Thought provoking look back in time...
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: July 2016
Overall Rating
Excellent
This is the site of the Sandakan Death Marches from WW2. The area has been constructed so that the vast majority is wheelchair accessible. You can get right up close to some of the terrifying machinery that was used. If you are ok with steps it is one big loop. If you prefer a step free route you walk half way then back on yourself but there are maps to show you this.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Really good. The main bit of the camp is housed in a wooden pavilion building where there are information panels and video exhibits. There are two ways to get here - one with steps where you complete a loop of the site and one that is step free but you do walk half way round then come back in yourself. There is a map to keep you right though. There is also the memorial itself which is also on the concrete path.
Parking & Transport
Good
We got a taxi and it dropped us right outside the entrance. There didn't seem to be any public transport nearby. It was in a quiet area on the outskirts of town so think parking would be fairly straightforward.
Accessible Toilets
0Saw signs for loo but not sure if there was a disabled loo too.
Staff
Excellent
There is a small shop on site - with helpful woman who informed my companion that he was unlikely to see any snakes (of which he is terrified!!).
Additional Information
Terrifying to read about the atrocities that took place here. Definitely worth a visit to read about the bravery both of soldiers and some of the local people. Access has been well thought out.
