Sandakan Attractions not only offer gorgeous nature but also culture and hidden gems. Sandakan is located on the eastern coast of Sabah, facing the Sulu Sea, with the town is known as one of the port towns in Malaysia.
Get ready to experience unforgettable trips in the heart of a rainforest jungle, the magnificent cave, and more with your chosen Sandakan tour. Your journey will be incredible due to the local biodiversity, giant trees, and local wisdom. Be prepared to enjoy a fun adventure with the following Sandakan tourist destinations.
Sandakan Attractions
Sandakan attractions and activities are inviting due to its gorgeous nature, unique animals, and local delicacies. Whether you are a student, a photographer, or a nature enthusiast, Sandakan is what you need to explore your hobbies and passions.
Sandakan Attractions: Places to Visit
Check out the following 9 famous places of interest in Sandakan to travel over for your remarkable journey:
1. Rainforest Discovery Center
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the towering trees of a tropical forest, make sure to visit the Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC). You’ll be captivated by the variety of unique animals and their fascinating behaviors. Walking along the canopy walkways, you’ll feel small beneath the immense trees, while also witnessing the forest’s incredible biodiversity.
- Location: Jl. Fabia Sepilok, 90715 Sandakan, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 8.00 AM – 5.00 PM
- Entrance fee: MYR 20 (USD 4.48) for children <17; adults: MYR 30 (6.71)
2. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center (BSBCC)
Visit this place to see the smallest bears in the world. It is one of the best outdoor attractions in Sandakan because you can see exotic animals and their preservation. Witness sun bears foraging in the forest from a viewing platform or unique walkways. This center offers insights into the efforts made to ensure the well-being of these remarkable animals.
- Location: PPM 219, Elopura, Sandakan 9000, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 3.30 PM
- Entrance fee: Children <17: locals MYR 5 (USD 1.12); tourists: MYR 25 (USD 5.60); Adults (18+): locals MYR 10 (USD 2.24); tourists: MYR 50 (USD 11.2)
3. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is worth visiting due to the endemic probosci monkeys and the exploration of the mangrove area. Take your time to get up close to encounter this unique-looking animal that can only be found in Borneo.
In addition to the proboscis monkeys, the sanctuary is home to hornbills, otters, silver-haired monkeys, and more. Visitors can even feed the monkeys at scheduled times, both in the morning and at noon.
- Location: Sabah, Sandakan
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Entrance fee: Children <12: locals MYR 5 (USD 1.12); tourists: MYR 30 (USD 6.71), Adults (18+): locals MYR 12 (USD 3.36); tourists: MYR 60 (USD 13.43)
4. Gomantong Cave
Get mesmerized while visiting this Sandakan attraction place due to its giant cave in the heart of a limestone cliff. This cave is special because it is the home of hundreds of swiftlet birds with their edible nests. The nest is famous for its delicacy but also comes with a high price.
February-April and July-September are the best times to visit this cave since you can witness the bird nest harvesting. Bring a powerful flashlight to explore the cave’s unique charm.
- Location: Kl. Teuku Umar No. 18, Petisah Tengah, Sandakan
- Opening hours: Morning: 8 AM – 1 PM daily, except for Friday (8 AM – 11:30 AM) Noon: 2 PM – 5 PM daily
- Entrance fee: Children <12: locals MYR 2 (USD 0,45); tourists: MYR 15 (USD 3.36). Adults (18+): locals MYR 5 (USD 1.12); tourists: MYR 30 (USD 6.71)
5. Sim Sim Water Village
This village is among the famous Sandakan tourist attractions due to its unique stilt houses and local delicacies. It is worth visiting since you can spoil your tongue with Malay traditional cuisine such as nasi lemak and fresh fish from the locals. Enjoy delicious meals while viewing the scenic waterfront views during your visit here.
- Location: Jl. Buli Sim Sim, Sandakan
- Opening hours: Open daily
- Entrance fee: Free
6. Sandakan Heritage Trail
Challenge yourself to explore these Sandakan attraction points due to the famous historic sites on the trail. The trail definitely requires a healthy and fit body. There are a number of historical landmarks to visit, such as Sandakan Jamek Mosque, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, William Pryer Monuments, Sandakan Heritage Museum, and more.
- Location: Wisma Sandayara, Jalan Tiga, Third Avenue 9000 Sandakan
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Entrance fee: Children <6: locals & tourists free; Children (6-12): locals MYR 5 (USD 1.12); tourists: MYR 5 (USD 1.12), Adults (18+): locals MYR 10 (USD 2.24); tourists: MYR 20 (USD 4.48), Senior citizens (>60): locals MYR 5 (USD 2.24); tourists: MYR 5 (USD 2.24)
7. Kinabatangan River
Get ready to be mesmerized by Malay’s rich biodiversity while cruising in the second-largest river in the country. In addition to morning and noon cruises for an enjoyable journey, a night cruise offers a more thrilling trip.
Visitors will normally witness wide arrays of tropical animals, such as proboscis monkeys, silver-haired monkeys, crocodiles, and plenty of bird species.
- Location: Kinabatangan District, Sandakan
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Entrance fee: a cruise package that may start from MYR 60 (USD 13.43)/pax.
8. Sam Sing Kung Temple
This historical site is one of the oldest buildings in Sandakan since it was built in 1887. This temple may be small, but it is an attractive worship chapel for Chinese people who follow Taoism. Visitors will find many valuable historical artifacts, such as pillar beams, calligraphy, and old bells.
The temple is especially noteworthy for its red-colored Mazu’s palanquin, which greets visitors with its unique design and rich historical stories.
- Location: Jl. Singapura, Sandakan, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 6 AM – 2 PM
- Entrance: The fee is included in the Sandakan Heritage Trail ticket price in the above
9. Sandakan Crocodile Farm
This place of interest is enormous since it is the largest crocodile farm in the country. Up to three thousand crocodiles and other reptiles are placed in a concrete pen. The reptiles are bred and farmed for their skin, which produces bags, wallets, belts, shoes, and other accessories.
In addition to witnessing large reptiles up close, visitors can also enjoy a mini zoo featuring a giant fish and a children’s park.
- Location: Mile 8, Jl. Labuk, Sandakan
- Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM daily
- Entrance fee: MYR 12 (USD 2.69)
Sandakan is an excellent place to visit due to its natural attractions, heritage, and local delicacies. Make sure to put the above destinations on your vacation list so you can explore this part of Malaysia. Enjoy a cheaper flight fare and promos from Airpaz, so your visit to all Sandakan attractions will be memorable. Enjoy an incredible adventure!
