The Journey of Vivian Bullwinkel – A Nursing History Study Tour

Step off the tourist trail and explore the rich cultural and medical heritage of Malaysia and Indonesia on this educational journey.

For decades, the full truth of Radji Beach went untold. This tour retraces the path of Australian nurses through Malaya to Bangka Island, marking 85 years since the Muntok massacre — honouring their service, and finally, their story in full.

Attend the commemorative service and join the Walk for Humanity on this tour with the ACN.

Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

MLY0227-1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Professional

Profession

Nursing and Midwifery

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Moderate

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Saturday

February

Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and check in to the hotel before a welcome dinner in the evening.

Kuala Lumpur / Malacca

Sunday

February

Drive to Malacca and board a cruise on the Malacca River, which in its heyday was the main artery of trade for Malacca, when the city was bustling with traders from all around the world. After lunch visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum which illustrates the way of living of the Peranakans at the end of the 19th century, a unique blend of the east and the west. Check in to the hotel.

Malacca

Monday

February

Enjoy a historical tour of Malacca, visiting St. Peter's Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and the city's largest Chinese cemetery outside China. Continue to Porta de Santiago and the Stadthuys ("Red Square"), the salmon-pink Dutch administrative building housing the Malacca Museum. After lunch, visit Malacca General Hospital, where Vivian Bullwinkel began her WWII overseas service in September 1941

Malacca / Kluang / Johor Bahru / Singapore

Tuesday

February

Full day's drive to Singapore via Kluang. Visit Mengkibol Estate, a rubber plantation reflecting Malaysia's colonial heritage and site of the 2/4th Casualty Clearing Station in January 1942. Continue to Johor Bahru's Hospital Permai, base for the 2/13th & 2/4th CCS treating Allied casualties during the retreat to Singapore. Late afternoon crossing into Singapore. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Singapore

Wednesday

February

Visit St Patrick's School and Oldham Hall, hospital sites before Singapore's fall, and Changi Prison and Museum, preserving original barracks and the Changi Gaol gate. After lunch, visit St Andrew's Cathedral, where surviving nurses gathered before boarding SS Vyner Brooke, and the Former Ford Factory, site of the British surrender. Evening: Singapore Sling at Raffles' Long Bar.

Singapore

Thursday

February

Visit Alexandra Hospital, formerly the British Military Hospital and the primary military hospital for the British Far East Command in Singapore. It was the site of a WWII massacre of British staff and patients in February 1942 by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Fall of Singapore. In the afternoon meet with the Singapore Nursing Association. At leisure.

Singapore / Jakarta

Friday

February

Fly from Singapore to Jakarta. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Jakarta

Saturday

February

Day in Jakarta to visit the old hospital and meet the Indonesian National Nursing Association. Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Site, a peaceful memorial area honouring Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during past conflicts, where nurses (including 8 Australian nurses) who died in camps were exhumed and buried. Dinner at a local restaurant. e b

Bangka Island

Monday

February

Tour Muntok and visit Menumbing Hill where President Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was exiled by the Dutch. His former home is now a very impressive museum. Visit Muntok Peace Museum, which highlights Muntok’s wartime history showcasing stories of peace, remembrance, and local heritage. Attend a service commemorating the internees in the camps, including AANS nurses.

Bangka Island

Tuesday

February

Visit Tanjung Kalian (Muntok Lighthouse), a historic coastal site home to memorials including the Vivian Bowden Memorial (2023) and Australian Army Nurses' Memorial (1993), where the Commemorative Service is held. Join 'The Walk for Humanity', a peace walk along the beach, wading into the water in tribute and scattering petals in remembrance.

Bangka Island

Wednesday

February

ACN visit to Radji Beach Headland Memorial, a historical site connected to wartime remembrance. Visit Muntok General Hospital, followed by a visit to a local school* (* the school visit is still being planned and the times may change).

Bangka Island

Thursday

February

History Walk of Muntok, retracing the nurses' steps from Muntok Pier to Customs House, where survivors were first held and processed, then Muntok Cinema and Coolie Lines, the Indonesian Red Cross site, and Captain Seki's House. Finish at the Vivian Bullwinkel Gallery, Tinwinning Museum, learning of the Vyner Brooke's sinking and Bullwinkel's survival. At leisure. Farewell dinner.

Bangka Island

Friday

February

Depart to airport for onward connections.

What to expect

Tour highlights

Commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the Radji Beach massacre on Bangka Island

Muntok Peace Museum, Bangka Island

Deepen your understanding of the nurses’ service and sacrifice. Learn of Muntok’s wartime history, attend a commemorative service and participate in ‘The Walk for Humanity.’

Follow in the footsteps of Vivian Bullwinkel

Australian General Hospital, Malacca, 1941-2

Experience the vibrant port city of Malacca and visit the Australian General Hospital, where Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel commenced her overseas WWII service in September 1941. (photo: AWM)

Nursing history and the legacy of war

Clarke Quay, Singapore

Experience Singapore’s hyper modernity while learning about its rich nursing history and the harrowing legacy of WWII. Visit buildings transformed into wartime hospitals & Changi Prison and Museum.