Things to Do in Sandakan
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About Sandakan
Sandakan sits on the northeastern coast of Sabah, Borneo, and it's a town most travelers use as a launchpad rather than a destination in itself — which undersells it badly. This is the gateway to some of the best wildlife encounters in Southeast Asia: orangutans at Sepilok, proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatangan River, and sea turtles laying eggs on Selingan Island by moonlight. The town itself carries a rough-edged, working-port character shaped by a brutal history (it was flattened during WWII and rebuilt almost entirely in concrete) and a long timber and palm oil economy that still defines the surrounding landscape.
What makes Sandakan worth a proper stop rather than a rushed overnight is the concentration of rainforest and river ecosystems within an hour's drive. Nowhere else in Malaysia can you realistically see orangutans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hornbills within a single 48-hour window. The town center itself is unglamorous — think faded shophouses, a busy central market, and unrelenting humidity — but it has good, cheap Chinese and Malay food and a waterfront that's pleasant at dusk when the fishing boats come in.
This destination suits wildlife-focused travelers, photographers, and anyone doing a Borneo loop between Kota Kinabalu and the Danum Valley or Semporna islands. It's not for people wanting a polished resort experience or nightlife — Sandakan town closes early and has little in the way of bars or entertainment. Budget at least three days: one for Sepilok and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, one or two for a Kinabatangan River cruise package, and an optional overnight at Selingan for turtles. Go in with realistic expectations about the town and high ones about what's just outside it.
Good to Know
- Bring cash — many Sepilok guesthouses, river lodges, and market stalls don't take cards; ATMs are limited outside central Sandakan
- Book Sepilok and Kinabatangan accommodation ahead in June-August and December, as capacity is genuinely limited
- Get a Malaysian SIM (Celcom or Digi) at the airport or Sandakan malls — coverage is decent in town and Sepilok, patchy on the river
- Wear long sleeves and closed shoes for jungle walks and river cruises — mosquitoes are persistent, and a light rain jacket is worth packing regardless of season
- Tipping isn't customary or expected in restaurants, but rounding up for boat guides and drivers is appreciated
- Sandakan town itself is safe to walk during the day; take a taxi rather than walk alone late at night, as street lighting is inconsistent
- Turtle Island visits require booking through the Sabah Parks office or an approved operator in advance — you can't just show up at the jetty
- Dress is casual throughout; there's no need for formalwear anywhere in Sandakan, even at nicer hotel restaurants
