Kundasang War Memorial, Tribute For The Brave One

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Located on a hill immediately behind the vegetable wholesale stalls is the Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens.

Major G. S. Carter, D.S.O. (Toby Carter) a New Zealander employed with Shell Oil Co. (Borneo) initiated the building of the Memorial in 1962, together with the launching of Kinabalu Park; to commemorate the 2,428 Australian and British prisoners who died during World War II at the Sandakan POW Camp, and the casualties of the three infamous forced death marches from Sandakan to Ranau. It also serves as a tribute to the many local people who risked their lives while aiding the prisoners of war. Only six Australians survived in this tragedy to tell their horror and there were no English survivors.

The fort-like Memorial was designed by J.C. Robinson, a local architect. It has four interlocking but separate gardens to represent the homelands of those who died: an Australian Garden, a formal English Garden of roses, a Borneo Garden with wild flowers of Kinabalu and at the top level is the 'Contemplation Garden' with a reflection pool and pergola.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Memorial was restored in 2005 by Mr Sevee Charuruks and with funding provided by the Malaysian Government. The Gardens have been replanted with flowers, particularly roses and rare orchids that include the Paphiopedilum rothschildianum (Rothschild's slipper orchid). The Memorial is open to all visitors not only to view the gardens but to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of others.

ANZAC Memorial Services and private Memorial Services are welcomed with prior arrangements. The Memorial is open to visitors with minimal entrance fees charged.

Source : Wikipedia

Seriously, Kundasang War Memorial is a must visit place in Kundasang. Experience the gorgeous gardens and don’t forget to read about the Death March at the Information Centre. Here you can see all the mementos and some individual accounts.

 

If you are lucky enough, you can see the breathtaking landscapes at the top level of Kundasang War Memorial. I said lucky enough because sometimes it can be so misty. It is a perfect spot for photography because you can see the majestic Mount Kinabalu clearly. 

 

One thing I like up here is the wind. Gentle yet hard at the same time, it was like someone approaches you slowly but demands a full attention. As I looked down, I feel so proud and thankful for those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of others. If not for them, I would not stand there witnessing the magnificent sight. 

Related to this post

• Sandakan Death Marches 
• Kundasang War Memorial 
• Tourism Malaysia : Kundasang War Memorial