Sandakan is Sabah's nature capital and the second largest city in the state. It sits on the northeast coast, facing the Sulu Sea. Once the capital of British North Borneo (earning the nickname "Little Hong Kong"), today it's the base for Sabah's most iconic wildlife experiences — orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, turtles, and river cruises through untouched rainforest.
Most visitors come for the wildlife corridor: Sepilok → Kinabatangan → Turtle Islands. It's a 2-3 day circuit that delivers some of the best wildlife encounters in all of Southeast Asia.
Things to Do
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre — Sabah's most famous attraction. Watch semi-wild orangutans at feeding platforms (10am & 3pm). Entry: RM30 (Malaysian), RM90 (international).
- Rainforest Discovery Centre — 347m canopy walkway, 25m above the forest floor. Excellent for birdwatching (hornbills, kingfishers). RM15/RM30 entry.
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary — Guaranteed proboscis monkey sightings. Feeding times: 9:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. RM60 (international).
- Kinabatangan River cruises — Sabah's longest river (560km). 2D1N wildlife cruise packages from ~RM450/person. Spot proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and fireflies.
- Turtle Islands Park — 3 islands, overnight stays only. Watch green and hawksbill turtles nest year-round (peak Jul-Oct). RM60 park fee.
- Gomantong Caves — Massive limestone cave system, famous for edible bird's nest harvesting. 2 million bats emerge at dusk. RM30 entry.
- Agnes Keith House — Colonial-era museum of the American author who wrote "Land Below the Wind." RM15 entry.
- Sandakan Memorial Park — WWII memorial for the Sandakan Death March. Free entry. Moving and important history.
The classic Sandakan wildlife circuit is Sepilok → Kinabatangan → Turtle Islands over 3-4 days. Book the Kinabatangan cruise and Turtle Islands in advance — both have limited capacity.
Where to Eat
Sandakan has a strong Cantonese and Hakka food scene, plus excellent seafood:
- Sim Sim Seafood Village — Stilt restaurants over the water. Fresh grilled fish, butter prawns, mantis shrimp.
- English Tea House — Colonial-era setting on the hilltop. Scones, cream tea, and garden views.
- Central Market area — Wet market downstairs, hawker stalls upstairs. Cheap local meals RM5-10.
- Harbour Mall food court — Air-conditioned, good variety, tourist-friendly pricing.
- Kedai Kopi Tai Ping — Historic kopitiam. Try prawn mee (local specialty) and Sandakan-style laksa.
Getting There
- Flight from KK — 45 minutes, AirAsia/MASwings, from RM100+ one way.
- Bus from KK — RM43, approximately 6 hours via Ranau route.
- Drive from KK — ~300km via Kundasang/Kinabalu Park. Recommend 2 days with overnight stop in Kundasang.
- Sandakan Airport (SDK) — Small airport, 11km from city centre. Grab or taxi ~RM25.
Getting Around
- Grab — Available in Sandakan town. Most rides RM5-15.
- Tour packages — Most wildlife sites require arranged transport. Book through operators.
- Car rental — Best option for self-guided exploration. RM100-150/day.
- Local minivans — Run to nearby towns but not tourist-friendly. Limited schedules.
Accommodation
| Budget | Area / Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Town centre hostels & guesthouses | RM30-80/night |
| Mid-range | Harbour Mall area / Sabah Hotel | RM100-250/night |
| Nature lodges | Sepilok / Kinabatangan river lodges | RM200-500/night (usually package) |
Sandakan falls within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone). Mainland Sandakan city is safe, but some governments advise against travel to islands off the east coast (Sandakan to Tawau). Check your government's travel advisory before booking island trips.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: March-May (driest, best wildlife activity). Avoid Nov-Feb (heavy rain on east coast).
- Book ahead: Kinabatangan lodges and Turtle Islands fill up fast in peak season (Jun-Aug).
- Arrive early for Sepilok: Get there before 10am feeding for the best experience and fewer crowds.
- Bring binoculars: Essential for Kinabatangan cruises. Wildlife can be distant.
- Budget: A 3-day Sandakan wildlife circuit costs roughly RM800-1,500/person all-in (budget to mid-range).