Sandakan Travel Guide: Discovering Borneo's Hidden Gem

Formerly known as Elopura, Sandakan is the second largest town in the state of Sabah in Malaysia. This town is called "Little Hong Kong," boasting religious relics, colonial mansions, and haunting memories of WWII. Despite not being a popular tourist destination, especially among non-Asian tourists, it offers a unique blend of history and culture. Explore the hidden gems of Sandakan, and for a more comprehensive Southeast Asian experience, consider our Malaysia tour packages. While in Sandakan, immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage and witness the success of its palm-oil industries.

Sandakan is the gateway to many eco-destinations in the state. Sandakan Memorial Park, Turtle Island Park, Orang Utan Sanctuary, Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre, Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, Deramakot Forest Reserve, Lankayan island are some of the main attractions in the town. The other attractions of the town include Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan river and Labuk Bay.

Getting in Sandakan

Sandakan Airport is a domestic airport which serves Sandakan. It is located 14 km west of downtown Sandakan. The airrport has new terminal building and its related facilities just been upgraded in November 2014. It serves Malaysia Airlines, MasWings and Air Asia. Many people take a flight to Kuala Lumpur and transfer to another flight there.

DEPARTURE	DURATION	LOWEST ROUND TRIP DEALS
Chennai	11h, 1 stop	Rs 19,800
Trichy	12h, 1 stop	Rs 19,716
Delhi	12h, 1 stop	Rs 16,063
Kolkata	18h, 2 stops	Rs 26,322
Mumbai	12h, 1 stop	Rs 22,753
Kochi	13h, 2 stops	Rs 19,715
Bengaluru	11h, 1 stop	Rs 19,766
Hyderabad	11h, 1 stop	Rs 15,367

Getting out Sandakan

Sandakan airport is accessible to these cities. The facilities at Sandakan Airport are modest comparing to other Malaysian Airports.

Public Transport in Sandakan

There are public buses available to go around the city. Tourists can use bus for airport transfer as well.

Taxi & Airport transfer in Sandakan

Travel by taxi out to places such as Sepilok or the War Memorial is easy, however fare negotiation will be required as meters are not commonly available. Taxi to Sepilok wait and return 40myr. Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary 180myr. Airport from downtown 28 meters.