2025 Sandakan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Today, I want to share with you the Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) in Sandakan! As a wildlife lover, this place is simply paradise! I was deeply attracted by the charm of this pristine tropical rainforest as soon as I arrived, and the air was filled with the fresh smell of nature~ 📍Address: KM 19, Jalan Labuk, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia ⏰Opening hours: 8:00–17:00 (It is recommended to go in the morning when the animals are more active) ⛱️Must-see attractions: - Birdwatching Tower (a must-see! You can lie down and take pictures of birds, super comfortable) - Canopy Walkway (walk in the air and see the rainforest, the view is amazing) - Rainforest Trail (feel the atmosphere of the original rainforest) 🌄Travel tips: - It is recommended to reserve half a day or a whole day - Arrive at 8 am for the best experience, the animals are very active - Highly recommend the night observation group, you can see flying squirrels and Malayan colugos (super cute!) - Remember to bring a telephoto camera, you can take pictures of a lot of wildlife 🏨Accommodation tips: - It is recommended to stay in Sandakan city, about 30 minutes by taxi - There are many mid-range hotels around - It is recommended to stay for 2 nights so that you can participate in night observation 💗Other tips: - Ticket: MYR 60 for adults - Remember to apply mosquito repellent - It is recommended to wear sneakers for easy walking - Bring bottled water and snacks, there is no restaurant in the center - Remember to bring a hat, it is stuffy and hot in the rainforest It is really a great place to get close to nature! You can see pig-tailed macaques jumping around overhead, and you can hear all kinds of bird calls, which is very healing! The whole trip is very relaxing, especially suitable for family trips and photography lovers! Anyway, I have already been a fan of this place, and I must participate in night observation next time!

👋Hey, dear friends! Today, I'm going to share with you a super detailed two-day itinerary for Sandakan! 🌟 This place is a perfect encounter between natural wonders and historical treasures, guaranteed to turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure!🚀 🌟Day 1: Embrace the gentleness of nature🌟 🌅In the morning, take a walk by the sea with the first ray of sunshine! Let the gentle sound of the waves take away your worries, and your mood will instantly become calm and relaxed.🌊 Listening to the low whispers of the waves, it seems that the whole world has slowed down. 🐠Next, let's go to the Ocean Park and get up close and personal with those lovely marine creatures! Colorful fish, cute turtles, mysterious coral reefs... Every corner is breathtaking, as if you are in a dreamy underwater world.🐟 🦞At lunchtime, how can you miss the local seafood feast? Freshly caught seafood is carefully cooked by the chef, and every bite is an ultimate indulgence for your taste buds.🤤 The freshness and satisfaction are simply unforgettable! 🌳In the afternoon, we venture into the tropical rainforest to experience the mystery and magnificence of the primeval forest.🌿 In this dense forest, every step is full of surprises and discoveries, as if you have entered a mysterious natural kingdom. 🌅In the evening, we enjoy a romantic dinner by the sea. The afterglow of the sunset spills over the sea, sparkling, watching the sunset slowly sink into the horizon, the beauty of that moment is simply intoxicating.🌅 🌟Day 2: Explore the traces of history🌟 🏛️On the morning of the second day, we went to the history museum to explore the past and present of Sandakan. Each exhibit tells the story of the city, giving people a deeper understanding and knowledge of Sandakan.📜 🏘️Then, we strolled through the old streets, feeling the traces of time and the sediment of history. Each building exudes a unique atmosphere, as if you can hear them telling the glory and vicissitudes of the past.🏘️ 🍜At lunchtime, why not try some authentic snacks and let your taste buds experience the unique charm of Sandakan again. Whether it's spicy satay, delicious fried kway teow, or rich bak kut teh, every bite is irresistible.🤤 📚In the afternoon, we continue to explore more cultural relics, gaining knowledge and a deeper affection for Sandakan. Every place is so fascinating, as if every stop is a conversation with history. 🌅In the evening, we come to the seaside again, and use a beautiful sunset to put a perfect end to this trip.🌅 The beauty and mood of that moment seem to be frozen in the long river of time. 💖This two-day trip to Sandakan was amazing! Not only did I experience the beauty and mystery of nature, but I also gained a deeper understanding and knowledge of the history and culture here.🌈 Do you also want to come here for a walk and see? Or have you been to any special places that you would recommend to everyone? Leave a comment and let me know!💌

#traveldiaries A big thank you to the owner or owners for opening this interesting recreational park for Sandakians to visit. I appreciate you lots. I hope that the mini theme park will start soon so that i can visit again for more stuffs to do. Overall, it is a good place to go for leisure. I hope to see more locals and tourists visit this place. It has been a good experience for us. I sat on the train, went for kayaking, visited the bird sanctuary and such.

