Dear Mr. Tham,

I cannot accurately describe the feeling that with me after I had done the Death March Walk. Perhaps what I can say is that it gave me such a serene and tranquil feeling that I can feel that the Death March is alive back again after 60 years. I saw the beautiful morning mist covering the tropical forest and the rugged terrain of Telupic; the neatly man-made forest-the oil palm plantation; the natural undergrowth muddy path; the crystal clear streams with crabs and fishes in it; and finally the richness living things in the tropical m ountain and forest. It was a priceless experience and it will be in my life for a long long time. I would recommend that either you are foreign or local tourist, this is a journey should not miss.

Thank you

Kevin Chin

MY EXPERIENCE JOURNEYING IN THE PATH OF THE DEATH MARCH

I was glad and happy that I made it through the walk……..though only a “pinch” of the Sandakan Death March, it was an honour. You have to be physically, mentally and spiritually fit, to walk in the path that Tham and guides lead. Earlier part was okay, as I had an early night and a good sleep; filled with energy giving breakfast of fried rice and fried sliced of sweet potato, what more need to be asked for.

As we walked in the road of stones and sand, the ones with a small hill caused us to pant. We passed oil palm plantation. The path turned to muddy way, and it caused our shoe to accumulate below the shoe. We washed it as we crossed two (2) small rivers. Then come the walk in the river……; it needed our patience and extra care, for fear of twisting angle in the water due to the slippery pebbles and big stones. I kept looking in the water as I walked, singing in my heart and talking to the Lord.

The most challenging walk was the walk in the forest uphill. How high it was, I could not bother…..as I only thought of getting to the finishing line. I was panting, grasping for breath, pumping my heart every minute, to make sure I could make it. Not to rush the journey but I feared my body and leg could not hold anymore. I was putting more “weight” to my thighs and legs! The path was slippery with dry leaves and it was going all up; there was no trial. A walk with a stick was very helpful. Tham climbed and cut the plant that was in the way. There were plants filled with torn……I forgot to entertain the fearful “pajat” as I was too anxious to finish the walk. Walking closed to Tham, I sighed and was relieved when he said we were near to the power station. Another uphill…I could have given up?!

The walk was no joke. We talked and laughed during the first leg, but as we came to the river and forest, it was just you……controlling your breath, watching your step and mind your head. It was a walk of honour and with respect, for the soldiers of the Death March and the surrounding that gave much life……………..

Hildie Takom

First of all, I would like to convey my appreciation for the recent Death March experience. We had an unforgettable time. Your guides were also really great - very patient, professional and helpful throughout the trek. We felt like we were in very good hands. Death March Walk; "A true test of the mind and spirit. Retracing the steps of the Death March along the toughest route - Taviu Hill - was definitely the highlight of the walk. It gave me a better understanding of what the POWs went through during the March. A memorable experience that will stay with me for years to come."

Melissa Leong

Hi Tham !

Thank you for the great challenge we had last weekend. An eye opener indeed.  The mystical lost trail is tough, even for us who came prepared. We wonder how anyone with hunger and exhaustion plaguing them for days and to come to this point, the toughest section of the march, can survive at all. All three parts of this trail has its own challenge – beginning with the walk on muddy and hilly plantation road under sweltering sun was exhausting; and then an hour or so of sloshing upriver, cautiously finding footing on the slippery stones of the river while trying to stay clear of viciously thorned overhanging vines, the coldness numbed the limbs and sharpened hunger; and last but not least, with leeches on the ready, the backbreaking and at times treacherous climb up Taviu Hill, proved extremely challenging.

Rorinto Marcus, Yahya Salim, Melissa Ewot & Bandzey Julian

Hi Encik Tham,

Ini adalah pengalaman pertama kami berjalan lebih kurang 4-5 jam tetapi ini hanya sebahagian kecil daripada DEATH  MARCH. Ini mengingatkan kami bagaimana POW 60 tahun yang lepas. Dalam perjalanan ini kami melalui jalan raya, sungai dan bukit di samping dapat melihat pokok yang masih hidup selama 60-80 tahun yang lepas. Kami dapat belajar tentang perjalanan POW. Aktiviti ini sangat sesuai untuk semua golongan beliawan dan beliawati dari dalam dan luar negara.

Terima kasih....

Felix Zoedah, Wong Chee Sun, Joimis Joikun & Charles Chia

Susan Chan, Siti Marina & Clara Soo

Dear Mr Tham,

First of all, I would like to thank you for sharing the Death March Walk with us. The five hours hike was very torturing and unforgettable for each and every one of us. I can't imagine how the sick and hunger prisoner walk through the journey. I am lucky that our team has good team spirit to go through this journey. It was a magnificent experience that no words can describe. I am so glad being part of the team and gained an unforgettable experience.

Thank you.

Suzan Chan

Hey Mr. Tham,

HOORAYYY!!I MADE IT THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its was an unforgettable and great experience! The most challenging part was up the hill; I almost fell down! And I got one leech on my leg - first time ever in my life! I am glad to be able to experience this Death March as a motivation to work hard without looking back to reach the finishing line and as a sign to respect the heroes... I cannot forget that when I was climbing up the hill, I only held the tree branches with my five fingers only because I didn't want my hands to get dirty...! hahaha!! Our team members were laughing at me and adviced me to hold it with my hands for a better support. Everyone should try this activity at least once in a lifetime before you raise your white flag.

Clara Soo

hiii there!!! First of all..I would like to thank to my team members..yaya, rinto, maps, dave, susz, clair and bandzey..for saving my life!!! hehe..this is an unforgettable experience for us..imagine, five hours we worked hard to climb the hills and trekking up the river..huhhh..so tiring!! But I enjoyed it.. when I've reached the finishing line, it was hardly to believe that i've finished the Death March Journey..hoooraaay..for all people out there, try this Death March so you can share your experience to all the people in the world... 
  
Siti Marina

In my personal view, experiencing the Death March is something very meaningful! Now I know the difficulties that the Australian soldiers had faced during the journey. For me, besides being physically challenging, the trek gave me an understanding of the term “survival” and made me to  appreciate the freedom we enjoy today. I also learned to love our nature more -as well the leeches! For everyone out there, if you all have free time,please go to experience this Death March track ….

Christina Sylvester

Muddy path, rocky streams
and such steep hills;
A mystical route you'd describe;
The equator sun above our heads;
The windy breeze brings nostalgic vibe.

If man and man are brothers alike;
Why would there be such terrible ride;
In hunger and pain they have abide;
A true test of self fortitude.

If you are like us so weak and uncertain;
Not to fear for Tham & Team will guide you through;
And in this Walk shall you attain;
The proudest experience you've been through.

If nature is your game;
And adventure is your name;
Then go for this, you won't regret.

To the fallen ones we bow our heads;
And keep in hearts, “Lest We Forget”.

Shirley Teo & Cynthia Lim

This was indeed a great experience. Never that I thought how tiring and hard it is for me to go through the same journey as the POW went through 60 years ago under worst condition, thou it’s just a small section of the Death March, imagine the whole journey. Nonetheless I am glad to be able to experience this walk and learn about the bloody past of this path of death, shared between Sabah and Australia.

Thanks,
David Michael