Sandakan - The Most Untouched Nature Wonderland of Borneo

About Sandakan

Hidden Gem of Southeast Asia

Sandakan – the Gateway to Borneo’s Wildlife – sits on the northeast coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. This hidden gem brings together rich history, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife encounters. Once the capital of British North Borneo, Sandakan today is a quiet yet fascinating town, and the perfect launchpad for exploring some of the most biodiverse corners of the planet. Whether cruising along the Kinabatangan River to spot orangutans and crocodiles, discovering local conservation efforts, or wandering through heritage streets, Sandakan invites visitors to slow down and soak in the wonders of Borneo.

How to

Get in

Public Transportation

Flying into Sandakan from abroad will need go through Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Kota Kinabalu (BKI) first, then a domestic hop to Sandakan Airport (SDK). From KL, a direct flight takes about three hours and sets a traveler back between 62 and 130 USD. From Kota Kinabalu could take a 45 to 50 minutes flight, with fares ranging from a 9-36 USD. Buses roll out from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, taking about 7–8 hours. Roughly 10 USD. A taxi or Grab from the airport to the Sandakan center costs just 4–7 USD. And for the freedom lovers out there, renting a scooter is the way to go – nothing beats the open road.

One last tips: When peak holiday season rolls around, early booking is the name of the game. That's how to lock in the best deals.

Why Sandakan

Exceptional Wildlife Sanctuary

Back in the day, this town was called Elopura. Today, it’s the second-largest town in Sabah, but its heart still beats with old-world charm. Sandakan is Borneo’s untamed gateway, where wild orangutans swing through the treetops of Sepilok and pygmy elephants wade across the Kinabatangan River. A night on Turtle Islands Park reveals sea turtles laying eggs under a blanket of stars—an ancient ritual repeated for centuries. History whispers from the hilltop St. Michael’s Church, a survivor of war and a true miracle of stone. Fresh seafood sizzles at floating villages, while strong kopitiam coffee fuels slow afternoons by the bay. Raw, real, and remarkably unforgettable. This is the Borneo that adventures are made of.

8 Must-Visit Spots

in Sandakan

Plethora of Cascades

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Established in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) is one of only four such sanctuaries in the world. It is widely regarded as the most famous for its pioneering efforts in protecting orangutans. Also, the first facility ever to rehabilitate orphaned individuals. Visitors have an excellent chance to see these “men of the forest” in a stunning environment, as the centre spans 15 square miles of untouched rainforest inside the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Around 60 to 80 orangutans live freely in the reserve, which is the only place where these beloved primates thrive so comfortably. The centre offers viewing opportunities during scheduled feedings at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the main platform, as well as from the outdoor nursery where younger orangutans can be observed. The surrounding forest reserve features trekking trails and is home to more than 200 bird species. Numerous jungle lodges are located within one kilometre of the centre, providing convenient accommodation making SORC is the must visit place in Sandakan.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The BSBCC is the world’s only dedicated sun bear conservation centre, offering a rare chance to see the world’s smallest bear while directly supporting rescue, rehabilitation, and anti‑poaching efforts. Many of the bears were rescued from tiny cages or illegal captivity, and the centre gives them a second chance to roam natural forest enclosures. By visiting, you fund critical research and sustainable ecotourism—helping protect sun bears from deforestation and the illegal pet trade while learning why their survival matters. The centre is inside the Kabili‑Sepilok Forest Reserve in Sandakan, Sabah, right next to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. It’s open daily 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Arrive early to see active bears, don’t use flash photography, and time your visit for the feeding sessions around 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM for the best experience.

Kinabatangan River – Wild Heart of Borneo

The Kinabatangan River in Sabah is often called the “Corridor of Life”. Stretching 560 kilometers, it is Malaysia’s second-longest river and one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse ecosystems. In fact, this ecosystem supports over 300 bird species, 100 reptiles, and 127 mammals, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. A river cruise here feels like entering another world, the Kinabatangan not only give the chance to encounter Borneo’s famous “Big Five”: the quirky proboscis monkey, the elusive orangutan, the critically endangered pygmy elephant, the saltwater crocodile, and a dazzling variety of birdlife—but also include all eight hornbill species . Yet, the beauty of the river is shadowed by conservation challenges, as oil palm plantations have fragmented much of the surrounding forest, reminding travelers of the delicate balance between development and preservation. Every booking made for a river cruise or eco-tour directly supports local conservation efforts and helps protect the heart of Borneo for generations to come.

The best time to experience the Kinabatangan is during the drier months from March to October, when animals gather along the shrinking riverbanks. Early morning and late afternoon cruises are the highlight, offering unforgettable encounters as the jungle awakens or settles into dusk. Whether gliding through misty waters at sunrise or watching hornbills soar against a fiery sunset, the Kinabatangan River offers not just a journey, but a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular performances. It is a place where the wild heart of Borneo beats strongest.

