[2025 Sandakan Attraction] Travel Guide for St. Michael's and All Angels Church, Sandakan (Updated Jul)

#traveldiaries This Anglican church is the first and oldest stone church in the State of Sabah, completed build in 1925. The church is located on a hill, so walking up can be quite tiring for some. Entry fee is Rm5 and can see the interior with the supervision of the church assistant. Great architecture and design evoking Christian spirituality. It is part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail.

If you do visit Sandakan, please visit this historic Church. During WW II, surrounding areas were destroyed but 1 temple, 1 mosque & this church remained intact!

Sandakan, Malaysia, is a tourist destination brimming with historical charm and natural beauty. Once known as "Little Hong Kong," Sandakan boasts a rich cultural heritage. Its old port area, with colonial-era shophouses, offers a glimpse into the 1960s and 70s, allowing visitors to experience the unique charm of Lingnan Chinese culture. Sandakan's history dates back to the 19th century when it flourished due to its abundant forest and marine resources. Below is a detailed guide I've compiled. If you find it helpful, don't forget to follow me! - Attractions - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: The world's first rehabilitation center dedicated to orphaned orangutans. Approximately 80 rescued orangutans live freely in this forest sanctuary. - Kinabatangan River: The longest river in Sabah. The lower basin is Malaysia's largest wetland and one of Southeast Asia's largest wildlife habitats. Take a river cruise to observe diverse wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and hornbills. - Sandakan Memorial Park: Built on the site of a former WWII prisoner-of-war camp, this park commemorates those who perished in the Pacific War. It features several small museums exhibiting historical artifacts and information. Free admission. - St. Michael's and All Angels Church: A granite church with stunning stained-glass windows. Free admission. - Food Recommendations - Seafood: As a port city, Sandakan offers abundant seafood. Visit the local seafood market or restaurants to savor fresh catches like crabs, prawns, fish, and shellfish. Prices vary depending on the type and season. - Laksa: A traditional Malaysian dish featuring noodles, prawns, fishcakes, bean sprouts, and a rich curry broth. - Nasi Lemak: Malaysia's national dish, consisting of rice cooked in coconut milk, served with chicken, peanuts, cucumber, and often wrapped in a banana leaf. - Three Layer Tea: A unique beverage blending black tea, milk, and sugar for a rich, sweet flavor. - Important Notes - Safety: Sandakan is generally safe, but exercise caution in secluded areas or at night. Avoid carrying excessive cash or valuables. - Religion: Malaysia is predominantly Muslim. Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites and be mindful of local customs. - Climate: Sandakan experiences a hot and humid climate year-round. Take precautions against sun and rain to avoid heatstroke and getting drenched. - Environmental Protection: When visiting natural attractions, respect the environment. Refrain from damaging vegetation or disturbing wildlife habitats.

#churches #100waysoftravel 1. Oldest Stone Building St. Michael’s Church is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sandakan, built in 1893. 2. Local Bricks from Sim Sim Bricks used to build the church were brought from Sim Sim village and carried to the site by local laborers. 3. Gothic-Style Architecture The church features Gothic-style architecture, with arched windows and thick stone walls. 4. Long Construction Process It took several years to complete the building due to limited resources and harsh weather. 5. Australian Friendship The church has a special connection with Australia, highlighted by the stained glass windows gifted by Australians. 6. Stained Glass Artwork The stained glass windows were designed by Philip Handel, an artist from Australia, and feature Christian themes. 7. Symbol of Peace and Friendship The windows symbolize peace and the strong bond between Australia and Malaysia, especially after World War II. 8. Light and Beauty Sunlight passing through the colorful glass creates a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere inside the church. 9. Historical Importance The church has stood through Sandakan’s history, including Japanese occupation during World War II. 10. Active Today St. Michael’s Church is still in use today for worship and remains a popular tourist destination for its beauty and heritage. #StMichaelsChurch #SandakanHeritage #HistoricalArchitecture #GothicDesign #StainedGlassArt #FriendshipThroughArt #MalaysiaHistory #SandakanLandmark #CulturalHeritage #TravelMalaysia

#churches #100waysoftravel One of the highlights of our Sandakan trip is visiting this 130 yr old Anglican stone church that features a Gothic architectural design. The church was partially destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt after the war. The exterior is constructed with rugged stone walls and pointed arches. The roof is steeply pitched and covered with slate roof tiles. The windows on both ends of the hall are adorned with intricate stained-glass designs, depicting biblical scenes and saints. As I step inside, immediately noticed the cool, slightly musty scent of aged stone and wood. The interior is spacious and filled with light filtering through the tall glass panels. Near the entrance is a memorial plaque on the wall commemorating parishioners from the past. Overall, the ambience of the church is one of solemn beauty that fostering a deep sense of connection to tradition, spirituality, and the sacred.

#100WaysOfTravel I had lost my mother 13 years ago and get to know her during my service at a retirement home. She has kidney disease for the last 4 years and at last stage but she is very positive towards her sickness. I was diagnosed with depression on Apr 2022 and lost my job due to my sickness. This aunty always give me a chance to serve her and this make me feel, I am not a failure. I told her, we are going to have a short break and she told me, she could skip her dialysis for one or twice so I decided to travel to her home town, Sandakan. Everyone thinks it's so funny to travel that near but after 365 days having tight financial, hard to find a job due to my aged and lost my confidence, this trip is so meaningful to both of us. We spent our great three nights together, we eat a lot, laugh a lot and the feeling of joy is in us. She asked me, are you happy with the trip, I told her definitely I had an enjoyable trip, it's not about foods, drinks, hotel or others but it's a matter that I had fulfill my promise. I pray that we will have another chance to travel again

This Anglican church is the first and oldest stone church in the State of Sabah , Malaysia , completed build in 1925. The church is located on a hill, so walking up can be quite tiring for some. Entry fee is Rm5 and can see the interior with the supervision of the church assistant . Beautiful majestic looking church. It was well maintained and clean. It just felt nice looking at all, I didn't manage to head in because I went there on a Eid Mubarak . I still enjoyed viewing the exterior of the building . You can do your own photoshot here with friends and family .

#oldestchurch