The memorial was built by local community leader Major G.S. Sundang to honor the victims of the Sandakan Death Marches.
The four gardens are geographically themed: Australian native plants, English roses, and wild Borneo rhododendrons.
It is specifically designed to be a place of quiet reflection rather than a traditional museum.
The Sandakan Death Marches involved forced movements of over 2,000 prisoners, with only six Australians surviving the entire ordeal.
The memorial underwent significant restoration in the mid-2000s, supported by the Australian government.
The Kundasang War Memorial commemorates the British and Australian prisoners of war who died during the Sandakan Death Marches in North Borneo. Established in 1962, it is the first memorial in Malaysia dedicated to those who served in the region during WWII. The site is divided into four distinct sections: the Australian Garden, the English Rose Garden, the Borneo Garden, and the Contemplation Garden and Pool. These gardens represent the countries of the fallen soldiers through regional flora. It serves as the final resting place for many who perished during the marches from Sandakan to Ranau. The site overlooks the valley of Kundasang and offers views of Mount Kinabalu on clear days. It is a site of historical preservation, maintained as a place for reflection and education regarding the events of 1945.
The Contemplation Garden and Pool, which provides a frame for the memorial structures against the backdrop of the valley.
Bring a light jacket as the high altitude in Kundasang causes temperatures to drop significantly.
Visit early in the morning to increase the likelihood of seeing Mount Kinabalu without cloud cover.
Respect the silence of the garden areas as it is a place of memorialization.
Do not attempt to walk through the garden beds or touch the memorial inscriptions.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone; avoid loud conversations; dress modestly.
