Sandakan & Mt Kinabalu

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Remembering Sandakan & Mt Kinabalu summit

From trekking through some of the oldest and most spectacular undisturbed areas of rainforest in the world, climbing the majestic heights of Mount Kinabalu and walking in the footsteps of our Australian heroes of the Sandakan-Ranaumarches, Aurora’s Sandakan Adventure delivers an unparalleled experience for any trekker.

This part of the Second World War is considered by many to be the worst atrocity ever suffered by Australian soldiers. You will be inspired by the stories of gallantry and determination of the Australian and British POW’s who perished on this hot wartime track. These men never gave up. They may have been forced to surrender their bodies but never their will, never their indomitable spirit. Unlike ANZAC Cove, Kokoda, Crete and the Somme, Sandakan is one of the least known and least commemorated events in Australia’s proud wartime history

In 1945 a group of over 2000 Australian and British prisoners of the Japanese in Borneo were walked by the Japanese from Sandakan to Ranau at the base of Mount Kinabalu. Of the 2345 men, only six survived. Of those who died, most were never found. To some, the Sandakan Death March is Australia’s ‘Holocaust’ and compares to the atrocities of the Burma Railway, where fewer Australian POW’s lost their lives than at Sandakan. This trip provides a unique and personal journey of fulfillment and enrichment in one of the most amazing trekking destinations.

Itinerary Price Inclusions Exclusions

Itinerary

We first visit Labuan, Borneo and the a war cemetery containing the graves of the thousand men whose bodies were recovered together with the monument with more than a thousand other names who have no known grave. An Australian Memorial honouring the survivors, POW’s, local civilians who helped by clandestinely feeding the prisoners, and soldiers who perished at Sandakan before and during the death marches, has been erected at what was the Prisoner of War Camp in Taman Rimba close to the city of Sandakan. It is here, prior to our trek, that we will hold an emotional service to honour the POW’s of Sandakan.

Following our visit to the POW camp, we will walk three days along the route of the Death March prior to spending two days climbing and ascending Mount Kinabalu (Standing at 13,455 feet) as our final mark of respect.

Day 1 – Late departure to Kuala Lumpur

Day 2 – Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to Kota Kinabalu followed by briefing and dinner.

Day 3 – Fly to Sandakan, visit war memorial. Commence acclimatisation walk

Day 4 – Start Trek in primary rainforest and adjoin the original track of the Death March

Day 5 – Walk the Death March route

Day 6 – Final walk to Fanau and visit POW camp

Day 7 – Memorial Service held. Commence ascent of Mt Kinabalu.

Day 8 – Final ascent to the peak of Mt Kinabalu

Day 9 – Recovery day at resort prior to return flight to Brisbane

Day 10 – Arrive in Brisbane.

Price

Contact us for pricing and further information

Inclusions

Your trek cost includes:

– Pre-Adventure Strength and Conditioning Program prepared by our Aurora Exercise Physiologists specifically for this adventure – 8 weeks and 2 fully supervised sessions for Brisbane trekkers or our 12 week Remote Preparation Program for interstate trekkers.

– 2 nights accommodation in Arusha at the beginning and end of the adventure on a twin share basis.

– Personal travel insurance.

– All transfers and transport during and accommodation and food on trek

– Aussie guide and wilderness medic and local climb crew.

– Most of your trekking gear (eg use of day pack)

– Return international airfare to Kota Kinabalu.

Exclusions

– Personal expenses such as phone call costs and alcoholic beverages ex your destination city.

– Boots and a small amount of personal trek clothing, visas and inoculations.

Adventures

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