
Agnes Keith House Sandakan
A beautifully restored colonial house in Sandakan, once home to author Agnes Keith, offering historical insights and bay views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy tea & colonial vibes

Agnes Keith House Sandakan
Best Time
Enjoy tea & colonial vibes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored colonial house in Sandakan, once home to author Agnes Keith, offering historical insights and bay views.
"A NOSTALGIA THAT'S WORTH VISITING. ANYONE WHO IS A HISTORY BUFF SHOULD BE VISITING THIS HISTORIC PLACE."

๐ Remove Shoes Before Entry
Guests are kindly requested to take off their shoes before entering the house to preserve the interiors. :athletic_shoe:
โ Afternoon Tea Delight
Consider the English Tea House for a unique colonial experience with reasonable prices and nostalgic music. ๐ต

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 ยท 646 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Agnes Keith's Colonial Home
Main House
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved colonial-era house, once home to author Agnes Keith.

Stunning Bay Views
Verandah
Enjoy panoramic views of Sandakan Bay from the house's charming verandah.

English Tea House Experience
Adjacent Tea House
Savor a traditional English afternoon tea amidst lush greenery and colonial charm.

Well-Maintained Gardens
Exterior Grounds
Wander through the meticulously kept gardens surrounding the house, offering a peaceful retreat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for History & Views
Understanding the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ Remove Shoes Before Entry
Guests are kindly requested to take off their shoes before entering the house to preserve the interiors. :athletic_shoe:
โ Afternoon Tea Delight
Consider the English Tea House for a unique colonial experience with reasonable prices and nostalgic music. ๐ต
๐ถโโ๏ธ Part of Heritage Trail
Agnes Keith House is a key stop on the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Plan your route accordingly! :world_map:
๐ฅถ Cool & Comfortable Inside
The house is kept at a cool temperature, making it a comfortable escape from the tropical heat. :snowflake:
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ Remove Shoes Before Entry
Guests are kindly requested to take off their shoes before entering the house to preserve the interiors. :athletic_shoe:
โ Afternoon Tea Delight
Consider the English Tea House for a unique colonial experience with reasonable prices and nostalgic music. ๐ต
๐ถโโ๏ธ Part of Heritage Trail
Agnes Keith House is a key stop on the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Plan your route accordingly! :world_map:
๐ฅถ Cool & Comfortable Inside
The house is kept at a cool temperature, making it a comfortable escape from the tropical heat. :snowflake:
๐ธ Great for Photoshoots
The picturesque setting makes it a popular spot for outdoor photoshoots, including portraits and weddings. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Agnes Keith House for its excellent preservation, cool interior, and historical significance, offering a nostalgic journey into colonial Borneo. The well-maintained gardens and the adjacent English Tea House are also highlights, though some find the exhibition information minimal. Overall, it's considered a worthwhile visit for its historical context and pleasant atmosphere.
"This residentisl house is a must to visit, itโs very clean, well preserved and supercool temp with airconditioning. Guests are requested to takeoff shoes when visiting . Its display is very well organized, not too informative. Minimal exhibition but a lot of knowledge is learned from the life of owners, pictures and their daily furniture. Outside garddn is very well maintained, itโs very worthy F or admission fee for 15 MYR (nonmalaysian)"
Chajchawan Nakhakes
"A NOSTALGIA THAT'S WORTH VISITING. ANYONE WHO IS A HISTORY BUFF SHOULD BE VISITING THIS HISTORIC PLACE THAT SHOWCASES THE JOURNEY OF THE FAMILY WHO I BELIEVE BROUGHT UP THE SANDAKAN AS IT IS. A STORY OF HOPE, DETERMINATION, SACRIFICE AND LOVE. DON'T FORGET TO SIT AND WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY VIDEO THAT THEY PLAY THERE. A MEMORABLE VISIT."
9TV PRODUCTIONS
"A very beautiful Malay traditional house with a hint of western touch. I think they include other item not related to Agnes Keith here which is quite interesting. Those with student cards are free to enter. All the staff was very friendly and nice to us. There are lockers outside to store your things. It's very comfortable and cold inside the house."
Dilah D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Agnes Keith House is located on Jalan Istana in Sandakan. It's accessible by car or taxi. It's also a stop on the Sandakan Heritage Trail, making it convenient if you're exploring the town on foot or by following the trail markers.
Yes, Agnes Keith House is a significant landmark on the Sandakan Heritage Trail, often visited after the 100 Steps trail.
If you're in Sandakan town, you can take a short taxi ride or follow the Sandakan Heritage Trail signs. Many visitors combine it with other nearby historical sites.
While specific parking details aren't widely advertised, visitors typically find parking available near the entrance, especially if arriving by private vehicle.
Yes, if you are following the Sandakan Heritage Trail, it's a walkable distance from other sites like the 100 Steps and the waterfront.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee to enter the Agnes Keith House museum. Non-Malaysians typically pay around 15 MYR, while students with valid ID may enter for free.
Yes, students with valid student cards often get free entry. Local residents might also have different pricing structures, though this is not always explicitly stated.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daytime hours. It's advisable to check the latest timings before your visit, especially if planning for a specific time like afternoon tea.
Advance booking is generally not required for the museum itself. However, if you plan to have afternoon tea at the English Tea House, it's recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak times.
The admission ticket grants access to explore the Agnes Keith House museum, view the exhibits, and learn about the life of Agnes Keith and her family.
๐ซ ๐งญ Onsite Experience
You can explore the restored colonial house, view artifacts from Agnes Keith's life, learn about Borneo's history, and enjoy the gardens. The adjacent English Tea House offers a colonial dining experience.
Yes, the interior of Agnes Keith House is air-conditioned, providing a cool and comfortable environment for visitors.
Yes, lockers are available outside the house for visitors to store their personal belongings securely.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to watch a documentary video that plays at the house, offering deeper insights into the family's life and history.
The atmosphere is described as nostalgic, peaceful, and historical, with well-maintained displays and a beautiful garden setting.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an English Tea House adjacent to the museum that serves afternoon tea and other refreshments in a colonial setting.
The English Tea House offers traditional English afternoon tea, typically including hot tea, cakes, muffins, butter, and jam.
Many visitors find the prices at the English Tea House to be surprisingly reasonable and good value for the experience.
While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended to book your afternoon tea in advance, especially during busy periods, to secure a spot.
While Agnes Keith House offers its own dining experience, Sandakan town has various local eateries and restaurants, including the Sim Sim water village area for seafood.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the house, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding flash photography.
The verandah with bay views, the well-maintained gardens, and the colonial interiors are all popular spots for photography.
Absolutely! The house and its surroundings are considered a beautiful heritage spot and a popular choice for outdoor photoshoots, including portraits and even wedding photography.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and permissions. It's best to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
It's ideal for historical, architectural, and lifestyle photography, capturing the colonial charm and the serene natural surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit