Sandakan history

The history of Sandakan, located in the state of Sabah on the northeast coast of Borneo, is closely tied to the colonial era and trade. The city has transformed from a small settlement into a major administrative and economic hub of the region.

Founding and Early Years

Modern Sandakan was founded in 1879 by William Pryer, a representative of the British North Borneo Company. This occurred after the initial settlement, known as "Kampung German," was completely destroyed by fire. The new settlement was moved to the eastern shore of the bay and given the temporary name Elopura, meaning "Beautiful City." However, this name did not stick, and the city reverted to its previous name—Sandakan, which in the Sulu language means "leased" or "pledged."

Key Factors of Development

The city's development was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position in a naturally protected harbour on the coast of the Sulu Sea made it an ideal location for a seaport.
• Trade: Sandakan quickly became a centre for trading valuable resources such as timber, rattan, and bird's nests. In the 1930s, it was even considered one of the world's leading timber exporters.
• Political Status: In 1883, Sandakan became the administrative capital of British North Borneo, which spurred its growth and infrastructure construction. It retained this status until 1947.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Sandakan was a multicultural city. By 1884, its population consisted of the Sulu people, as well as a large number of Chinese traders and workers who made a significant contribution to economic development. The city became a melting pot of cultures, where local traditions blended with the influences of British colonisers and Chinese migrants. This was reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle, turning Sandakan into a thriving port city sometimes referred to as "Little Hong Kong."

Key Dates in the History of Sandakan

The history of Sandakan is rich with events that defined its role as a major port and administrative centre on Borneo. From its founding in the colonial era to the tragic events of World War II and its subsequent revival, every stage has left its mark on the city's appearance and character.

• 1879 — William Pryer, a representative of the British North Borneo Company, founds modern Sandakan after a fire destroyed the original settlement.
• 1883 — The city becomes the capital of British North Borneo, facilitating its rapid economic and administrative growth.
• 1930s — Sandakan reaches the peak of its prosperity as one of the world's largest timber exporters, earning the nickname "Little Hong Kong."
• 19 January 1942 — Japanese troops occupy Sandakan during World War II, and the city becomes the administrative centre for Japanese forces in North Borneo.
• 1945 — The tragic "Sandakan Death Marches" take place, during which thousands of Australian and British prisoners of war perished during a forced march from Sandakan to Ranau.
• 19 October 1945 — Japanese troops finally withdraw from Sandakan, leaving the city almost completely destroyed by Allied bombings.
• 1946 — The capital of North Borneo is moved from the ruined Sandakan to Jesselton (modern-day Kota Kinabalu).
• 1947-1950s — Massive post-war reconstruction of the city begins, with a primary focus on reviving port infrastructure and the timber industry.
• 1963 — North Borneo (renamed Sabah), along with Sarawak and Singapore, joins the Federation of Malaya to form the independent nation of Malaysia, and Sandakan becomes part of the new country.
• Late 20th - Early 21st Century — The city's economy diversifies: alongside logging, oil palm cultivation and ecotourism begin to play key roles.

Key Stages of Sandakan's Development

The story of Sandakan is a journey from a small trading settlement to the second most important city in the state of Sabah. The main milestones of its development reflect the economic and cultural transformations that have shaped the modern face of the city.

• Founding and Capital Status (1879–1883): Following the destruction of the initial settlement by fire, modern Sandakan was founded in 1879. By 1883, it received the status of capital of British North Borneo, which provided a powerful impetus for its administrative and infrastructural growth.
• "Golden Age" of the Timber Industry (1930s): Thanks to its strategic position in a protected harbour, the city transformed into a major global centre for timber export. This period brought immense wealth to Sandakan and the nickname "Little Hong Kong," highlighting its economic power.
• Destruction in World War II (1942–1945): The Japanese occupation and subsequent Allied bombings almost completely destroyed the city. The tragic "Sandakan Death Marches" became one of the darkest chapters in the history of not only the city but also Australia.
• Post-War Reconstruction and Loss of Capital Status (1946–1950s): Due to severe destruction, the capital was moved to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu). Despite this, Sandakan was rebuilt, and its economy was revived with a focus on the timber industry and port activities.
• Integration into Malaysia (1963): Sandakan, along with the entire state of Sabah, became part of the independent Federation of Malaysia. This step defined its further development within the new state and strengthened its position as an important economic centre in East Malaysia.
• Economic Diversification (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): New industries replaced the dominance of logging. Oil palm plantations and the processing industry began to play a key role in the economy.
• Development of Ecotourism (Present Day): The city has become the gateway to Borneo's unique natural attractions. Proximity to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Kinabatangan River, and the Turtle Islands has made ecotourism one of the most vital and fast-growing sectors of Sandakan's economy.

The architectural appearance of Sandakan is a visual history of the city, marked by colonial heritage, near-total destruction during World War II, and subsequent modern restoration. There is no single dominant style here; rather, the urban environment represents a blend of several eras.

Colonial Heritage and Chinese Diaspora Influence

Pre-war Sandakan, being the capital of British North Borneo, was actively developed with buildings in the colonial style. Unfortunately, most of them were destroyed. Only a few iconic structures have survived to this day, offering a glimpse into that era:

• St. Michael's and All Angels Church: Built in the late 19th century, this church is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah. Its architecture represents an example of English Gothic adapted to the tropical climate.
• Agnes Keith House: Rebuilt after the war on its original foundation, this house is a classic example of a colonial bungalow. The wooden structure on stilts with spacious verandas was perfectly adapted for life in a hot and humid climate.
• Chinese Shophouses: As in many cities in Southeast Asia, an important part of the urban landscape was the two- and three-story shophouses built by Chinese merchants. Although most original buildings were lost, their architectural principle was recreated in the post-war development of the city centre.

Post-War Modernism and Modernity

After being almost completely destroyed in 1945, Sandakan was rebuilt. The period from the 1950s to the 1970s defined the look of the modern city centre. The basis of the development consisted of functional modernist buildings, characterised by simple geometric shapes, reinforced concrete structures, and a lack of excessive decoration. This architecture aimed at the rapid restoration of urban infrastructure.

From the late 20th century to the present day, modern commercial buildings, hotels, and residential complexes have appeared in Sandakan. Worth special mention are striking examples of religious architecture, such as the Buddhist temple Puu Jih Shih, located on a hill with a panoramic view of the bay. This temple, with its curved roofs and vibrant decor, is an example of traditional Chinese temple architecture, contrasting with the pragmatic development of the centre.

Notable Figures Associated with Sandakan

The history of Sandakan is closely intertwined with the lives of many people—from colonial administrators and writers to nature conservationists. These personalities have left a significant mark on the city's development and cultural heritage.

William Burgess Pryer

• Role: British colonial administrator, founder of modern Sandakan.
• Historical Significance: In 1879, after the initial settlement was destroyed by fire, Pryer founded the new city that became modern Sandakan. He was the first Resident (administrator) of the British North Borneo Company on the east coast and played a key role in establishing the city as an administrative and trading centre.

Agnes Newton Keith

• Role: American writer.
• Historical Significance: Author of the famous autobiographical book "Land Below the Wind," in which she described her life in Sandakan before World War II. Her works introduced the world to the culture and nature of North Borneo. The Agnes Keith House, restored after the war, is today one of the city's main historical attractions.

Harry George Keith

• Role: British official, Conservator of Forests.
• Historical Significance: As the husband of Agnes Keith, Harry Keith made a huge contribution to the study and management of North Borneo's forest resources. In an era when Sandakan's economy depended entirely on timber exports, his work on sustainable forest management was of strategic importance to the region.

Lionel Wigmore

• Role: Australian military historian.
• Historical Significance: Although not a resident of Sandakan, his work is inextricably linked to one of the most tragic events in the city's history. Wigmore documented the "Sandakan Death Marches" of 1945 in detail in the official Australian military history "The Japanese Thrust." Thanks to his work, the memory of this tragedy, which claimed the lives of thousands of prisoners of war, has been preserved for future generations.

Harrisson bin Salleh

• Role: Malaysian naturalist and pioneer of nature conservation.
• Historical Significance: One of the founders and first leaders of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, located near Sandakan. His many years of work in rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans helped turn the centre into a world-renowned sanctuary and made Sandakan the gateway for ecotourism in Borneo.