Berhala Island

(Click to enlarge)

Situated in Sandakan Bay, just 15 minutes by boat from the town jetty, this beautiful forested island has striking, prominent cliffs at its northern end and also had a small leper settlement colony. The island is approximately 5 ha. in size and has prominent cliffs at its northern end. Many birds of prey can be seen on and around Berhala, including Brahminy Kites, Serpent Eagles and Sea Eagles.

During World War II, Berhala Island became the camps for civilian internees and POWs. A story was told of an escape, when eight prisoners being taken to the mainland made their break at Berhala via the leper colony. They swam to the sheer walls of the Berhala cliffs and with help from natives, escaped to freedom.

Each year, some families of the Australian POWs make their pilgrimage to this seemingly peaceful island to retrace that dramatic journey.

Plans are currently in development to promote Berhala Island as a tourist attraction.