AsiaWildlifeNatureAdventureOffbeatEco-Tourism

Sandakan

Borneo's Wildlife Capital.

Best For

Duration

Best Season

March – October

Visa

Capital City

Province / Country

Must-Know

What Sandakan Is Famous For

The experiences, landscapes and moments that define a trip here.

Sepilok Orangutan Centre

One of the world's most important orangutan rehabilitation centres where rescued orangutans are reintroduced to the wild.

Nature

Kinabatangan River

Malaysia's second longest river — a wildlife corridor famous for pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills.

Turtle Islands National Park

Protected islands where green and hawksbill turtles nest year-round — a rare nocturnal wildlife spectacle.

Adventure

Danum Valley

One of Borneo's last pristine lowland rainforests, home to clouded leopards and over 300 bird species.

Agnes Keith House

Colonial heritage museum dedicated to the American author who documented pre-war Sandakan in her famous memoirs.

Take Home

What to Shop in Sandakan

From artisan workshops to open-air markets — things worth packing an extra bag for.

Explore

Top Attractions in Sandakan

The places everyone tells you to visit — and they're right.

01 · Wildlife

Sepilok Sun Bear Conservation Centre

02 · Nature

Kinabatangan River Cruise

03 · Marine

Lankayan Island

Taste & Culture

Food, Rituals & Sandakan's Soul

Eat with your hands. Watch the ceremony. Understand why people keep coming back.

“”

Seafood BBQ

Fresh Sabahan seafood — tiger prawns, barramundi, and squid — grilled over charcoal at the night market.

Hinava

Traditional Kadazan-Dusun raw fish salad marinated in lime juice, ginger, and bird's eye chilli.

Sabah Laksa

Lighter than Sarawak Laksa — a clear broth version with fresh seafood and sago noodles.

Butod

Sago worm — a local delicacy eaten raw or fried, rich in protein and considered a prized forest food.

Tuaran Mee

Hand-pulled fried noodles from Tuaran town, tossed with egg, vegetables, and local seasonings.

Before You Go

Essential Facts

Everything an Indian traveller needs before booking a Sandakan trip.

Getting There

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Non-stop from major Indian cities

Weather

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Budget / Couple

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Flights, hotels & activities included

Visa for Indians

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Traveller Questions

Sandakan — Frequently Asked Questions

Real questions from Indian travellers, answered by our Sandakan experts.

What is the best time to visit Sandakan?

The best time to visit Sandakan is March – October. Drier conditions improve visibility for wildlife-watching along the Kinabatangan River and diving at Sipadan, Sandakan's main draws.

What time of year should you avoid in Sandakan?

Plan around November – February if you can. Northeast monsoon brings the heaviest rain of the year to Sabah, which can reduce river-cruise wildlife sightings and choppier conditions for dive trips to Sipadan.

What is Sandakan known for?

The places most visitors build a Sandakan itinerary around are Sepilok Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Kinabatangan River Cruise, Lankayan Island and Sepilok Orangutan Centre.

What food should you try in Sandakan?

Seafood BBQ, Hinava, Sabah Laksa and Butod are the dishes worth seeking out in Sandakan. Vegetarian and Jain meal options can be arranged on Trripah itineraries where local cuisine is heavily non-vegetarian.

Ready to Go?