Free Sandakan Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Sandakan trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Sandakan
Sandakan photo 2
Sandakan photo 3
All photos

Sandakan, Malaysia offers wildlife encounters, colonial heritage, seafood, island scenery and cultural experiences on Sabah’s east coast today.

Harbour City on Sabah’s East Coast

Sandakan occupies a hilly stretch of Sabah’s north-eastern coast, overlooking the island-dotted waters of the Sulu Sea. Once the administrative centre of British North Borneo, it remains a practical base for exploring one of Malaysia’s most important wildlife regions. The city itself combines weathered colonial traces, Chinese and indigenous influences, seafood markets and waterfront neighbourhoods built above the tide.
Read more about Sandakan

Heritage, Memory and Culture

The compact centre provides an introduction to Sandakan’s layered past. The Sandakan Heritage Museum charts the area’s communities and wartime experience, while the Agnes Keith House recalls the American author’s life in the former British settlement. Nearby, the water village of Sim Sim reveals a long-established coastal way of life, and Puu Jih Shih Temple offers broad views across the bay. St Michael’s and All Angels Church, built from locally produced stone, is among the city’s most distinctive historic buildings.

Wildlife Beyond the City

Sandakan’s greatest significance lies in its surrounding forests and wetlands. Sepilok, inland from the city, is associated with orangutan rehabilitation, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Further afield, Kinabatangan River excursions and boat trips to forest-fringed habitats provide opportunities to encounter proboscis monkeys, hornbills and other Bornean wildlife. These landscapes give Sandakan a character shaped as much by conservation and ecology as by urban history.

When is the best time to visit Sandakan?

Best: January–March · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)30301
February (best)30301
March (best)30301
April30301
May30301
June30301
July30301
August30301
September30301
October30301
November30301
December30301

Getting to and around Sandakan

How to get there

Sandakan Airport receives domestic flights, including connections with major Malaysian cities such as Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, although schedules vary. The airport lies outside the central town and is served by taxis and other arranged transfers. Long-distance buses connect Sandakan with Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Tawau and settlements along Sabah’s east coast, while road travel is the principal way to reach Sepilok and river lodges in the Kinabatangan region. Sandakan is also an established port, but visitor ferry services are limited and should not be assumed without checking current arrangements. Travel times and transport availability can change with weather and road conditions.

Transportation

Central Sandakan is manageable on foot for selected waterfront and heritage visits, but the city’s hills, spread-out districts and tropical heat make vehicles useful for longer journeys. Local buses and minibuses operate on some routes, while taxis and app-based car services may be available depending on the area and time of day. Taxis or pre-arranged transfers are generally the practical choice for Sandakan Airport, Sepilok and outlying attractions. There is no urban metro or railway system. Visitors using independent transport should allow extra time on Sabah’s roads and take care on rural routes, particularly after dark or during heavy rain.

Best attractions in Sandakan

Sandakan’s attractions range from urban heritage to the forests and wetlands beyond the town. The Sandakan Heritage Museum introduces the area’s communities, industries and wartime history, while the Agnes Keith House recreates the setting associated with the author’s accounts of colonial North Borneo. Along the coast, Sim Sim Water Village offers a glimpse of homes, walkways and fishing life built above the tidal shallows. Puu Jih Shih Temple is both a place of worship and a high viewpoint over the bay. Outside the centre, Sepilok brings together the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre, where raised walkways and canopy structures reveal Sabah’s lowland ecology. Boat-based visits to nearby mangroves and the Kinabatangan region extend the sightseeing experience into habitats where proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife may be observed in the wild.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Sandakan

Sandakan’s landmarks embody its colonial past, Chinese Malaysian heritage and wartime memory. St Michael’s and All Angels Church, begun in the late nineteenth century, is one of Sabah’s oldest surviving stone churches and a prominent reminder of the British North Borneo period. The Agnes Keith House represents the domestic world of colonial Sandakan through a reconstructed heritage property linked to the writer’s life. Puu Jih Shih Temple, identified by its red-and-gold ornament and elevated position, overlooks the bay and reflects the importance of Chinese religious and community institutions. The Sandakan Memorial Park, on the site of the former prisoner-of-war camp, is a place of remembrance connected with the 1945 death marches. In the town’s coastal fabric, Sim Sim Water Village provides an architectural and social landmark shaped by stilt houses, timber walkways and the tidal environment.

