Deep in the interiors of Tawau in Kalabakan once lies a coal mine village called Silimpopon. It was operated by the British Empire from 1905 to 1937. The diversed community that once existed there represents what Tawau is today – a melting pot of cultures from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

We were able to get in touch with Mr. Phil Bensted who was with the Royal Australian Navy. He served in Tawau during the Indonesian Confrontation in the mid 1960’s. Stories and photos are copyright of Mr. Phil Bensted. This story is posted under his permission. We do hope that you will enjoy reading this.
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Anecdotes, some funny, some serious but all mostly true, from “The Real UP TOP”, a personal view from the decks of HMAS Curlew, a Royal Australian Navy Minesweeper during the Indonesian Confrontation, October 1965 to April …

There is very little history known and shared during the Indonesian Confrontation era. Through our internet research we found fragmentation of stories from various people who were mainly troops who served to protect Tawau during that period.