Beaufort: Starcevich Memorial and nearby Weston Wetland

Beaufort offers two distinct points of interest for a trip: a memorial to the town’s history and nature experiences in the surrounding area. The Starcevich Memorial commemorates Thomas (Tom) Starcevich, an Australian soldier who played an important role in the liberation of Beaufort from Japanese forces during the Second World War. The nearby Weston Wetland has extensive mangrove forests. The town’s history and boat trips in the surrounding area can therefore be considered as different focuses when planning a trip.

A memorial connected to the liberation of Beaufort

At the heart of the memorial is Thomas, also known as Tom, Starcevich. His role in the liberation of Beaufort from Japanese forces gives the memorial a specific connection to the town’s history. If you would like to include historic sites in your stay, the memorial offers a named point of interest.

The Starcevich Memorial Monument is on Jalan Tugu and is within walking distance of Beaufort railway station. The street and station therefore provide specific landmarks for visiting the monument.

Mangroves and wildlife watching at Weston Wetland

Weston Wetland is in the area around Beaufort. Its extensive mangrove forests provide habitat for numerous wildlife species. Both the landscape and its importance as a habitat are part of the nature experience that distinguishes this outing from a visit to the memorial.

A description dated November 23, 2023, mentions boat trips through mangrove waterways, offering opportunities to watch wildlife and enjoy views of the landscape. For night trips, it mentions fireflies lighting up the trees; trips at dusk are also mentioned.

The distinction between dusk and night is another consideration when planning an outing: the description mentions both time frames, while fireflies are explicitly associated with night trips.

Choose the right focus for your stay

At the memorial, the connection between a person and a historical event takes centre stage; on a boat trip through Weston Wetland, you experience mangrove waterways, wildlife and the landscape from a different perspective. This can help you decide whether a memorial or wildlife watching better suits your travel interests.

When looking for a holiday rental, this distinction offers a practical starting point. Consider whether you mainly want to explore Beaufort’s history or plan an outing to nearby Weston Wetland, and compare the specific location of a listing with the places you plan to visit. If you would like to combine both, include both locations in your plans.

Getting there and finding your way

The Starcevich Memorial Monument is on Jalan Tugu and is within walking distance of Beaufort railway station. The Sabah State Railway Department is named as the operator of train services to Beaufort; check the current timetable before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Kuala Penyu, Kota Belud, Tuaran, Kudat, Tawau.

For the main travel overview: Sabah.