St. Michael's and All Angels Church

(Click to enlarge)

The historical city of Sandakan is home to many buildings and monuments, each witness to the changes of time and events over the years. One of the oldest buildings is St. Michael’s and All Angels Church.

The construction of the first stone building in Sabah began in 1893 and took almost 30 years to complete. Designed by New Zealander Mr. B.W. Mountfort, the building was first constructed with belian (ironwood) timber, followed by brick and finally stone, which is said to have from the nearby Buli Sim Sim, while the white stones that adorn the windows and doors are from Hong Kong. The stones were delivered from Buli Sim Sim by prison labour at RM1.25 per cubic yard. A cubic foot of stone weighs approximately 140 lbs and each stone was painstakingly laid atop each other. 

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During the 1906 Michaelmas celebration, celebrated on 30 September, the nave and transepts were finally dedicated. Three services were held that day to celebrate the goodness of God and the faith of His people. The western porch (the main entrance) of the Church was not completed and dedicated until 1925 – 32 years from the start of its construction. The Church avoided major damage during World War II in the 1940s and remains one of the very few stone buildings in the whole of Sabah. The beautiful stained glass windows in the church were donated by Australians to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Getting There - The Church is part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Alternatively, take a taxi from Sandakan town. It is recommended that you make return arrangements with your taxi driver as public transport is not readily available in this area.