Sabah is a great town to visit. However, you might face some difficulty if you are unfamiliar with the airport and ways around here. That’s why getting to know Sandakan Airport is essential as it helps you avoid unnecessary trouble and confusion.
Fortunately, understanding Sandakan Airport is simple. You can learn and discover all the information here, so you are ready to visit the gateway to Eastern Borneo. Here are the complete guides to Sandakan Airport, covering its history, terminals, facilities, hotels, transportation, and attractions!
About Sandakan Airport
Ever wondered how many airports there are in Sabah? The answer is four.
The main gateway to the town is called Kota Kinabalu Airport, which serves both domestic and international flights. However, there are also smaller ones that only provide domestic flights to Borneo.
Sandakan Airport is one of them. The airport is situated at Batu 7, Airport Street, 90000 Sandakan, Sandakan District, Sabah, Malaysia. It serves the Sandakan District and some other areas on the eastern side of Sabah. Given the significant distance from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city, Sandakan Airport plays a crucial role in regional connectivity.
The airport is located relatively near the city. It’s only 6 – 13 km from downtown, around 10 – 20-minute drive by car or motorcycle. Sandakan Airport code is SDK and provides domestic routes to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Tawau, or Lahad Datu with AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly.
The construction of this airport began during World War II. At that time, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) considered the location ideal for building runways. As a result, the RAF forced locals to construct the airport, which was officially established in December 1942. This historical background adds a unique charm to the airport.
After World War II, Malaysia’s government decided to reconstruct the airport for civil aviation purposes. The redevelopment continued for several years, with the most recent expansion in 2014, when the government extended the airport’s terminal.
More information about Sandakan Airport Terminal is important to note. So, make sure to read the next section!
Sandakan Airport Terminal
The airport building has only one floor and one terminal, which serve both departure and arrival. After undergoing expansion in 2014, the area is 12,500 m2 and can accommodate 750 passengers per hour. There are approximately 1,5 million people who use the airport every year.
While waiting for the departure flight or after landing, all passengers can use the facilities at the airport.
Sandakan Airport Facilities
The airport management provides several facilities to assist passengers arriving at or departing from Sandakan. Unfortunately, there is no currency exchange at the airport, so be sure to bring some local currency while in transit at Kota Kinabalu Airport before arriving here.
What are the facilities at Sandakan Airport that cater to your needs?
- Information desks, so you can ask the airport’s officers if you encounter some difficulties or problems during your trip.
- Wi-Fi, to connect with the Internet.
- Charging stations, to make sure your smartphone, laptop, and other electronic devices are charged.
- Shopping outlets are where people can buy souvenirs at home.
- Car rental desks, to rent a car during your visit to Sandakan.
- Convenient stores to buy snacks, drinks, and any other necessities.
- ATMs, to bring some cash.
- Lounges are available for you to relax and unwind while waiting for your departure schedule, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey.
Aside from lounges, you can also rest at nearby hotels. Find more about it in the next section!
Sandakan Airport Hotels
Are you searching for hotels near Sandakan Airport? There are a few options, but most are more than 2 km away, making them difficult to reach on foot. The good news is that all accommodations near Sandakan Airport are also close to downtown, making them perfect for a vacation.
Didn’t know where to choose? Here are some hotel recommendations for you!
- The Hotel (Sandakan), is a 3-star hotel. The distance from the airport is 2,9 km (around 5–7-minute drive). If you want to walk, you can reach the hotel after 30 – 40 minutes. The rate starts at MYR 81.40 (USD 18.44) per night.
- Labuk Hotel, is a 2-star hotel. The distance is 3,1 km (around 7–10-minute drive) from the airport. If you want to walk, you can reach the hotel after 40 – 45 minutes. The rate starts at MYR 108.29 (USD 24.53) per night.
- The Pavilion Hotel Sandakan, is a 3-star hotel. The distance from the airport is 3,5 km (around 10–12-minute drive). If you want to walk, you can reach the hotel after 40-45 minutes. The rate starts at MYR 122.08 (USD 27.65) per night.
Aside from walking, you can also consider transportation options from the airport. Find out more about it below here!
Sandakan Airport Transportations
After landing, you need to know how to get from Sandakan Airport to downtown. There are multiple transportation options that you can choose from, such as:
- Taxi, the most convenient way to travel. However, the fare is expensive, starting from MYR 60 (USD 13.59).
- Bus, the cheapest option, starting from MYR 2 (USD 0.45)
- Rideshare Services, similar to taxis but with a cheaper fare, starting from MYR 38 (USD 8.61). However, you need to install a mobile app first.
- Car Rentals, perfect for driving around in Sandakan. The rate starts at MYR 205 (USD 46.44) per day.
After choosing the transportation, you can discover the most iconic attractions in Sandakan.
Sandakan Attractions
Many tourist attractions in Sandakan are waiting to be discovered. Here are some must-visit places and activities to enjoy during your vacation!
- Learn about rainforests while bird-watching at the Rainforest Discovery Center.
- Visit the iconic sun bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center (BSBCC).
- Meet proboscis monkeys and silvered leaf monkeys at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
- Pump your adrenaline by exploring Gomantong Cave.
- Experience local culture at Sim Sim Water Village.
That’s all you need to know about Sandakan Airport. So, after becoming familiar with it, you can book the flight and hotels immediately. Discover the best price at Airpaz!
