KOTA KINABALU: The rediscovery of the long-forgotten World War 2 Pensiangan-Beaufort Death March route is opening new frontiers for niche tourism in Sabah.
Adventure guide Tham Yau Kong said the 300km Pensiangan-Beaufort route offers a profound historical narrative suited for travellers seeking immersive, purposeful journeys — particularly those drawn to war history, heritage treks and ancestral trail exploration.
“This place is located in Layang-Layang, Tenom where we started our research.
“During World War 2, 40 per cent of the Japanese imperial soldiers were Taiwanese, 10 per cent were Koreans, and only 50 per cent were Japanese. Many of those who died during the march were in fact Taiwanese.
“The Taiwanese have waited 80 years to trace what happened to their loved ones. Now, they finally have a clue.
“This is a chance for descendants to trace their ancestors. They can come visit the area,” he said, adding that the research for the missing trail was prompted by a Taiwanese TV station interested in producing a documentary.
He was speaking to reporters after a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between five Taiwanese universities and four Sabah tourism associations.
Tham was awarded with an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from the late Queen Elizabeth II for researching and retracing the World War 2 Sandakan-Ranau Death March route.
While Japanese soldiers received burials, most Taiwanese soldiers were left with no memorials — something Tham wants to address through interpretive signage and respectful trail development.
He called on the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to support efforts to develop the route as a tourism product ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“We need STB’s help to promote it, especially to tackle the Taiwan market. We need facilities like toilets and shelters for overnight stays,” he said, adding the existing Sandakan-Ranau Death March trail already attracts many Australians — including their prime ministers.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
