THE long-awaited reunion of St. Mary’s School, Sandakan’s Class of 1971 was nothing short of magical.
After missing our 50th anniversary due to the pandemic and the passing of our beloved former chairman, this gathering became a poignant celebration of resilience, friendship, and timeless bonds.
A Friendship that Stood the Test of Time Between 1961 and 1971, we built friendships in the halls of our alma mater that have endured for over half a century.
Now proud grandparents in our early to mid-70s, we proved that time and distance could never weaken the ties forged in childhood.
From Idea to Adventure: The Reunion Takes Shape.
The spark for this reunion was lit during casual conversations among a few classmates in Sandakan.
Within weeks, an ambitious plan was born—a five-day, four-night Sabah adventure, blending travel and nostalgia, with Kota Kinabalu as our main reunion hub.
The dates—25th and 26th July 2025—were set, and excitement spread quickly.
A Gathering of Hearts Across Continents.
The response was overwhelming. While 32 classmates confirmed, others sent their regrets due to health or family commitments.
The most touching surprise was John Ho, who flew in from Melbourne, Australia—a face we hadn’t seen since we left school in 1971.
The Adventure Begins: Sandakan to Kudat.
On 24th July, three cars set off from Sandakan, embarking on a scenic road trip through Sapi, Paitan, Pitas, and Kota Marudu before arriving in Kudat.
A coffee break in Paitan, lunch in Kota Marudu, and an evening visit to the Tip of Borneo (despite cloudy skies) set the tone for the journey ahead.
Reunion in Kota Kinabalu: Laughter, Tears, and Memories.
After a stop at Kokol Heaven for breathtaking coastal views, we arrived in Kota Kinabalu, where the real celebration began.
The Reunion Dinner at Living Seed Restaurant was an emotional highlight—reconnecting with old friends, meeting spouses, and sharing stories of the past 54 years.
The warmth continued the next day with a tour of UMS beaches, Karambunai, and Rasa Ria, followed by another heartfelt dinner in Luyang.
The generosity of our Kota Kinabalu classmates, who hosted meals and gatherings, made the experience even more special.
A Change of Plans, But Not of Spirit.
The final leg was meant to take us to Tawau, but unforeseen circumstances led us back to Kota Kinabalu.
Yet, even this detour couldn’t dampen our spirits.
By 28th July, we returned safely to Sandakan, our hearts full of joy and gratitude.
A Reunion to Remember.
This was more than just a trip—it was a testament to friendship’s enduring power.
As we said our goodbyes, one thing was clear: We may be older, but our bond is as strong as ever.
