The short answer
Petagas War Memorial: what visitors should know first
Worth a quiet 30 to 45 minutes if you are interested in the war history of North Borneo. It is level and shaded, close to the airport, and combines with a drive to Lok Kawi.
History and context
The story behind Petagas War Memorial
The execution took place on 21 January 1944. A memorial service was held at the site in 1946, the park and marble memorial were built in 1948 and inaugurated on 21 January 1948, and the site was renovated in 1979. It covers about 7,800 square metres.
Useful facts
Petagas War Memorial facts at a glance
- Location
- Kampung Peringatan Petagas, Putatan
- Commemorates
- 324 executed resistance members and other wartime victims
- Date
- Executions on 21 January 1944
- Inaugurated
- 21 January 1948
- Size
- About 7,800 sq m
Why it matters
Why Petagas War Memorial is worth your time
The memorial commemorates the Jesselton Revolt of 1943 and the Japanese reprisals that followed. It honours 324 resistance members executed on 21 January 1944, as well as civilian victims of the Petagas massacre and those who died in Labuan Military Prison.
It is a reminder that the quiet modern city was largely destroyed in the war. For readers of Sabah's history it is a sober complement to the Atkinson Clock Tower and the Sabah Museum.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The marble memorial
Built in 1948 to honour those executed.
- 02
Information panels
Plaques give the story of the Jesselton Revolt.
- 03
Near the railway
The steam train sometimes passes the memorial.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat this as a short, respectful stop rather than a sightseeing highlight. Arrive by taxi or with a driver who can wait, because public transport is not convenient, and ask them to park at the gate.
Walk from the entrance to the marble memorial and read the information panels and plaques, which give the history in Malay and English. Take time to look at the epitaph and the garden, which was laid out in 1948 after the war.
The park is close to the airport, so it is a practical stop on the way to a flight. The steam train sometimes passes the memorial on its tourist runs, which is worth looking out for if your timing matches.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Dress respectfully
- Use a driver who can wait
- Confirm opening hours
- Pair with Lok Kawi or the airport
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kampung Peringatan Petagas, Putatan district, near the airport
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Best time
- Morning, in quiet hours
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The memorial is a small level park with a short walk from the gate. Bring a hat in the sun and expect few facilities, so plan a driver who can wait.
- Tickets and access
- No entry details were given in the sources I opened; confirm opening hours and any fee locally. Dress respectfully and keep voices low.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Petagas War Memorial
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The memorial is a small level park with a short walk from the gate. Bring a hat in the sun and expect few facilities, so plan a driver who can wait.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What does it commemorate?
Wartime victims in Sabah, especially 324 resistance members executed on 21 January 1944.
Is it suitable for older visitors?
Yes, it is small and level, but facilities are limited.
How do I get there?
By taxi or ride-hailing car from the city or airport; it is near Putatan.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
