Places to Visit in Sandakan - Sandakan Must-See Attractions
Things to Do in Sandakan
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Multi-day Tours, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Multi-day Tours, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sandakan.
- fromper adultRM 1,188
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)RM 571
Wildlife Encountersfromper adultRM 357- fromper adult (price varies by group size)RM 732
Overnight Toursfromper adultRM 1,325- fromper adult (price varies by group size)RM 800
- fromper adultRM 1,150
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)RM 1,092
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)RM 868
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)RM 512
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Wildlife sanctuary with viewing platforms for observing proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, and hornbills in their natural habitat. Highlights include feeding times and lush surroundings.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Rainforest sanctuary featuring serene canopy walks, night tours spotlighting nocturnal creatures, and tranquil trails for birdwatching amidst lush foliage.
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National Parks
Island sanctuary dedicated to turtle conservation, providing intimate views of turtles nesting and hatchlings' release, amidst natural beauty.
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Wildlife reserve with diverse animal sightings including orangutans and elephants. Features night drives and air-conditioned accommodations amidst dense jungle.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
History Museums
Historical WWII memorial in a serene park setting with informative placards detailing POW heroism and a reflective trail through the forest reserve.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Rainforest sanctuary for observing orangutans and proboscis monkeys in their habitat, featuring jungle trails and educational insights into animal conservation.
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Historic Sites
Religious Sites
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Other Top Attractions around Sandakan
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- CODallas, TX64 contributionsWe went to visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey sanctuary with Mr. Azrien, WhatsApp # +6013 7979018, and have a great time. He was so friendly, knowledgeable and suggest you on what else you can do with your time. Definitely will call him again when we come back.Written 14 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BubblesrgoodGuernsey242 contributionsWe walked to the RCC from our resort which took about 30 minutes at a good pace. We arrived at 0900 and appeared to be the only people there. We purchased our tickets, went in and turned right to go to the elevated walkway. There are signs here and there which give useful information on some of the local wildlife and we would suggest reading them. As you walk along the raised platform you really get a sense of being in and above the jungle and at various points there are towers that you can climb that just accentuate this feeling. We suggest to make sure you spend some time at the top of these towers looking for birds and mammals. On one there was a clear view of an eagle chick in a nest waiting for the parents to return. As is with nature, sometimes you see a lot, sometimes you do not. We happened to see very little but other guests who went on other days saw orangutang, hornbills, monkeys and a lot more. Even though we did not see much wildlife we thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hours that we walked around the area. You don’t just have to stick to the raised walkway, you can also use the forest path which we did. Obviously depending on the amount of rain it can be very slippery, and was.
After we had walked the raised area we went to the other side of a large pond that is in front of you when you come through the entrance. We passed a few buildings that looked like administration and presentation halls and followed the path around the lake. We found a pedestrian suspension bridge over the lake and crossed it which cut off a longer walk around the lake. We did not use the café as we had our own water and after about 2.5 hours since we entered we decided we had seen what we wanted to. Overall it was a good experience despite not seeing many animals on our visit. We would encourage people to visit if they are not going to do river and forest tours over the next days. If you are then it is more of a time filler than something that is a must do As we had a fuller experience of the jungle when we visited the Kinabatangan River.Written 15 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ingrid v4 contributionsTurtle island was brilliant. We were able to see a turtle laying her eggs, see how the eggs are transferred to the hatchery and then watch as 20 hatchlings were released.
The accommodation was clean and comfortable. The a/c was beautiful. The cold shower was fine - it's hot outside! The food was tasty and healthy.Written 5 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AlistairWalshBonn, Germany4 contributionsSimply spectacular!
I spent three nights at Deramakot as part of a longer private wildlife trip booked through Adventure Alternative Borneo, who I would highly recommend.
We saw an incredible number of birds and mammals in a truly wild environment. Each sighting felt very special.
