Top Things to Do in Sandakan
Things to Do in Sandakan
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sandakan.
Top Attractions in Sandakan
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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What travellers are saying
- Nadene MJimboomba QLD85 contributionsThis was one of my favourite places to visit. It is a must do trip. The proboscis monkeys are just amazing and show no fear at all. This is another sanctuary where the monkeys rule. You get up close and personal.
We hired a private driver anzar +60 17-821 7605 what's app. He was fantastic. Very reliable.Written 27 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - hati.my shaozShah Alam, Malaysia2 contributions1. Nightwalk- just be there between 5-6pm. I saw the flying squirrel flew off from a tall tree twice though far away. Do bring binoculars. Definitely help in the sightseeing. In my trip i saw tarsier , kingfisher bird sleeping, slow lorris albeit far and flying squirrel. Also a pelanduk, not sure what you call them in english but is like a small deer. Spotting Tarsier was the best highlight.
2. At car park of RDC there were almost 9 hungry strays. I literally had to takaway 2 chicken rice , mix it with a packet of dog kibbles and fed them. The way they gobbled the food showed how hungry they were. Nearest convenience store is Fung Ming mini market. I got a huge loaf of bread and dog kibbles there, Is just 5 min drive. Highly recommended to travellers coming here to bring your breakfast or lunch leftover. Feed them and you can see their appreciation through their eyesWritten 26 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JoyeuxAsia462 contributionsThis centre appears to be well organised and maintained. We understand that there were some maintenance works done during the pandemic lull. Nice! It was awesome to view the bears in their enclosure and being able to learn more about them. We found out from a guide that sun bears may self harm to get human attention! The gift shop has some good quality items. The bsbcc website, including the annual reports on the website contain a wealth of information on the centre’s activities. It is heartwarming to discover how this centre was started. Well done! Go sun bears!Written 5 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Henry M17 contributionsWe spent a good hour learning about the experience of Australian soldiers as prisoners of war at Sandakan and walking around. It is a beautiful park with a moving and informative pavilion, full of signs and a video recounting stories. I highly recommend all Australians visiting Sandakan go to the park to remember all those who fought and died here.Written 11 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew H3 contributionsDeramakot Forest is still a hidden gem! Spent 3 amazing days in the forest with Adventure Alternative Borneo and can highly recommend the experience. As others noted, lots of wildlife to see. Highlight was a alpha male orangutan on the ground crossing the road, which was a quality encounter as he hung around in a nearby tree. Loads of civets, flying squirrels, other monkeys and even a porcupine.
As far as the entire experience went, the accommodation is more than adequate (hot showers!) and the food from the restaurant was hearty and tasted good. For visiting, I can recommend booking with AA Borneo as the guide, chef and driver were fantastic. The 4x4 jeep safaris are really a must as there are limited hiking opportunities, but they are likely the best way to spot the wildlife.
Definitely one of the highlights from our 3 weeks in Sabah and we will always cherish the chance to spot and observe orangutans in the wild.Written 26 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - tazzat7Tonbridge, UK670 contributionsSet in a very peaceful location above the city this is a proper colonial house. It must have been a joy to live here. We were the only visitors and we enjoyed learning about the history of Agnes Keith and her husband. Well manicured gardens.Written 8 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Claire BLondon, UK12 contributionsThe conservation project is wonderful. The guides and all of the staff involved are helpful and knowledgeable.
The accommodation is adequate for one night, for the most part clean if a little worn. Unfortunately I thought that the food was poor quality; the trips are very expensive and while I understand the costs involved in the conservation project, I expected better quality food.Written 25 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LankyleeLake Macquarie, Australia1,039 contributionsThe whole experience is fantastic. Cabins are large and very comfortable with air conditioning. Water crystal clear. All waste taken off island. Food is excellent without being overcomplicated. Diving would satisfy all but the most demanding or finicky. Staff always smiling and helpful. Turtle hatching and release also part of activities.Written 28 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jhothi RScotts Valley, CA27 contributionsI am amazed by these animals such gentle creatures.
Please do support the cause by donating or adopting.Written 20 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BudakampungKuala Lumpur, Malaysia198 contributionsTemple location at the hilltop of Sandakan bay. Peaceful place and nice view of the Sandakan town from the temple. Interesting old wooden house along the way up the temple too.Written 2 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gill1961Melbourne, Australia37 contributionsThe plants and flowers here were beautiful and the setting is lovely. Walking through here was peaceful and to see magnificent orchids and other flowers in their natural habitat was great.Written 16 September 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BudakampungKuala Lumpur, Malaysia198 contributionsThe church was initiated by Rev. W.H. Elton in 1888 and the construction was completed in 1906. It is the oldest stone church in Sabah. It was designed by New Zealander Mr. B.W. Mountfort who designed the church based on Christchurch Cathedral in New Zealand, which was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake. The church was built with stone, with mix of ironwood timber and quite rare to see stone church in Malaysia. The building is well kept and very calm and peaceful when sitting inside the church.Written 2 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tazzat7Tonbridge, UK670 contributionsFascinating to walk round to see how people live in this community. Like a normal village, except the houses are on stilts or concrete pillars in the sea. At low tide a lot of rubbish was evident in the water. Houses were decorated with lots of flower pots with flowers and shrubs and cats and dogs seemed to be living harmoniously.Written 8 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lina EKuala Lumpur, Malaysia2,558 contributions
Sandakan Heritage Walk Tour

Edit for Grammar and clarity: The heritage walk take you up to the English tea house and Anges Keith house. The stairs are not that much but the hot weather makes it difficult. There is a sign for Sandakan heritage musuem but the place is close. The highlight of this walk is the English Tea house. Good food and refreshing fresh juice. You can also take a taxi back to the parish of St. Michael and all angels. If you walk back to the city, there are several monuments and temples along the way.
The heritage walk takes you to the English Tea House and the Anges Keith House. Although the stairs are not steep, the hot weather can make it challenging. There is a sign for the Sandakan Heritage Museum, but the location is currently closed. The highlight of the walk is the English Tea House, which offers good food and refreshing fresh juice. If you prefer, you can take a taxi back to the Parish of St. Michael and All Angels. If you choose to walk back to the city, there are several monuments and temples along the way to explore.Written 21 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Robert T5 contributionsBeautiful scenery looking from the exit of Marian Mount & the early morning sunrise shining at the entrance.Written 24 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandakan
- The top attractions to visit in Sandakan are:
- Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Turtle Island Park
- Sandakan Memorial Park
- The best outdoor activities in Sandakan according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Turtle Island Park
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Deramakot Forest Reserve
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- The best day trips from Sandakan according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour
- Labuk Bay Proboscis, Sepilok Orang Utan & Sun Bear + Sandakan City Tour + Lunch
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour
- Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu
- Borneo Day Trip Wildlife Tour (Focus on searching pigmy elephant)
- The most popular things to do in Sandakan with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Turtle Island Park
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple
Sandakan Attractions Information
| Attractions | 43 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 7,294 |
| Attraction Photos | 6,536 |
| Local Time | Friday 7:42 AM |