From/ To: Sandakan, Sabah
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Departs: 23rd April 2027
Departure: Guaranteed
Tour type: ‘Join-in’/ Small Group

Overview:

Attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Sandakan, the site of the start of the infamous Sandakan Death Marches in WWII. Visit the Sandakan Memorial Park, the site of POW Camp and learn the story of the death marches. Delight in close-up encounters with mother and baby orangutans going about their daily routine.

Highlights:

• Anzac Day Dawn Service & Gunfire Breakfast

• Sandakan Memorial Park (the site of the Sandakan POW Camp)

• St Michael’s and All Angels Church, Sandakan

• Chinese WWII and Sandakan Liberation Memorials

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

• Sun Bear Conservation Centre

If you find that you are unable to join a tour that has been booked, confirmed and paid in part or in full, the paid amount of that tour less any unrecoverable costs, may be converted to a voucher. The value of that voucher may be used towards the same tour with a later departure date or any other HWT tour.

If a refund is requested, the following cancellation fees may be deducted from the paid amount:

• Greater than 45 days prior to tour start date - 10% of total tour amount + any unrecoverable costs

• Greater than 14 days but less than or equal to 45 days prior to tour start date - 50% of total tour amount + any unrecoverable costs

• 14 Days or less (including ‘no show’) prior to tour start date – No refund

• Registration with the Australian Department of Veteran Affairs, for the Anzac Day Dawn Service, is compulsory. However, Historic War Tours will pass on your details already provided by you when making your booking. This information will assist the organisers with crowd control and catering for the Gunfire Breakfast. You will be advised when this has been done.

   

• All customers must have comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of the tour.

• This tour is conducted in accordance with the Terms, Conditions and Policies (Terms) of Historic War Tour Pty Ltd (HWT). By booking a tour with HWT, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these Terms and accept them.

What level of fitness is required?

Fitness level is very subjective and can vary for everyone. As a guide,

Day 2:

• Sepilok Orangutang Rehabilitation Centre - Low-Moderate

• Sun Bear Conservation Centre - Low-Moderate

• Sandakan Memorial Park - Low-Moderate

• St Michael’s and All Angels Church - Low

• Chinese WWII & Sandakan Liberation Memorials - Low

Day 3:

• Anzac Day Dawn Service – Low-Moderate

• Gunfire Breakfast - Low

Do you cater for single travellers?

Yes. All our tours welcome single travellers and provide single-occupancy accommodation.

Do you have a schedule of planned tours?

Our Anzac Day tours in Sandakan, Thailand, and Vietnam have set departure dates. All other tours are private and run year-round, with departure dates arranged to suit your travel plans.

What is the maximum number of people on tour?

Most of our tours are private, so only you, your group, the guide, and the driver will be on tour. Group Anzac Day tours range from 4–5 people in a minivan to around 30 people on a 40-seat bus.

Can I customise an advertised tour?

Yes. All tours, except our group Anzac Day tours, can be tailored to suit your preferences. We can adjust itineraries, extend stays, change hotels, and add or swap tours. Changes may require a revised quote, but we’ll work with you to avoid unexpected costs.

What meals are included?

Your tour itinerary shows which meals are included each day. When meals are not included, your guide can recommend suitable places to eat. Meals are usually a mix of local cuisine. Please let your guide know about any dietary requirements.

I have specific dietary needs.

Our tours visit countries known for their diverse and sometimes spicy cuisine. Please advise us of any dietary requirements when booking and inform your guide at the start of your tour. Your guide will do their best to arrange suitable meals throughout your trip.

Do I need to take any medication (e.g. malaria tablets)?

We recommend consulting your doctor about any vaccinations or medications you may need when travelling overseas.

I have prescribed medication.

While pharmacies are becoming more common throughout Southeast Asia, you should bring enough prescribed medication for your entire trip. We also recommend carrying a doctor’s letter listing your medication for customs purposes if required.

How much should I give the Guide and Driver as a tip?

Tipping is not compulsory and is entirely at your discretion. Guides and drivers are paid a salary, but any additional tip for good service is always appreciated. If you choose to tip, give an amount you feel comfortable with. If splitting between guide and driver, please present tips separately.

Thursday, 23rd April 2027

Arrive Sandakan where you will meet your driver for your transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is free.

Hotel included: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan - Superior Room (or similar)

Friday, 24th April 2027

Depart Hotel: 8:15am
Return: about 5:00pm

Travel about 30 minutes west of Sandakan, to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where the orangutangs are prepared for introduction back into the wild. Walk along the boardwalk through the jungle and look out for these amazing animals. Arrive at the ‘Nursery’ where you will see firsthand, mothers and babies undergoing their daily routine. Next door, visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and observe the smallest of the bear species.

Return to Sandakan late morning and have lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant.

After lunch, visit the Sandakan Memorial Park, the site of the Sandakan POW Camp in WWII and where the Anzac Day Dawn Service will take place the following day. Use this time free of crowds, to walk around this lush and serene park seeing relics that still exist today. Visit the park’s Interpretive Pavilion which tells the story of the camp and the infamous death marches.

Visit to the St Michael’s and All Angels Church and discover the magnificent stain glass Windows of Remembrance and the Friendship Windows before having a moment of quiet reflection in the POW Chapel.

Finish the day with a stop at the Chinese WWII Memorial and the Sandakan Liberation Memorial.

Return to your hotel with the rest of your day free as you wish.

Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel included: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan - Superior Room (or similar)

Saturday, 25th April 2027

Depart Hotel: 4:15am
Return: 8:15am

Travel to the Sandakan Memorial Park for the moving Anzac Day Dawn Service. After, attend the Gunfire Breakfast and mingle with other Anzac Day travelers, before leaving at about 8:00am to return to your hotel.

Your day is free until your driver arrives for your transfer to the airport for your onward flight from Sandakan.

Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: Own arrangement