Students and teachers are gathered for a unique Sandakan Heritage Trail Walk organized by Vision Secondary School Sandakan.
SANDAKAN (Aug 18, Fri): On a sunny Sunday afternoon, a total of 18 families of the Form 1 students gathered for a unique Sandakan Heritage Trail Walk organized by Vision Secondary School Sandakan. Over 50 people attended the event.
The event aimed to help them learn more about the city’s history and nature, following the ideas of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by protecting the world’s special places.
Johnny Lim, a member of the Vision Secondary School Sandakan Board of Governors said, students got to meet with new friends from overseas as there were four exchange students from Taiwan and two guests from China who tagged along for the walk.
The adventure began at the famous Masjid Jamek, where the participants saw the beautiful mosque and its importance. Then, they headed to the William Pryer Monument, honouring the town’s founder, William Burgess Pryer.
This tall monument stands proudly in the middle of Sandakan, reminding everyone of its history.
“Climbing the Hundred Steps was a highlight of the trail. Each step was a piece of Sandakan’s past, making everyone appreciate the town’s history even more.
“The trail then led the eager walkers to the Agnes Keith House, an important heritage site that serves as a window into the colonial history of Sandakan,” he said.
Lim said, the journey continued through the streets of Jalan Singapore, culminating in a visit to St. Michael Church, a place of worship that holds cultural significance for the local community.
And as the clock neared 5pm, the trail concluded at the Heritage Staircase, leaving the participants with a sense of accomplishment after covering a distance of approximately 4 kilometres.
According to Lim, the trail was expertly guided by Johnny and Lung, both professional tour guides, who shared intriguing anecdotes and historical insights along the way.
Additionally, the Sandakan Heritage Trail team members Lo Mei Yong and Lily Aw played a key role in ensuring the event’s success, contributing to an enriching experience for all involved.
Remarkably, this heritage trail walk not only allowed participants to explore their city’s rich past but also enabled students to actively engage with SDG 11.4—the goal of safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
By fostering a deeper connection with their surroundings, the event instilled a sense of responsibility and pride among the young learners.
As the sun set on this amazing trail walk, participants thanked the Sandakan Heritage Trail Committee and Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan for preserving the town’s historical landmarks.
“It helped everyone understand their city’s heritage better and realise how important it is to protect it for the future,” he said.
