Sandakan-Ranau Death March (1942 - 1945)
The Sandakan Track – Best Death March Tour in Borneo

17~26 August 2012 :: Burwood Sandakan AUG12

 

 

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:52:24 -0700 (PDT)

Dear Mr Tham,

First, i want thanks to Mr Tham that i have a great chances to join SDM Tour from 18th August until 26th August 2012 with Ms Lynette Silver and Mr Neil Silver. It’s really a great experience for me and learn about History of Death March.

Second, in my whole life this is my first experience. I want to share with you all is I totally don’t know what is the Death March. I feel myself like “a frog in the well” , after i decided to join this tour, i try to find out the History of Death March.

From the first day until the sixth day, every step is not an easy walk for me, it’s really challenging my patient, physical and mental, it’s really adventure, I love it! I cannot imagine that during POWs how they walk without a full nutrition and energy because the route is not easily. Some path way I saw two species of Nepenthes, different kind of birds and plants, it’s make me surprise. I also learnt a part of my jungle survivor.

During I’m at Kundasang War Memorial, suddenly I’m crying because i’m respected / saluted them and also feel their contribution for Borneo. They are very great soldier! “Lest We Forget”

During our trekking or resting point or even meals time, Ms Lynette Silver and her husband Mr Neil always happy to sharing the history of Death March. Aussie tourists also sharing their knowledge. Please accept my Big Thanks to you all because of you all make me become knowledgeable.

This tour make a ‘big changes’ of my mind about Tourism Industry and History. Uncle Tham, I’m really thanks to you and your team. I’m really happy and have a great experience with you all. I wish in one day this tour not only have many foreign guest to join, and also have many local people join and know more about our history of Death March.

Sincerely,
Cynthia


 

Wed, Aug 29, 2012

Garry Webster

Hi Lynette and Tham,

It has been a privilege to have had such a wonderful experience over the past week or so.

Like many others, up until four years ago, I had no knowledge of the circumstances and horrors that befell our troops at the hands of the Japanese and was saddened by the fact that it has not been a part of our taught history. It was by pure chance while holidaying in Sabah in August 2008 and through perusal of a Sabah map that I became aware of the Kundasang War Memorial. I was able to visit it then and saw the video and realised the significance of the memorial. It undeniably struck a chord and stirred many emotions although I had no direct association with any of the serving personnel. To this day, I’m not sure what the strongest emotions have been and I’m still working through it.

As far as the trek is concerned, I have been exhausted, uplifted, challenged, and been left with many, I’m sure, lasting memories.

Please accept my thanks for all your hard work both individually and as a collective. You have provided a thoroughly professionally-run experience, one that I felt safe at all times and not asked to undertake any exertion beyond my capabilities. The intertwining of cultural and historical factors made the trip most worthwhile. I also felt that all involved displayed a personal side (it never seemed that anyone was “just doing their job”) and I felt I was able to connect to everyone on many levels. Intermingled were also the lovely touches on a personal note that made me, and I’m sure the others, feel a little bit special.

The experience was all I hoped it would be and more. I would certainly recommend it to others.

Thank you, Lynette, and to Neil, for your endless courage and determination. Thank you Tham, and to your team, for your relentless support of all the participants. Good hearts always shine through.

Kind regards.
Garry Webster


 

1

3

4

5

7

8

9