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Malaysian town
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sandakan is a city of almost 440,000 people (2020) in Sabah, Borneo. It is the gateway to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The memorial park is on the original site of the Japanese Prisoner of War camp. The memorial park is dedicated to the men who lost their lives in the Borneo Death Marches during the Second World War. A small museum in the centre of the park provides a sombre look at the atrocities which occurred.
A Chinese temple on top of a hill behind Sandakan where you can get beautiful views of Labuk Bay. Home to lots of Buddhist swastikas.
Erected in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah.
A picturesque water village on stilts.
Former home of author Agnes Newton Keith, now restored as a museum. Same ticket as the Sabah State Museum in Kota Kinabalu, so if you can cross Sabah in a day you can visit both for the price of one.
The massive cave is home to swiftlets and their nests are harvested as a Chinese delicacy. The harvesting processes involves people climbing to the roof of the caves with bamboo poles and ladders. Wear closed shoes as the raised footpaths are covered in bird and bat dropping. There are facilities to wash your shoes afterwards. Some tour companies visit here.
You are guaranteed a sighting of these monkeys from a wooden balcony built in the middle of the mangrove forest, as well as silvery lutungs (another species of monkey) that often come into close proximity with visitors. There is a feeding at 2:30pm. If you're lucky, you might even get to see some oriental pied hornbills. It is definitely worth a visit, and can be arranged easily by a day tour. Closest accommodation is at Nipah Resort (domitary RM35 per bed, chalet RM180+). Getting there/away: The journey to Labuk Bay is very rough and will take about half an hour from the main road, but it is worth it. There's a bus departing from Hotel Sandakan at 9:30AM for RM 20 (ask at the Tourist information office in Sandakan for more details), private van will cost RM 80 one way.
The sun bear conservation centre You’ll be able to see tree-climbing sun bears.
The 560 km Kinabatangan River, the longest in the state, flows pass some of the richest ecosystems on earth, especially just before it meets the sea. The Lower Kinabatangan and Sukau areas are known for its mangrove swamps and flood plains, and is home to its most famous inhabitants, the proboscis monkeys. Up river, you will go past interesting villages where the river is still the main highway. There are also opportunities to view wildlife, including elephants. The best way to do this is through tour companies.
Nice ambience and serve traditional English Food. Serves excellent English high tea in the afternoon.
A casual restaurant serving local and western food. The menu is extensive and prices are very reasonable. Popular with locals and centrally located in town.
海南乡
Hainanese vegetarian food. Large two story space great for sharing groups. Staff speak English and understand vegan. They can point out vegan options from the extensive menu
Simple, cheap vegetarian food. Ask for vegan options
With panoramic views of the coastline and the entire stretch of town, it's one of the best places to catch the Sandakan sunset and festive firework displays. Tropically designed, it has a mixed assortment of seating and chill-out corners; making the Sandakan-night sky your personal kaleidoscope. An innovative dining experience to follow. Try down along the waterfront as this area is being developed with new places opening all the time.
The associated Hawaii Restaurant has a huge choice of excellent meals for RM5, popular with locals.
In the heart of the city is a great deal for budget traveller. The room is clean and beautiful as it is newly renovated though some rooms have ventilation problems giving damp bathrooms after showers. Free WiFi. Simple breakfast (toast and instant coffee) is served in the pleasant rooftop garden. Other facilities include tour arrangement, internet access corner, all rooms are ensuite and have satellite channel (DVD player upon request) and the hotel has a backup generator in case of power outage.
5 min walk to the water front. This hotel offers modern, clean and comfortable rooms suitable for the independent traveller wanting something mid-range. Internet is available in the foyer. Bookings can made via the website. Note that the hotel is 4 storeys and there is no lift.
The oldest, purpose-built hotel in Sandakan. Family run since 1966. A mix of history and the contemporary. Some rooms are thematically designed, with views of the sea. Others are not.
Manageress: Patricia Pascua. Family home atmosphere. Comfortable living room and nice balcony. Kitchen for your own use. Laundry service available.
Backpacker guesthouse with harbor views. Run by the owner, Zaina, who doubles as a travel agent.
Clean, quiet and safe.
It is completed with WiFi, aircon and two channels of Astro (including Astro Sports, and Wah Lai Toi). Besides, there are shoplots including restaurants, pharmacies, and supermarkets.
Comfortable beds and decent sized rooms for all budgets including dorms. Double rooms, come with A/C, free wifi, ensuite and TV.
On the waterfront esplanade. 138 trendy and compact rooms, all with A/C, free wifi and LCD TV.
By bus
From Kota Kinabalu: several bus companies depart between 7AM-2PM, and 8PM (~5 hr, RM 33).
By boat
Aleson Lines runs a ferry from Zamboanga City in the Philippines every Monday at 1PM.
By taxi
Travel by taxi out to places such as Sepilok or the War Memorial is easy, however fare negotiation will be required as meters are not commonly available. Taxi to Sepilok wait and return RM 40.
By bus
There are buses and vans going everywhere in the areas around Sandakan, to the airport, Sepilok, Buli Sim Sim, etc.
By boat
There is a water taxi from Buli Sim-Sim to Pulau Berhala.
On foot
Sandakan is only a small town and it is easy to walk around. There is a walking trail which covers all the main sites.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Sandakan · Regional · SDK
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