A cover befitting of the "Beautiful City" Elopura

Historically, William Burgess Pryer founded 'Elopura' (modern day Sandakan) in 1879. When Kampung German, a European settlement established by William Clarke Cowie was razed to the ground from an accidental fire, Pryer took action. However, instead of rebuilding Kampung German, Pryer moved it closer to the harbour and renamed the settlement as Elopura. Elopura means 'beautiful city' (Elok is Malay for fine; pura is Sanskrit for city). 

Although today it is mostly referred to as Sandakan alone, modern day Elopura retained its existence in name as a state constituency of the Sandakan parliamentary constituency. 

A very recent acquisition of this interesting registered cover addressed to the Ministry of Education in Kuala Lumpur. 


What makes it interesting is the usage of the ELOPURA SANDAKAN/ SABAH cancellation. The registered label also displays "ELOPURA/ SANDAKAN" handstamp in blue. 



On the back of the cover, there is a perfect strike of the Elopura cancel on 27 December 1993 with a transit cancellation at Sandakan/ Sabah on the same day, and finally the arrival postal marking at Kuala Lumpur on 29 December 1993. Truly express!

The letter was sent from Rancangan Sungai Manila (Ran. Sg. Manila). However, there isn't many literature reports or articles on this place other than a palm oil estate implemented by the Department of Agriculture.

Maybe someone more adept in the history of this place could comment? 

Nevertheless, thank you visiting and always supporting. 

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