Show more landmarks

Explore Sandakan on the map

Plan your Sandakan trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Sandakan

Sandakan’s food culture reflects its port, Chinese Malaysian communities and proximity to the sea. Seafood is central, with fish, prawns, crabs and shellfish appearing in restaurants and market cooking according to the day’s supply. Sim Sim and the waterfront area are associated with seafood dining, while central coffee shops serve familiar Sabah and Malaysian dishes such as noodles, rice plates, dumplings and roast meats. Visitors may also encounter local specialities including Sandakan-style seafood noodles and kuih, the colourful steamed or baked sweets common across the region. Chinese tea-house traditions, Malay and Muslim eateries, and casual hawker stalls create a practical range of meals rather than a formal fine-dining scene. Fresh tropical fruit and drinks suit the humid climate, and early market visits offer a close view of the ingredients that shape the town’s everyday cooking.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Sandakan

Sandakan has a quieter evening scene than Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, with nightlife concentrated around hotel lounges, waterfront restaurants, karaoke venues and small bars rather than large club districts. Evenings often begin with seafood or coffee-shop dining, followed by drinks in a hotel or a relaxed urban venue. In the centre, the waterfront and commercial streets provide the most convenient concentration of places to eat and socialise, although opening patterns vary. Cultural and nature-based evenings are equally characteristic: a sunset over the bay, a night walk at a conservation centre where offered, or an organised river excursion can replace conventional nightlife. Alcohol is available in some establishments, but visitors should respect Malaysia’s cultural diversity, local licensing rules and the more conservative atmosphere of residential and religious areas.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Sandakan

Sandakan has a quieter evening scene than Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, with nightlife concentrated around hotel lounges, waterfront restaurants, karaoke venues and small bars rather than large club districts. Evenings often begin with seafood or coffee-shop dining, followed by drinks in a hotel or a relaxed urban venue. In the centre, the waterfront and commercial streets provide the most convenient concentration of places to eat and socialise, although opening patterns vary. Cultural and nature-based evenings are equally characteristic: a sunset over the bay, a night walk at a conservation centre where offered, or an organised river excursion can replace conventional nightlife. Alcohol is available in some establishments, but visitors should respect Malaysia’s cultural diversity, local licensing rules and the more conservative atmosphere of residential and religious areas.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Sandakan

Shopping in Sandakan is centred on practical local commerce, food markets and small independent businesses rather than a large luxury retail scene. Central markets and wet-market areas are the places to see seafood, vegetables, tropical fruit, dried products and everyday ingredients, while nearby shops sell snacks, coffee, textiles and household goods. Visitors looking for gifts may find Sabah food products, local handicrafts, beadwork and small items connected with Bornean culture, although quality and provenance vary and protected wildlife products should never be purchased. Commercial streets and shopping centres provide clothing, pharmacies and modern essentials, while stalls around the waterfront and market districts offer a more distinctly local atmosphere. Bargaining may be possible in some informal settings, but fixed prices are common in established shops and supermarkets.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Sandakan, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Sandakan essentials

