Located on the northeast coast of Borneo, Sandakan is a gem of a destination and is one of Sabah’s hub for wildlife, nature and historical tourism. Sandakan definitely has lots to offer in its own special way and is indeed a destination worth exploring!
Here are some of the places you can visit when you’re there:
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
A half an hour drive from Sandakan Airport will bring you to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC). There, you can learn about the wonderful primates also known as the ‘Man of the Forest’. Watch an educational video about the plights of the orangutans in Borneo and SOURC’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate orphan orangutans. Thereafter, take a walk along the centre’s boardwalk and you might just encounter one up close!
We have a day tour to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. If you’re interested, check it out here!
Book a Sepilok Wildlife and Sandakan tour now!
Kinabatangan River
There is a sense of mystic and wonder as you cruise along the Kinabatangan wetlands. Take a river cruise down the river to spot some incredible Bornean wildlife like Proboscis monkeys, macaques, crocodiles and if you’re lucky, a herd of pygmy elephants swimming in the river!
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Come and learn about the centre’s conservation efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the world’s smallest bear! These vulnerable yet beautiful bears are in safe hands here at BSBCC where experts work tirelessly to make sure these bears will one day be returned to the wild where they truly belong.
You might want to check out our half day tour:
Book an Orang Utan & Sunbear Encounter tour now!
Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple
Puu Jih Shih is adorned with golden Buddha statues and giant dragons coiling the pillars within its temple premises. It’s oriental architecture and designs are definitely a feast for the eyes. Located at the top of Tanah Merah, visitors can get an amazing panoramic view of Sandakan Bay below.
Turtle Island/Selingan Island
A safe haven for Green and Hawksbill Turtles, Selingan Island gives visitors the opportunity to witness turtle landings on the island. Watch mother turtles lay their eggs on shore and observe the collection of their eggs, the tagging of the mother turtles and finally, the releasing of baby turtles into the sea! It will be nothing short of a beautiful experience. Check out our Turtle and Orang Utan tour here!
Book our Turtle and Orang Utan tour now!
Gomantong Cave
Are you a curious explorer? Not scared of the dark? Or bats? Or the stench of their poop? Well, then you must visit Gomantong Cave. You’ll get to see nesting swiftlets, bats and other cave residents like creepy crawlies. Outside the cave, you might be able to sight macaques, red leaf langurs and maybe even an orang utan!
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
A place to get up-close and personal with Borneo’s famous proboscis monkey, the sanctuary has great observation spots to watch these primate going about their normal life. Watch them feast on wild fruits and leaping high above the ground from tree to tree. It will be an exciting experience and one that’s not to be missed when you’re in Sandakan.
Rainforest Discovery Centre
An environmental education centre worth visiting, RDC is located within the famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve Centre which is also home to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. All proceeds from ticket sales is used to sustain the centre and fund for its educational programmes for school children and teachers who visit them.
St. Michael’s and All Angels Church
Known for being the oldest stone church in Sabah, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church is part of the Sandakan Heritage Trails. The Anglican church itself is a piece of history from the British Colonisation period in Borneo. One of its beautiful attraction is its stained glass window donated by the Australians to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the World War II.
Agnes Keith House
Also part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail, the Agnes Keith House holds much history within its walls. The famous American writer herself lived there together with her husband Henry/Harry and their son George. The house provides an interesting insight about the life of Agnes as well as the British North Borneo period.
Sandakan War Memorial Park
The Sandakan War Memorial was established to honour those who served and fought in the war, especially those who were captured and kept as prisoners during WWII by the Japanese. The site was infamously known as the Prisoner of War Camp (POW). Today, it is a park with beautiful green landscapes for easy-going exploring. Every year on Anzac Day, many from near and far come to the park to commemorate those who served and died during the war in Sandakan. You can read more about Anzac Day here.
If you love historical tours, then check out our Sandakan Heritage tour!