AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Perched on a quiet hill in central Sandakan, St. Mary's Cathedral is not just a place of worship, but a living museum of the region's history. As the oldest church in Sandakan, its presence on St. Mary's Hill has witnessed over 140 years of local life, from its founding in 1883 as a simple hut to its status as the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Sandakan.↗↗
The cathedral offers a serene escape from the bustle of Sandakan town. Visitors can stroll through the lush grounds, explore the historic Marian Mount, and admire a blend of spiritual heritage and colonial-era resilience. The site is particularly noteworthy for its educational roots, housing the very first school in Borneo.↗↗
A Journey Back to 1883
The story of St. Mary's begins in May 1883 when Monsignor Thomas Jackson purchased five acres of land on a hill to establish a mission. What started as a temporary hut made of Kajang (woven pandanus) has evolved into a significant spiritual landmark. It was here that St. Mary's School opened on July 24, 1883, becoming the first school in North Borneo.
