Agnes Keith's House

If you stroll along Jalan Istana in Sandakan, Agnes Keith House is a place you must visit because it is the experience that you can not miss. With a green lawn and wall board colonial style, this home was restored by the Sabah Museum in cooperation with the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities.

British government quarters to be known as the Newlands, previously occupied by the famous American author Agnes Newton Keith, who wrote Land Below The Wind in 1939. Two other books follow the successful first book, titled Three came Home (1946) and White Man Returns (1951). Except for the second book, Land Below the Wind book and White Man Returns was written in house, located on a hill where he enjoys panoramic views of Sandakan Bay at the front and the Sulu Sea on the back.

Newlands was rebuilt some years 1946/47 and is the first permanent wooden buildings built by the government after the Second World War. The building was built on the site after the original house destroyed during the war.

The house became home to Agnes and her family, Henry (also known as Harry) George Keith, who has held positions of preserved forest and their son, George. When the Keiths family left Sabah in 1952, the house was occupied by the Conservator of Forests, forestry officers, volunteers and other staff. Even the Keith's family did not return to Sabah, the house is still known as the Agnes Keith house by visitors who never fail to come to see the house.

Today, the house has been restored and converted into a heritage home, which provides a glance view of life during the British North Borneo. The house was rendered finish and antique colonial furniture colonial style. There are galleries on the first floor explains the story of this great woman, books, and his family. Keith Family Beyond timeline starting in 1873 until 2004, and draws on family stories and the stories they present.

How to Get There

Agnes Keith House is part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail. From Sandakan town, you only have to walk for 20 minutes. You can also take a taxi.

Date Opened

Sunday - Thursday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Closed on Friday

Admission Fees

MyKad holders: RM2.00

MyKad holders above 55 years: Free

Children under 12 years: Free

Others: RM15.00

Contact:

Sabah Museum: +6088-225033 / 253199

Sandakan Heritage Museum: +6089-222679