Hotels near Agnes Keith Home

The Agnes Keith House is an atmospheric two-storey wooden villa, and former British colonial quarters, is now renovated as a museum. It is situated at the western hill of Sandakan town.

Living in Sandakan in the 1930s, the American authoress, Agnes Keith wrote several books about her experiences here, including the famous award winning book - ‘Land Below the Wind’. Apart from ‘Land Below the Wind’, she also wrote two other books, namely ‘Three Came Home’ and ‘White Man Returns’. These three books help to promote Borneo and in particularly Sabah, tremendously to the Western world.

The house, was then called “Newlands” portraying a beautiful British style colonial house with a well kept small garden. Restoration of the house was started in 2001 by the Sabah Museum and in 2004, the house was opened to the public. In honour of Agnes work, the Malaysian government has named the house ‘Agnes Keith House’, a special tribute to this award winning American authoress.

No photograph is allowed inside the Agnes Keith House by the authority. The ground floor is divided into two parts; the living room and the dining room. Both parts displaying war time artifacts. On the first floor, there are the bedroom with attached bathroom, a gallery, a study room and an audio- video room. The balconies of the house have good view of the surrounding forest and sea.

The Keith timelines and records of all the tenants of this house from 1930 until the late 70s are being displayed at the gallery.

After spending time at Agnes Keith House, it is also pleasant to have tea or a meal at the English Tea House and Restaurant, which is just a short distance away. The outdoor seats offer great views of Sandakan town below, the harbour and Sandakan Bay.

How to Get There

There are daily schedule flights and buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. By flight, the journey is 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. A direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan daily will take approximately about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan will take six hours.

From Sandakan town centre, one can take a taxi up the Jalan Istana heading to the Agnes Keith House at a minimal cost or take a 20 minutes walk up the stairway called ‘Tangga Seribu’ or literally translated as ‘1000 Steps’ at the back of the Sandakan Municipal office.

Tourist Attractions

While staying in Sandakan, one shall find many activities that may suit for free time entertainment. Apart from visiting the Agnes Keith House, people may want to treasure the serenity and feel the blessing by honouring the Sam Sing Kung Temple. This is the third oldest temple in Sandakan, built in 1887. It has the bronze bell donated by the first Kapitan Cina of Sandakan.

If you are keen to experience more nature related activities, then sign up for a memorable Kinabatangan Safari Tour. Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia. Along the designated trail, you’ll get to watch the natural habitats of rare species of Borneo rainforest’ wildlife such as the famous orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, giant alligators and hornbills.

A different and unique option awaits visitors during the month in between February and August, whereby a caving trip to Gomantong Cave will enable its visitors to watch birds’ nest collecting by the skilled harvesters. This has been described by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) as ‘The Best- managed Edible Birds’ Nest Cave in the World’.

Hotels

Hotel Sandakan

Hotel Sandakan has a very good location, situated 0.30 km from the Agnes Keith House. It offers splendid service together with wide range of facilities provided. The building of Hotel Sandakan is quite easy to spot at the heart of Sandakan town.

Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan

This hotel is a perfect choice for people seeking a luxurious treat for holiday. Get the most excellent services and make your stay a memorable experience. The Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan is overlooking the sea view of Sandakan and is located near to the Agnes Keith House around 0.57 km.

Hotel Central Sandakan

Another great city hotel situated about 0.43 km from the Agnes Keith House. A simple, yet practical hotel with decent facilities.

Hotel Western

Hotel Western is a good company for business traveller for its services and strategic location in Sandakan town. It is also near to the Agnes Keith House, situated around 0.54 km.

Sabah Hotel Sandakan

For family vacation or leisure, this place provides a satisfactory comfort during your stay in Sandakan. It is conveniently reachable from the Agnes Keith House around 0.53 km.