GET THERE BY
flightSANDAKAN AIRPORT (SDK)
direct flights available from Kuala Lumpur (3hrs) and Kota Kinabalu (45mins) with AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines
GETTING
aroundCAR RENTAL
Parking is available at most places
Scratch ticket booklet may be required
GRAB CAR
Download the app here
SABAH HOTEL
Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Parking available on site
WHERE TO
stay?SABAH HOTEL
where our dinner reception will be held
LIVINGSTON HOTEL
WHAT TO
do?around the area...
Agnes Keith House
A heritage museum house named after Agnes Newton Keith, an American author well known for her
autobiographical trilogy about life in Borneo in the 1930s and 1940s. The house was destroyed during World War
II, but has been restored to reflect its original colonial-era charm, and now serves as a significant
historical landmark that offers insights into the colonial history of Sabah. If you have a passion for
history, there is a gallery on the first floor narrating the story of Agnes Keith.
Opening
Hours:
Daily 9am - 5pm
Admission Fees:
Malaysian RM2
Non-Malaysian RM15
St Michael's & All Angels Church
The St Michael's church, known for its stunning architecture, is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah.
Built by the British during the
colonial era, the church played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a place of refuge and solace.
It also survived the heavy bombing that devastated much of Sandakan.
Tourist and Visiting Hours:
Mon, Wed to Sat 8.30am - 4.30pm
Love Donation - Upkeep/Maintenance:
Malaysian RM5
Non-Malaysian RM10
Puu Jih Shih Temple
Puu Jih Shih is a temple perched atop a hill, where locals come to offer their prayers, whether on regular days or during special occasions. This site also offers a panoramic view of Sandakan Bay, adding to its serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Sandakan Memorial Park
The park is dedicated to approximately 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war (POWs) and others who
lost their lives in the Sandakan-Ranau Death Marches during World War II. It is the former site of the
original POW camp and the first stop of the death marches. The park features a memorial pavilion with
informative displays and photographs that document the tragic history of the POW camp and the death marches.
Anzac
Day (25 April) and Sandakan Day Memorial (15 August) are commemorated annually in this park.
Opening Hours:
Daily 8am - 5pm
Admission Fees:
Free
further out...
The vast Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, located half an hour away from Sandakan, houses the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, all along the edge of the reserve. The reserve itself is crucial for the conservation of Borneo's diverse flora and fauna, providing a safe habitat for numerous species including the endangered orangutan.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The centre was established in 1964 as a rehabilitation project for rescued orphaned baby orangutans from
deforestation and from being kept as pets. Its nursery houses around 25 orphaned orangutans, providing them a
safe haven where they can recover and learn the necessary skills to survive in the wild.
Opening Hours:
Daily 9am - 4pm
Admission Fees:
Malaysian RM5
Non-Malaysian RM30
Feeding Times:
Main Platform - 10am, 3pm
Outdoor Nursery - 9.30am, 2.30pm
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
The world's smallest bear species, the sun bear also has a dedicated sanctuary for rehabilitation. As with
the Orangutan Rehabiliation Centre, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre aims to rescue sun bears that have been
orphaned or
kept in captivity, providing them with a safe environment where they can recover, and if possible, be
reintroduced into the wild.
Opening Hours:
Daily 9am - 3.30pm
Admission Fees:
Malaysian RM10
Non-Malaysian RM50
Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
The RDC offers an experience to explore the incredible biodiversity of Borneo's rainforest. Take a leisurely
stroll along their canopy walkways and climb the observation towers to get a bird's eye view of the
rainforest. Try
navigating your way through the trails to find the Sepilok Giant, which may or may not be the oldest tree
in Sabah, towering at 65m in height, roughly equivalent to a 19 floor building! Another tree that you should
definitely check out is the Kabili Monster, which is a whopping 75m tall tree, as tall as a 25 floor building.
Opening Hours:
Daily 8am - 5pm
Admission Fees:
Malaysian RM7
Non-Malaysian RM30
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Another species in danger of extinction is the proboscis monkey. Known for their distinctive long noses and
potbellies, the proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay are wild and free to roam the mangroves. During feeding times,
the monkeys descend from the nearby mangroves to the wooden platform in the sanctuary for a meal. They
usually hang around for a while after being fed, and this is when you can get to see them up close.
Opening Hours:
Daily 8.30am - 5.30pm
Admission Fees:
Malaysian RM15
Non-Malaysian RM60
Feeding Times:
Platform A - 9.30am, 2.30pm
Platform B - 11.30am, 4.30pm
for the adventurous souls...
Kinabatangan River
Reknowned for its rich wildlife, the Kinabatangan River, stretching over 560km, is the longest river in Sabah and one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Jump on a river cruise or go on a guided trek through the surrounding forest as you keep your eyes peeled for Borneo's Big 5: the Pygmy Elephant, the Prosboscis Monkey, the Orangutan, the Rhinoceros Hornbill and the Estuarine Crocodile.
Selingan Island
The Turtle Islands park, which includes Selingan Island, is a protected area situated off the coast of Sandakan. The park is known for its conservation efforts in protecting the endangered sea turtles. Visit for a chance to see turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs and hatched eggs being released to the sea!
WHAT TO
eat?eateries
Sim Sim
Sim Sim is a water village on stilts popular among locals for their fresh seafood. Popular restaurants in the area include H88 and H90, both serving a variety of fresh seafood dishes throughout the day. If you're there for breakfast, make sure to visit H84 小食档 for their 弹弓面 (dan gong min - Springy Noodles) with seafood and 皮蛋饺 (pei dan gao - Century Egg Dumpling). Take a stroll around the kampung after your meal and don't forget to buy some salted fish, deep fried fish maw, dried achovies and dried keropok as souveniers back!
家傳正宗炸肉大粉 Since 1940, The Original Homemade Kueh Teow with Deep-Fried Pork
Located on the top floor of Sandakan Central Market, you'll find this stall selling 炸肉大粉 (zha nyuk tai fun - kueh teow with deep fried pork), just as its name suggests.
Kedai Makan Kong Teck
Popular among locals for their fish noodles. Best to go early as they
sell out very
quickly. If you're having an early flight out, we recommend going there for breakfast! Make sure to try their
鱼腐 (yu fu - fish paste)， 虾腐 (ha fu - prawn paste) and fish noodles.
Opening
Hours:
Monday -
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday - Sunday 6:30am - 12:30pm
Nam Chai Seafood Bak Kut Teh
Sandakan does an interesting spin to the traditional bak kut teh by featuring an array of fresh seafood
instead of the usual pork. You'll find prawns, fish and squid in bowls of rich, aromatic, peppery broth. Be
sure to try their local 泥鯭 (lai mang fish) bak kut teh.
Opening
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday - Sunday 9:15am - 1:45pm, 5pm to 8pm
San Da Gen Kopitiam
This local cafe/kopitiam in Sandakan old town is one of the places you can get UFO tart (aka 牛屎挞 or cow dung
tart), a must eat when you're in Sandakan.
Opening
Hours:
Daily 8:30am - 5:30pm
Ba Lin Rooftop Bar
Situated in the same building above San Da Gen Kopitiam, do come here for a 360 view of Sandakan town skyline
while you eat and drink. Also a perfect place to watch the sunset over Sandakan!
Opening
Hours:
Monday -
Friday 12pm to 12am
Saturday - Sunday 10:00am - 12am
#1 Roastery
For those who are in need of a coffee fix.
Opening
Hours:
Daily 8am - 8pm