The logistics were flawless, which is remarkable given the remoteness of the area. It's a 2 hour plus drive from the highway through very rough roads to reach the main settlement in the center of the reserve.
We were guided by Henry Sapinggi, whose skills at finding and identifying animals are a thing of wonder. He's an incredibly talented naturalist, and was a huge asset for our trip.
The accommodation is perfectly adequate, with air conditioning and comfortable rooms. It's not the Ritz but it's better than expected.
Adventure Alternative Borneo arranged for an excellent cook to cater for our stay. All meals were great, and there were no issues getting meals at unsociable hours to accommodate birdwatching and mammal trips.
Each day we had access to 7 hours of 4wd touring, to be used as we saw fit. This was more than enough. If evenings are rained out, then the hours carry forward. We would start around sunrise looking for birds and mammals for a few hours. And then in the evenings we would head out after dark spotlighting for mammals.
During the day we would look for birds around the camp. We saw basically everything on my wish list and much more. I would add that it requires an extremely dedicated and experienced guide to find and identify the animals, as the thick canopy and sheer abundance of everything makes IDs very difficult.
Adventure Alternative Borneo arranged the perfect trip here at a very reasonable price with the best guide we could have asked for.Written 8 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - N DLincolnshire, UK1,610 contributionsDespite the heavy rain throughout our visit, we enjoyed watching the bears from the viewing platforms. It was busy when we visited.Written 29 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- praveen p8 contributionsThis is a fantastic resort. Easily one of the best places we have ever been. Topped off by witnessing 2 hatchings of sea turtles and releasing them into the sea. Our rooms were so well made up and the beauty of watching the sunrise from our sea decking was astonishing.
The food was a delight each day.
I would thoroughly recommend this . Note we did not diveWritten 4 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - annminkyUnited States3,976 contributionsA memorial place worth visiting while in Sandakan. Such tragic (maybe an understatement for me to say) to know how these brave men endured the ugliness of war. The memorial site gives respect to all soldiers who had to go through such hardship and sacrifice. There are nice Trees, flowers, plants and a nice pathway to enjoy while at this place.Written 8 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MichelleLondon, UK1 contributionWe had a fantastic 3D2N trip in Sandakan! Our family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) flew from Kota Kinabalu and arrived early in the morning. Our driver, Christopher, picked us up and took us to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Center to see the orangutans. We also visited Labuk Bay to see Proboscis monkeys, Silver leaf monkeys, and Hornbills. After lunch, we explored the Borneo Sunbear Conservation Center and Rainforest Discovery Center. The next day, we enjoyed a river cruise on the Kinabatangan River, where we saw Pygmy elephants and a huge crocodile! Christopher was a great guide, and we highly recommend him. You can reach him via email or WhatsApp at +60168376629.Written 30 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Helena CGalway, Ireland38 contributionsA very interesting Colonial house, with a fascinating story about the author Agnes Keith and her family's experiences during their internment in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during WW2. So much information, lots to read. I really did enjoy it. The only drawback I found was that as well as the exhibits and information about this family, there were a lot of artefacts from Borneo history. Which was great! I think they came from the Sandaken local museum. But all the information about what these were, and when and where they came from was only in Malay language. Nothing in English. Which was a shame, as I would have been interested to know more about them. Also maybe consider having some of Agnes Keith's books displayed for sale at the entrance? I would have bought at least one!Written 10 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanmame76 contributionsAmazing rainforest and designated are for pitcher plants. We saw a few water monitors in the park. A huge one climbing a tree and a smaller one on the boardwalk. Definitely recommend this quiet park for a peaceful walk in the nature. Two hours is enough for going around the whole walking path. Did not go to the forest paths. Remember to bring your bug spray, sunhat, sunscreen and plenty of water.Written 4 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andy FDevizes, UK1,391 contributionsThis temple sits atop a hill, giving great views all around. The temple itself is quite large, with many statues of Buddha and a very colourful interior. Well worth a visit.Written 6 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tazzat7Tonbridge, UK746 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.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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