Gomantong Cave

Gomantong Cave, located within the Gomantong Forest Reserve about 30 kilometers from the Kinabatangan River, is one of Borneo's most dramatic natural wonders. This massive limestone cave system is best known as the "living ecosystem" where up to 300,000 wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats and countless swiftlets roost. Walking along a raised boardwalk into the main hall of "Simud Hitam" (Black Cave), and for those who time their visit for late afternoon, the daily exodus of millions of bats swirling out into the dusk sky is an unforgettable spectacle. The cave also supports an ancient and valuable industry: the harvesting of edible bird's nests. However, Gomantong Cave is not for the faint of heart or the sensitive of nose. The floor is thick with centuries of accumulated guano (bat droppings), which creates a powerful, pungent odor and supports a teeming population of cockroaches and other insects—earning it the nickname "Cockroach Cave." While this gritty reality can be shocking, it is an authentic part of this raw, ancient ecosystem. Visitors are strongly advised to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring a mask and expect a truly immersive encounter with Borneo’s wild side. The cave is best visited early in the morning or late afternoon for both comfort and the bat exodus.

Turtle Islands Park

Nestled in the Sulu Sea about 40 km north of Sandakan, the Turtle Islands Park is one of Southeast Asia's most important sanctuaries for endangered marine life. As the name suggests, the park's three islands—Selingan, Bakungan Kechil, and Gulisan—are dedicated to protecting the nesting grounds of Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles, which come ashore at night throughout the year to lay their precious eggs. Since being gazetted as a marine park in 1977, with park rangers leading long-term protection efforts that include carefully relocating eggs to protected hatcheries to keep them safe from predators and tidal surges. The park is now part of the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area, the world's first transboundary protected area specifically for sea turtles, shared with the Philippines.

Of the three islands, only Selingan is open to the public for turtle viewing. An overnight stay here is highly recommended, as guided night walks offer a rare chance to witness a mother turtle laying her eggs in the sand under the moonlight. If lucky, the release of newly hatched baby turtles could be sighted. During the day, beyond the conservation efforts, visitors can enjoy the park's other natural treasures, like swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the clear turquoise waters among vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish. This is one of the most rewarding journeys in Sabah, but it does require a little advance planning.

Rainforest Discovery Centre

Stepping onto the iconic canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sabah instantly transports visitors into the heart of the jungle, 25 meters above the ground. From this elevated perch, a wide variety of over 300 bird species, including vibrant hornbills, can be spotted while taking in sweeping views from the Hornbill Tower. For a completely different adventure, the guided night walk reveals the forest's nocturnal side, where tarsiers, slow lorises, and flying squirrels might be encountered. The centre also features a Plant Discovery Garden filled with orchids and pitcher plants, as well as the ancient Sepilok Giant tree, estimated to be 800 years old. With its simple yet engaging exhibition hall, the RDC makes learning about rainforest ecology feel exciting and accessible for visitors of all ages.

Tips: The Rainforest Discovery Centre sits a short 15-minute stroll from the Sun Bear Centre. Open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM, with night walks kicking off around 6:30 PM. Entrance fees are super affordable and every single ringgit helps save the forest.

St. Michael's and All Angels Church

Nestled in the heart of the historic city of Sandakan, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church stands not only as a place of worship but also as a living witness to the passage of time. Designed by New Zealander architect B.W. Mountfort, the church was first built using belian (ironwood) timber, then brick, and finally stone—reportedly sourced from nearby Buli Sim Sim, while the white stones adorning the windows and doors were brought from Hong Kong, a remarkable detail reflecting cultural and technical exchange of that era.

What makes this church truly special is its survival through World War II without major damage, making it one of the very few stone buildings left in all of Sabah. Visiting reveals the beautiful stained glass windows, notably the "Window of Remembrance" and the "Friendship Windows," donated by relatives of Australian Prisoners of War (POWs) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. These windows are not merely works of art but a heartfelt gesture of gratitude toward the local people who sheltered and helped the POWs during those harsh years.

8 - Sandakan Central Market

Sandakan Central Market (also known as Pasar Umum Sandakan) is the beating heart of the city and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the unfiltered rhythm of daily life in Sandakan. This sprawling three-story market offers an incredible sensory journey, starting on the ground floor where the action is most intense. There, an impressive variety of fresh seafood, while vendors sell neatly arranged piles of exotic tropical fruits like durian, mangosteen, and rambutan, alongside vegetables, dried goods, and local coffee. The upper with the first floor housing a "Hanging Market" (Pasar Gantung) of clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The second floor is a food lover's paradise split into two sections: a Halal food court and a Chinese food court offering some of the city's best local dishes, including the famous Kueh Teow Noodle with deep-fried pork. The market is open daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the early morning being the most vibrant time to visit, when fishermen return and the day's freshest catch arrives.

How Can

We Help?

You dream of wild Borneo. We’ll help make it happen from fully planned adventures to last-minute ideas, we’re here to help shape a trip that feels right for you. Example of the tour found as here.