The Sandakan Heritage Trail in Sabah is a must-do for history buffs

The William B. Pryer Monument was erected in memory of the founder of Sandakan. — Photos: Sandakan Heritage Trail

At the mouth of Sandakan Bay overlooking the Sulu Sea in Sabah, lies the chill and unassuming town of Sandakan.

Once the capital of the British North Borneo before it was moved to Jesselton – or what is now Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan was a hub of trade and commerce, to the point that it became known as “Little Hong Kong” due to the influx of immigrants from Hong Kong back in the day.