#traveldiaries I went there at night for a late night drink. The atmosphere was very peaceful and calm, quite a nice place to just rest and chill, when there aren’t a lot a of people of course. The staff was quite friendly and helpful when i asked what the drinks on the menu were. They looked quite professional in their attire. The place is very clean, I didn’t see any rubbish on the floor. The toilet is also quite clean.

#traveldiaries Definitely favorite place to go. I try any cafe at IJM, I found there nothing can compare to this cafe, from environment to food quality and price. All balance. I don't mind go here alone or hangout with friends or family. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 Recommended dishes -Burn Cheesecake, Garlic Cheese Bread, Chicken Aglio Olio, Chicken Chop, Chocolate Mint

#traveldiaries Clean and casual environment. Great for simple breakfast and afternoon tea. Also serves set breakfast and 'economy' noodles. Serves simple lunch. Go for their homemade cakes and local kuih especially their UFO creamy pastry and egg tart. Easy parking. The price is reasonable and they serve nasi kuning (yellow rice) on Friday and weekends. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 4/5 Recommended dishes UFO Tart & Tea Egg

#traveldiaries Located at Avenue, IJM Sandakan. A good place to relax and enjoy your day, very cozy ambience. I love the design of this cafe too. The food is good with a reasonable price and the portion is worth the value. They serve many types of dishes such as Western Food and Local Food too. There are many types of beverages too. Will definitely go here again another time.

#traveldiaries Nicely designed, eye-catching place from the outside. Easily noticeable and seems to be a good hangout place. Have 3 seating area - I recommend for good chats and atmosphere is to go to the darker room on the left of the entrance. Staff were very friendly and willing to recommend. One of the famous cafes in Sandakan has many variants of food, beverage, and dessert. They have kiosks at other places too. Food: 4/5 | Service: 4/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 Recommended dishes -Avocado Shaved Ice, Mango Yogurt Softserve, D24 Durian Cendol Shaved Ice

#traveldiaries Urban Cafe offers a charmingly 'homey' ambiance, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. What sets it apart is the owner's personal touch – they passionately describe the assortment of cakes and cookies showcased in the glass display, and this cafe attend fast enough to orders. This personalized experience adds a delightful touch to the overall charm of Urban Cafe. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

#traveldiaries New cafe. A lot of pastry food and drink choices. Also, they have tanghulu but they use Callebaut chocolate. They serve you free drink if you're waiting for your takeaway meal. Cash, QR, and online banking transfer are their type of payment. Also, they have wifi. Not really suitable for those who Work From Home (WFH) because of sitting arrangement but suitable for family and friends gathering and eating together. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 4/5

#traveldiaries Alternative affordable hotel in Sandakan city center. Relatively quiet, clean, and calm hotel in the middle of different distinct culture of Sabah. This hotel is not far from restaurants and laundry services. It serves free breakfast and wifi. It is not far away from tourist attraction. You can visit Sepilok Kabili Forest Reserve, Orang Utan and Bornean Sun Bear Rehabilitation Center, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey and Crocodile Park.

#traveldiaries The location is good, it is only 1 km from the main town, away from the noise but not too far. The room is spacious, nice and super clean. I think they have renovated the hotel. The swimming pool is nice too. The Chinese restaurant was great. Breakfast was simple to still nice. If you stay in Sandakan town, this is a lovely place to stay. Rooms: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Location: 4/5

#traveldiaries This Anglican church is the first and oldest stone church in the State of Sabah, completed build in 1925. The church is located on a hill, so walking up can be quite tiring for some. Entry fee is Rm5 and can see the interior with the supervision of the church assistant. Great architecture and design evoking Christian spirituality. It is part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail.

