
The Kundasang War Memorial was established in 1962 and was one of the first memorials to the Australian and British prisoners of war who died at Sandakan and on the death marches to Ranau during the Second World War. It also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the prisoners (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 7 October 2026).
The memorial was built through the persuasive efforts of New Zealand's Major G.S. "Toby" Carter, and the gardens were opened in 1962 (Department of Veterans' Affairs, Australia, checked 7 October 2026).
The memorial later fell into disrepair. Restoration began in late 2004 under its custodian, Mr Sevee Charuks, and an Australian Memorial Hall was opened by Australian High Commissioner Penny Williams on 17 August 2009 (DVA, checked 7 October 2026). Sabah Tourism lists him, as Mr Sevee Chararuks, as the memorial's contact on +60 19 899 2041 (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 7 October 2026).
Why is the memorial located in Kundasang?
Kundasang is in Ranau district, the destination of the Sandakan Death Marches. In 1945 the Japanese forced prisoners from the Sandakan camp to march about 250 to 260 km to Ranau (the Sabah Tourism Board gives 260 km; the Department of Veterans' Affairs gives 250 km, checked 7 October 2026). Most died on the way or at Ranau, and only six Australians, all escapees, survived (Sabah Tourism Board, Sandakan Day, checked 7 October 2026).
The memorial honours both the prisoners and the local people who helped them, and the survivors were cared for by villagers who took great risks to do so.
What are the four memorial gardens?
The memorial is made up of four interlocking but separate gardens, representing the homelands of those who died (DVA; Sabah Tourism Board, both checked 7 October 2026):
| Garden Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Australian Garden | Represents the homeland of the Australian prisoners. |
| English Garden | A formal rose garden representing the homeland of the British prisoners. |
| Borneo Garden | Planted with wild flowers of Kinabalu. |
| Contemplation Garden and Pool | On the top level, with a reflection pool and pergola. |
Sabah Tourism describes towering pine trees and blooming roses that make a walk through the gardens feel like a stroll in an English garden. Visitors can also watch a short video on the history of the Sandakan Death March (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 7 October 2026).
Who does the memorial honour?
The memorial commemorates the 2,428 Australian and British prisoners of war who died at Sandakan and on the death marches to Ranau, and honours the local people who risked their lives helping them (DVA, checked 7 October 2026).
Australian and British prisoners: Australia's Department of Veterans' Affairs gives the number of prisoners held at Sandakan as 1,793 Australians and 641 British (DVA audio guide, checked 7 October 2026). No British prisoner survived.
Local people: many local people who stayed loyal to the Allies were executed, and it is estimated that 14 per cent of Sabah's population died under Japanese rule from starvation and brutal treatment (Sabah Tourism Board, Sandakan Day, checked 7 October 2026).
The six survivors: only six Australians survived, all of them escapees who were cared for by villagers. Their names are listed on our Sandakan Death Marches page.
How do I get to Kundasang War Memorial from KK?
Route: Kundasang is on the main road from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau, which climbs into the hills past Kinabalu Park. It is a mountain road with many bends. Check a navigation app for current driving times.
Finding the memorial: the gardens are on the hill immediately behind Kundasang's vegetable wholesale stalls (DVA, checked 7 October 2026).
By rental car: the most flexible option, as you can stop at Kinabalu Park and the farms on the same day.
By bus or shared van: services between Kota Kinabalu and Ranau pass through Kundasang. Ask the driver to drop you in Kundasang town.
By organised tour: many Kota Kinabalu tour operators run day trips to Kundasang that include the memorial.
Climate: Kundasang is in the highlands and noticeably cooler than coastal Kota Kinabalu. Bring a light jacket, especially in the morning.
What else can I do in Kundasang?
Kundasang is a small highland town with several attractions to combine with a memorial visit:
Kinabalu Park: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Kinabalu, a short drive from Kundasang. The park headquarters area has nature trails and visitor facilities. Climbing the mountain needs a permit and a licensed guide, booked through Sabah Parks.
Vegetable stalls and farms: the memorial sits right behind the Kundasang vegetable stalls, and the cool climate supports highland vegetable and fruit farms nearby.
Mountain scenery: early mornings give the best chance of clear views of Mount Kinabalu.
Other war memorials: Sabah Tourism lists other wartime sites around Ranau, including the Last Prisoner of War Camp and Memorial and the Quailey's Hill Memorial (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 7 October 2026).