Currency and Payment
Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit, written as MYR or RM. Cards and contactless payments are accepted by many established hotels, larger shops, conservation facilities and urban restaurants, but smaller eateries, market stalls, local buses and rural operators may require cash. ATMs are available in Sandakan’s central commercial areas, though travellers heading towards river lodges or remote conservation sites should carry sufficient ringgit beforehand. International visitors should check whether their bank applies foreign transaction fees and should use reputable cash machines. Keep smaller notes for food stalls, transport and incidental purchases.
Safety
Ordinary precautions are appropriate in Sandakan: keep valuables secure in markets and crowded transport areas, avoid displaying large amounts of cash and use reputable transport after dark. Heat, humidity, slippery paths and sudden rain can create greater practical risks than urban sightseeing itself, particularly on forest trails and boat excursions. Follow instructions from guides and conservation staff, remain inside designated areas and keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Use mosquito repellent in forest and wetland environments, check weather conditions before boat travel and take care on steep or uneven streets around the town centre.
Emergency Situations
Malaysia’s main emergency number is 999 for police, fire and ambulance services; 112 can also be used from mobile phones. Ask hotel staff, guides or local operators for help if language or location makes an emergency call difficult, and keep accommodation and excursion details available. Medical facilities are available in Sandakan, while remote river and forest areas may involve longer evacuation times, making travel insurance particularly important for organised wildlife trips. In an immediate medical emergency, contact 999 and state the precise location, especially when staying at a lodge or travelling by boat.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting religious buildings and remove shoes where requested; lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful and practical. Ask before photographing people, homes or religious ceremonies, particularly in water villages and rural communities. At conservation centres, never touch, feed or call to wildlife, and do not use flash where staff prohibit it. Tipping is not a universal obligation in Malaysia, although small gratuities may be appreciated for genuinely helpful guides. Follow local signs, avoid littering and remember that marine and forest environments are protected habitats rather than informal picnic areas.
Local Tips
Use central Sandakan as a base for its heritage buildings, markets and waterfront, but plan separate transport for Sepilok and the surrounding conservation sites. The city’s morning markets provide a more direct introduction to everyday life than a quick pass through the main commercial streets, while sunset views are often best sought from elevated locations such as the area around Puu Jih Shih Temple. For wildlife, early starts are valuable because many species are more active before the heat of the day. Multi-day itineraries are useful for combining city history with forest, mangrove and river habitats.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSelamat pagi[se-la-mat pa-gi]
GoodbyeSelamat tinggal[se-la-mat ting-gal]
YesYa[ya]
NoTidak[ti-dak]
Please/You're welcomeSila[si-la]
Thank youTerima kasih[te-ri-ma ka-sih]
Excuse me/SorryMaaf[ma-af]
How are you?Apa khabar?[a-pa kha-bar]
Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?[ba-ik. dan a-wak]
Do you speak English?Boleh cakap English?[bo-leh cha-kap in-glish]
I don't understandSaya tidak faham[sa-ya ti-dak fa-ham]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBoleh saya lihat menu?[bo-leh sa-ya li-hat me-nu]
I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging[sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
Cheers!Sihat![si-hat]
I would like to pay, pleaseSaya mahu bayar, boleh[sa-ya ma-hu ba-yar, bo-leh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tolong![to-long]
Go away!Pergi jauh-jauh![per-gi ja-uh-ja-uh]
Call the Police!Panggil polis![pang-gil po-lis]
Call a doctor!Panggil doktor![pang-gil dok-tor]
I'm lostSaya sesat[sa-ya se-sat]
I'm illSaya sakit[sa-ya sa-kit]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Saya mahu beli...[sa-ya ma-hu be-li]
I'm just lookingSaya hanya tengok-tengok[sa-ya han-ya ten-gok-ten-gok]
How much is it?Berapa harganya?[be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal[i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?[bo-leh ku-rang-kan har-ga]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?[pu-kul be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
It's one o'clockPukul satu[pu-kul sa-tu]
Half past (10)Setengah (10)[se-ten-gah (10)]
MorningPagi[pa-gi]
AfternoonPetang[pe-tang]
EveningMalam[ma-lam]
YesterdaySemalam[se-ma-lam]
TodayHari ini[ha-ri i-ni]
TomorrowEsok[e-sok]
1Satu[sa-tu]
2Dua[du-a]
3Tiga[ti-ga]
4Empat[em-pat]
5Lima[li-ma]
6Enam[e-nam]
7Tujuh[tu-juh]
8Lapan[la-pan]
9Sembilan[sem-bi-lan]
10Sepuluh[se-pu-luh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Di mana...[di ma-na]
What's the address?Alamatnya di mana?[a-lam-at-nya di ma-na]
Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?[bo-leh tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?[bi-la bas se-te-rus-nya]
A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)[se-buah ti-ket (ke)]

History of Sandakan

Coastal Communities Before Colonial Rule

The Sandakan area was inhabited and visited long before the modern town emerged. Coastal and riverine communities, including Suluk and other peoples of the eastern Borneo zone, relied on fishing, trading and movement between islands and the mainland. The surrounding waterways connected Sabah with the Sulu Archipelago, Brunei and wider maritime Southeast Asia. Chinese traders also formed part of the region’s commercial life, contributing to the multicultural character that remains visible in Sandakan. Rather than developing around a single ancient monument or inland kingdom, the settlement’s early identity was shaped by the sea, forest products and regional exchange.