#myhiddengems Savor the authentic flavors at San Da Gen Kopitiam, where classic Malaysian coffee culture comes to life. This charming café is renowned for its famous UFO tarts—an irresistible local delicacy that’s considered the best in town. Alongside rich brews and hearty local dishes, the unique tarts offer a nostalgic treat, making each visit a flavorful journey through Malaysia’s café heritage. 🕰️Business Hours: 08:30-17:30 (Daily) #kopitiam #sandakan #sandakantrip #sarawak

#myhiddengems The Sandakan Art Trail is a vibrant showcase of creativity and culture. Strolling through this colorful path, you'll encounter murals and installations that capture the essence of Sandakan's heritage and natural beauty. Each piece tells a story, making the trail a dynamic and engaging experience for art lovers and casual walkers alike. Don’t miss the chance to explore this artistic gem!

#100waysoftravel Sandakan, once upon a time known as ‘Elopura’ is the second-largest town in Sabah… Sandakan is well-known as the gateway to Borneo's wildlife, it looks like a little “Hong Kong” and is rich with colonial heritage sites Sandakan is also the haven for seafood lovers as this is one of the place in Malaysia where you get the freshest and most affordable seafood!!! Sandakan is also the place that conjures up the images of lush tropical rainforest, orang-utan, Bornean sun bear, proboscis monkey, pygmy elephant and more Am also loving the colourful murals around the town… #sandakan #sabah #sandakanmurals

#myhiddengems Nestled amidst one of the world’s last natural tropical rainforests, Sabah Hotel in Sandakan offers 4-star deluxe luxuries to business and leisure travellers…. I certainly had an a most relaxing stay while indulging myself to good food and even an amazing massage by Watie , the in-house masseur … #bahmarilah #sabahtourism #wheretostay

#myhiddengems There's beauty in misery, sadness and things that are so unloved and forgotten. The Sandakan Memorial Park is the exact location of the POW (Prisoner of War) camp where thousands of POWs, mostly Australian, were imprisoned by the Japanese during the World War II is a somber but beautiful and picturesque park to visit… And yes, there has been stories of locals seeing “soldiers” still marching around the vicinity… #sabah #sandakanmemorialpark

It seems that many people choose Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, but rarely Sandakan! However, Sandakan is actually a great place to visit, with its harbors, rivers, rainforests, countless wildlife, and historical sites. Known as the 'Land Below the Wind,' Sandakan, also called Elopura, is a city in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, located on the northeastern coast of Borneo. ✅ Rainforest Discovery Centre A rainforest conservation area with multiple walking trails that reach various corners of the rainforest, with explanatory signs along the way. ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ✅ Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Here you can see the world's smallest bears, with nearly 30 rescued from harsh environments across Sabah. You can observe them up close. ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM ✅ Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Home to the proboscis monkey, known for its unusually large nose that shakes when excited. You might also spot them in other areas of Sabah. ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

💕 *MUJI HOMESTAY* 💞 📍 *Casa San Uno Apartment, Mile 4, Sandakan, Sabah* 📱 *+6017 899 7232* 🏡 Fit for *7 PERSONS* 🏡 _*Fully Furnished*_ 🏡 3️⃣ Rooms, 🚻 2️⃣ Toilets 🛏️ 2️⃣ King Size Bed, 3️⃣ Super Single Size Bed 📶 Free Wi-Fi 🚿 Heater 👕 Iron Board 🔌 Hair Dryers 🧊 Refrigerator 📺 Smart 4K TV ❄️ Fully Air Conditioned 🧴 Hair & Body Shampoo 💦 Hot & Cold Water Purifier 🚭 *NO SMOKING* Inside The House

Why little Hong Kong? Sandakan was nicknamed Little Hong Kong due to a strong presence of ethnic chinese migration from Hong Kong. A shortlisted for my 3 days visit in Sandakan: Central Market, Heritage Museum, Agnes Keith House, Sim Sim Water Village, Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Borneon Sun Bear Conservation Centre, English Tea House, Heritage Trail, San Da Gen Kopitiam and Trig Hill! #sandakan

It takes 50 minutes by plane from Kota Kinabalu and 7 hours by bus. To visit Sepilok, an orangutan sanctuary, from Sandakan, there is public transportation, but Grab taxi is recommended. If you use public transportation, get off at the bus stop and walk about 1km to the Sepilok entrance. You can meet orangutans living in the forests of Borneo and young orangutans under care. If you visit Sandakan, I recommend accommodations near the waterfront. You can see a beautiful coastline and there are many shops, restaurants, and department stores. There is a tealive restaurant located on the coast, and a buffet breakfast costs 35 ringgit. The breakfast menu is varied and worth eating.

