About Sandakan

Sandakan, The Nature City……

Sandakan, the second largest town in Sabah, is located at the east coast of Sabah. Nearly 1900km from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. With an estimated agricultural population of around 350,000 people, Sandakan's economy today has diversified into the agricultural sector especially the oil palm industry. It has also ventured into tourism industry, focusing on eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. Sandakan is now also known as "the Gateway to Borneo Wildlife".

Sandakan is the heaven for seafood. The variety of seafood available and the inexpensive price will leave you jaw-dropping. For fruits lovers, Sandakan offers a wide range of tropical fruits which are easily available at local stalls and markets. The famous of all, the king of fruits, Durian and the Queen, Mangosteen.

If you are into night life, Sandakan also features many popular night spots from karaoke lounges, bars, disco and so forth. Discos welcome energetic patrons as early as 8pm but the excitement of live performances only starts around 10-11pm. Bandar Indah is the happening place now where a lot of bars and pubs are having happy hours from 5pm-8pm.

The tourist hotspots of Sandakan…

	*Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre* A visit to Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary will allow you to come in close contact with the "Man of the Jungle". It is exciting to watch as these large red apes are astonishing gentle, highly intelligent and will gaze at you with almost disconcerting frankness. Opening Hour : 8:30am to 5pm 40 minutes drive from Sandakan town Best time to visit - All year round

	Selingan Turtle Island The world famous Turtle Island lies about 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea off Sabah's east coast. It includes three islands of Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakkungan Kecil and Pulau Gulisan. Pulau Selingan is the main nesting area for green turtles, Chelonia Mydas, while the hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys seem more attracted to the shore of Pulau Gulisan. The two islands were gazetted as Marine Park in 1977 for the protection of these two species in order to save them from extinction. Opening Hour : Daily 2 hours boat ride from Sandakan town Best month to visit - March to September

	Sukau / Kinabatangan River To see wildlife in their own habitat, Sukau is the place to be. You will be amazed by the variety of wildlife that you could so easily spot in this area. Orang Utans, Proboscis Monkeys, Asian Elephant, Sumatrian Rhino, just to name a few. Opening Hour : Daily 2 hours drive from Sandakan town Best time to visit - All year round

Other hotspots…

Agnes Keith House
Australian War Memorial
Gomantong cave
Japanese Cemetery
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Lankayan Island
Pu Jih Shi Chinese Temple
Sandakan Crocodile Farm
St. Michael's and All Angels Church
The Sandakan Heritage Trail

Sandakan Heritage Trails...see more>>

Sabah Tourism Board Official Website...see more>>

How to get to Sandakan …

There are at least 10 direct flights daily connecting Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. The flight services are provided by Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. There are also buses travelling between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan daily. The journey takes about 6-7 hours.

Air Asia - http://www.airasia.com
Malaysia Airlines - www.malaysiaairlines.com