The Founding of British North Borneo’s Capital

Sandakan became a formal colonial settlement in 1879, when William Burgess Pryer established a European-administered town for the British North Borneo Company. The name is commonly associated with a phrase meaning ‘the place that was pawned’, reflecting historical links with territory transferred through regional agreements, although interpretations of the name vary. The settlement developed around a protected harbour and became the capital of British North Borneo. Timber, rattan, gutta-percha and other forest products moved through the port, while Chinese and local communities helped sustain trade, agriculture and urban services.

A Port Built on Timber and Trade

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Sandakan expanded as the commercial centre of eastern North Borneo. Its harbour connected the town with regional shipping routes, and timber became increasingly important as forests were opened for export. Warehouses, offices, churches, schools and commercial streets gave the settlement a recognisably colonial urban form, while Chinese merchants and workers played a major role in retail and trade. The city’s social composition also reflected migration and contact between European administrators, Chinese communities and the diverse peoples of Sabah. Remnants of this period survive in historic buildings and the shape of the waterfront districts.

War, Occupation and the Death Marches

Japanese forces occupied Sandakan during the Second World War, and the town became associated with a prisoner-of-war camp holding Australian and British soldiers. In 1945, prisoners were forced on a series of marches from Sandakan towards Ranau across difficult terrain. Most died from starvation, disease, exhaustion or mistreatment; only six Australians survived, escaping before the final stages. The Sandakan Memorial Park stands on the former camp site and preserves the memory of those who suffered. The wartime destruction also altered the city’s built environment and left post-war Sandakan facing the task of reconstruction.

Reconstruction and the Rise of Sabah

After the war, Sandakan was rebuilt and gradually resumed its role as a port and commercial centre, although Jesselton, now Kota Kinabalu, became the capital of the Crown Colony of North Borneo in 1946. North Borneo joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 as the state of Sabah, bringing Sandakan into a new national framework. Timber continued to drive the local economy for much of the twentieth century, supporting growth while also contributing to extensive forest loss. The city’s later identity increasingly incorporated conservation, heritage and tourism alongside port activity and trade.

Conservation and a New Visitor Identity

From the late twentieth century, Sandakan became internationally associated with efforts to protect Sabah’s remaining forests and wildlife. Sepilok’s orangutan rehabilitation centre, established in 1964, grew into one of the region’s best-known conservation institutions, and facilities for Bornean sun bears and rainforest education followed nearby. River and wetland tourism along the Kinabatangan added another dimension to the area’s appeal. This conservation focus does not replace Sandakan’s history as a port city, but it has broadened how the destination is understood: as both a place of wartime memory and a gateway to Borneo’s threatened ecosystems.

Sandakan in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Sandakan

The closest cities to Sandakan, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Malaysia
More of the region

Explore more of Malaysia

Discover Malaysia: A stunning blend of modernity and nature, where diverse cultures meet, and adventure awaits. From vibrant cities to serene beaches, Malaysia has it all.

Explore Malaysia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Sandakan, Malaysia

Discover Sandakan with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Sandakan like never before with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide. Find the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, all in one place.

  • History of Sandakan and travel essentials
  • Tons of good local advice
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to see what's around you
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Sandakan, a charming city in Malaysia known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. With Evendo, your ultimate travel guide app, you can effortlessly plan your trip and make the most of your visit to this incredible destination.

From the iconic Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to the historic Agnes Keith House, Sandakan is brimming with must-see attractions. Evendo provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location features rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to discover and explore.

Hungry? Use Evendo to find top-rated restaurants like the Sandakan Central Market for local delicacies or the English Tea House & Restaurant for a unique dining experience. Looking for adventure? Book a tour to the Kinabatangan River or Turtle Islands Park directly through the app. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, ensuring a hassle-free trip.

Evendo is designed with travelers in mind, offering features like the history of Sandakan, travel essentials, tons of good local advice, and easy navigation. The 'Near Me' feature lets you see what's around you, no matter where you are, while curated local tips help you experience Sandakan like a local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Beyond Sandakan, Evendo covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it your go-to travel companion no matter where your adventures take you. Download Evendo today and have the world in your pocket!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.