The environment is so quiet. U can only hear the sound of the frogs & insects. Pool was ok but bit dirty. The kids like the pool's slide. Food was ok but no not much choice (less thn 10 dishes on menu) complimentary b/fast was buffet & serving simple dishes. The beach is nice but not suitable for swing. Muddy. The sunset view was beautiful 👍👍. Overall was a good trip. Will definitely come again😊 #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #tripblazers #mytripvlog

The land below the wind. a place must visit every year. a nature town. full with yummy food and 人情味. the price of food cheaper than other place, exprecially konlou mee, its too nice! #landbelowthewind #sandakan

#MalaysiaHotel #MalaysiaHotel Sabah is located in Sandakan, which is known as Little Hong Kong. #Sandagan Sabah Hotel Sandakan is a hotel with a long history, located on a small hill near the city center; although it is close to the bustling city center, It feels like going to a quiet and elegant place, the hotel environment is combined with the ecology of nature, very elegant, very peaceful, very relaxing…. #Sandakan #sabah hotel sandakan

Getting There - through Flight or bus or self driving Attractions - Taman Buaya, Sepilok Orang Utan, Hotels - Sandakan Hotel, Livingston Hotel, Sanbay Hotell Food & Restaurants - Pasir Putih Seafood Restaurant, Satay Labuk Shopping - Harbour Mall Sandakan, Mydin Batu 7, Batu 4, #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #tripblazers #beachlife #tripblazers Such a Nice place to go. Enjoy and try it.

Sandakan is a city in the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the northeast coast of Borneo. The hilltop Puu Jih Shih Temple offers panoramic views of the city. Agnes Keith House is a wooden bungalow that re-creates the city's colonial-era life. The city is also a base for visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the limestone Gomantong Caves, home to swiftlets, bats and kingfishers. Sandakan juga merupakan titik permulaan perjalanan ke Sukau untuk melawat Sungai Kinabatangan yang indah untuk melakukan beberapa pelayaran sungai yang menarik. Lawati Sepilok untuk melihat orang utan di kawasan perlindungan ini; melawat Kinabatangan untuk melawat mereka di habitat semula jadi mereka (jika anda bernasib baik). Selain beruk besar, anda juga boleh melihat gajah , buaya, babi hutan, ular, burung enggang dan banyak spesies lain. Sangat mudah untuk membuat pengaturan yang diperlukan di salah satu daripada banyak syarikat pelancongan yang berpusat di Sandakan. Pemandu kami misalnya mempunyai 4x4 sendiri yang pernah dibawanya ke Gomantong dan ke Sungai Kinabatangan. l#sandakan #awesomepic #oldtown

Getting There - The trip there was quite simple and direct, it connects to the main road quite conveniently. A standard tarred road, it was a pleasant trip with scenery, using our Toyota Hilux from Sandakan it was a fresh and easygoing way to the location. We originally came from Kota Marudu and is looking for an adventure towards the eastern parts of Sabah, safe to say it's not a bad decision at all. Attractions - The main attraction of Borneon Sun Bear Conservation is but of course, Sun Bears or Beruang Madu in Malay which is weird considering the differing translation from English to Malay. Anyhow it makes sense when it is explained by one of the friendly official there that will act as a guide on a sector of the park. He is quite knowledgeable about the place so you can ask him a few things there and about the place and he'll answer it in a jiffy. The Sun Bears themselves are pretty cute, they're nothing too extraordinary but it's one of the animals you seldom see in life so it was a nice experience. The place is also famous for being a hub for people to take their geographic platform on to review the Sun Bears. There's also that of a mini museum dedicated to Sun Bears they have built and a few other species we saw around the forest like monkeys of various species. It is certainly a must go if you have a knack for wildlife. Hotels - The place itself doesn't offer any hotels so I can't comment on this. Food & Restaurants - The Café was alright, it was nothing spectacular but for the price it was okay. the waiters was of course friendly and that's a plus. Shopping - For locals like us the gift shop they had in store has pretty exorbitant prices for the items they had but foreigners wouldn't mind spending a few bucks for something memorable and it is to support the orginization after all, not a bad thing indeed. #2023travelwish