Plizio Visual Lab
Agnes Keith House
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
historical-site
Agnes Keith House is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Malaysia. A historic house in Sandakan, Sabah. It was the home of American author Agnes Newton Keith, who wrote about her life in North Borneo. The original house was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in 1946. Her most famous books are 'Land Below the Wind' and 'Three Came Home'. The house is now a museum. This site holds particular significance in the history of Malaysia, from the Malacca Sultanate through British colonial rule to independence in 1957. Like many notable places in Malaysia, it combines regional character with the legacy of the multicultural Malay-Chinese-Indian society and the tropics. Thus, this place contributes to the diverse profile of Malaysia, between Kuala Lumpur, Borneo, palm oil plantations and tropical rainforest.
- Location: Malaysia
- Top sights: Agnes Keith House · Sandakan Municipal Council · Puu Jih Shi Buddhist Temple
- Nearby: Lahad Datu (49 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr–Jun.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 380 | 250 | 208 | 148 | 156 | 194 | 216 | 210 | 230 | 262 | 273 | 359 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Agnes Keith House is a historic museum open to the public, with an entrance fee. The house is authentically furnished and showcases the author's life from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Typical hours
The museum typically opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. It is advisable to check the current hours before visiting, as they may vary on public holidays.
Photography
Inside the house, photography is usually allowed without flash to preserve the historic furniture and exhibits. In the garden and from the outside, photos are permitted without restrictions.
Time needed
For touring the house and garden, allow about 45 minutes to an hour. If you are interested in the history of Sandakan, you can also visit the nearby Sandakan Heritage Museum.
Combine with
The house is located in Sandakan, making it easy to combine with the Sandakan Memorial Park, which commemorates the prisoners of war. A visit to the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is also highly recommended.
Getting there
The house is located on a hill in the city center of Sandakan and is reachable on foot from the central market in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the bus station or the port.
Insider tip
Read a chapter from Agnes Keith's book 'Land Below the Wind' before your visit - it makes the tour much more vivid. Take your time with the old photographs in the house; they tell moving stories.
Geography
Facts
- A historic house in Sandakan, Sabah. It was the home of American author Agnes Newton Keith, who wrote about her life in North Borneo.
- Located within the Federation of Malaysia.
- Shaped by the tropical monsoon climate of Southeast Asia.
- Linked to the heritage of the Malacca Sultanate and the British colonial era.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Agnes Keith House (12)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who was Agnes Keith?
An American author who documented her experiences in Sabah in books.
What does the house offer?
Insights into colonial life and exhibits about the author.
How long is the visit?
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes.
Is there a café?
Yes, a very nice café with a view is located right there.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No, there are many steps in the historic building.
Agnes Keith House: where is it located?
Agnes Keith House is located in Malaysia.
Agnes Keith House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Agnes Keith House, Sandakan Municipal Council, Puu Jih Shi Buddhist Temple.
Agnes Keith House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Jun.
Agnes Keith House: why is it worth visiting?
Agnes Keith House is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Malaysia.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Malaysia →
Nearby cities
Kota Kinabalu
The capital of Sabah state, near Mount Kinabalu.
Sandakan
A city in Sabah, known for its orangutan rehabilitation center.
Tawau
A city in southeastern Sabah, a center for cocoa and palm oil production.
Lahad Datu
A town in Sabah, a center for the palm oil industry.
Tanjung Aru
A famous beach in Kota Kinabalu, renowned for its spectacular sunsets and soft white sand.
Semporna
The gateway to world-renowned diving sites and home to the Sea Gypsies (Bajau Laut).
Kundasang
A picturesque highland town in Sabah at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, known for its cool climate.
Mabul Island
A paradise for macro divers and a picturesque fishing village off the coast of Sabah.
🗺️
Bangau
A picturesque village in northern Sabah, near the 'Tip of Borneo', featuring stunning beaches.
Menggatal
A suburb of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, combining tradition with modern education and coastal proximity.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
A group of five idyllic islands just off Kota Kinabalu, ideal for water sports and relaxation.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Sandakan Memorial Park
A memorial park dedicated to the prisoners of war who perished during the Sandakan Death Marches in World War II.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
A privately-run sanctuary in Sabah that offers visitors a unique chance to observe proboscis monkeys in their natural mangrove habitat.
Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
A center in Sepilok, Sabah, dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of the sun bear, the world's smallest bear species.
Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok
An environmental education center in Sabah, famous for its impressive canopy walkway system and birdwatching opportunities.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
A relatively undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest area in Sabah, considered one of the best protected rainforest areas in the world.
🗺️
Sahabat Resettlement Plateau
A large land development scheme managed by FELDA, focusing on oil palm cultivation.
Semporna Islands Park
A marine park off the coast of Sabah, renowned for its exceptional underwater life and as one of the world's top diving locations.
FELDA Sahabat Palm Oil Plantation
One of the largest palm oil plantation settlements in the world, illustrating the importance of the palm oil industry to the Malaysian ec…