Back when Sandakan was still
the capital of British North Borneo, American Agnes Keith lived in a house on a
hill overlooking the city and wrote her famous novel about life in Borneo
titled Land Below the Wind. Though the original house was destroyed during
WWII, a replica has been constructed and turned into a museum filled with
relics from the author's life. Literary fans will love matching passages from
her novels to rooms in the mansion, but others might find the museum a bore.
This British
colonial government quarters, called Newlands, was once occupied by famous
American writer, Agnes Newton Keith, who penned Land Below The Wind in 1939.
The house became home to Agnes and her family, Henry (also referred to as
Harry) George Keith, who was the Conservator of Forests and their son, George.
Today the house has
turned into a heritage house, providing interesting insights to life during
British North Borneo. It is furnished with a reproduction of colonial furniture
and antiques. A gallery on the first floor tells the story of this remarkable
woman, her books and her family.
"The new
house is beautiful. Round trippers on world boats would come up to see it,
carrying their cameras and calling, Why look!" (Agnes Keith, White Man Returns, 1951,p.87)
Opening Hours
Seven days a week (Monday -
Sunday), from 9am to 5pm
Getting There
The Agnes Keith House is part
of the Sandakan Heritage Trail. From Sandakan town, it is a 20-minute walk. You
can also take a taxi.
Admission Fee
MyKad holders: RM2.00
MyKad holders above 55 years: Free
Children below 12 years: Free
Others: RM15.00
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