There is a tourist itinerary, especially beloved by Italians, that winds its way through faraway Malaysia. This island-nation in the Indian Ocean, between Thailand and Australia, was chosen as the setting for a novel that became hugely popular between the 19th and 20th centuries, “Sandokan: The Tiger of Mompracem”, by the Veronese writer Emilio Salgari. What makes this story fascinating, beyond the adventures of the protagonists and the surrounding scenery, is knowing that the author never visited Malaysia nor even left Italy in his life. Everything he described came from the reading of other people’s travel notes, books, and nature magazines. And considering that today, without internet and cell phones, we feel lost… you should really admire Salgari’s research and imagination. To travel the roads and views he described, without ever seeing them, you will need to take an intercontinental flight to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL).
Getting to and around Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the capital, and its airport is undoubtedly the main gateway to the federal nation of Malaysia, consisting of 13 states: 9 monarchies (from whose sovereigns the head of the nation is chosen) and 4 minor regions. Plus 3 freely associated territories. These administrative entities are scattered across the southern part of the Thai peninsula, the ocean, and the northern coast of the island of Borneo; so, in order to get around Malaysia, you must travel by airplane. From the capital’s airport, you can depart to 80 other national and regional airports, while the islands are also easily reached by boat. Malaysia’s roads are not always safe, so having a chauffeured transfer is the best option for those coming here on holiday.
The novel of Sandokan
The Italian writer Emilio Salgari (1862-1911) was the son of Venetian merchants and had been passionate about the sea and ship voyages since childhood. His dream was to become a sailor, but he failed to complete his studies at the Nautical Institute and was forced to give up. An avid reader of travel books, he made extensive research on the stories of great explorers, and when he was just 20 years old, he published his first adventure stories in serial form in Venetian newspapers.
Success came in 1896 with the collection of short tales “The Tigers of Malaysia”, whose protagonist is the valiant pirate Sandokan, a prince whose throne had been usurped and who therefore pledged to fight evil and help the poor. Together with his faithful friend Yanez and the beautiful Marianna, known as “the Pearl of Labuan”, Sandokan inspired at least a dozen captivating books that won over a huge audience at the beginning of the 20th century.
Sandokan’s “rebirth” came in the 1970s, thanks to the Italian TV drama of the same name, which featured the talent of the young Indian actor Kabir Bedi. Recently, a new TV version of Sandokan has rekindled the interest of young people in the adventures of this hero from another era.
Where can you find Sandokan in Malaysia?
A Sandokan itinerary in Malaysia can only begin in the city that bears his name: Sandakan, in the state of Sabah, located on the northeastern coast of the island of Borneo. To tell the truth, none of our hero’s adventures take place here, but the name of this city inspired Salgari to create his pirate. Sandakan is the state’s second largest city, a port and commercial hub. It is also the starting point for fascinating excursions into the surrounding rainforests, where you can admire proboscis monkeys (Lamak Bay Sanctuary Park) and orangutans (Sepilok Conservation Area). From here, you can take boat trips on the Kinabatangan River to admire the lush vegetation and the impressive gorges through which the river meanders.
The second setting linked to Salgari’s novel is Labuan. Located 500 km from Sandakan (about 10 hours by car, much less by small local air transport), this island, which partially encloses Brunei Bay, forms—along with other smaller islands—a federal territory. According to the novel, this is where Sandokan’s beautiful lover, Marianna, lived. Today, people come to Labuan to visit the ancient British colonial architecture, the World War II military cemetery, and the memorial to the survivors of the Japanese and Australian Armed Forces of 1945. The Great Chimney of Labuan is a symbol that also recalls the past of the coal trade linked to this place. In Labuan, the fish market and the beach, from which you can admire splendid sunsets, are also worth visiting.
Base yourself in Labuan to explore the Sultanate of Brunei, which is just a three-hour ferry ride from the island. Brunei has nothing to do with the novel, nor with Malaysia (it is an independent nation), but it is located within the territory of Sarawak, one of the largest Malaysian regions… mentioned by Salgari. A short itinerary in Brunei will include the Tamu Hujung Minggu night market, the Historical Museum, the Istana Nurul Iman palace (where the king lives), and Berakas Pantai beach.
Does the Pirates’ Island really exist?
Off the island of Labuan lies a smaller island called Keraman (or Kuraman). According to Salgari’s imagination, this is where Sandokan’s pirates hid. In the book, the island is disguised by the invented name of Mompracem. Keraman Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, swimming, and relaxing in its tranquil atmosphere. The island is also known for its long natural sandbar, which becomes visible at low tide. The dense tropical forests offer the opportunity for short nature walks, while the surrounding coral reefs are home to a diverse marine life.
You may not see any real pirates on Keraman Island, but the wild nature that surrounds you will still make you feel part of a wonderful and unique adventure. Yours!
Strolling around Kuala Lumpur
You can’t leave Malaysia without visiting its capital. Kuala Lumpur was founded in the second half of the 19th century and quickly developed into an important economic, cultural, and tourist center. Today, it is famous for the Petronas Towers, two twin skyscrapers connected by a bridge that are one of Malaysia’s most recognizable symbols. The city offers an interesting mix of tradition and innovation: alongside modern buildings stand temples, mosques, and traditional markets. The population consists of various ethnic communities, including Malays, Chinese, and Indians, who create vibrant, culturally rich neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little India.
Thanks to our comfortable vehicles with chauffeurs you will enjoy shopping malls, and variety of attractions, including numerous beautiful city parks. Kuala Lumpur is a must-see destination for anyone wanting to experience Malaysian culture… even if Sandokan has never set foot there!
