Sandakan

Sandakan is in Sabah, Borneo. It is the gateway to Sepilok| Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

An introduction to Sandakan

Sandakan was the former capital of British North Borneo until 1946. The town prospered in the early days due to its port with visiting traders from around the world. Sandakan is an important town to Australian and British WWII history with the infamous Death Marches commencing here in 1945 and ending in Ranau. After WWII the capital moved to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu).

"Sandakan" is derived from the Suluk word "sanda", meaning to pawn, and "kan" being the suffix. So "Sandakan" means the place that was pawned. Who pawned it, and to whom, remains a mystery.

Get in

Sandakan Sabah Leila-Complex-01 - Timber ships at Bandar Leila (left), Kampung Lai Fu Kim (middle), Leila Complex (right) and abandoned Happy Cinema (at the very right side, partly covered by trees), seen from Puu Jih Shih Temple

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Sandakan

Daily direct connections with Kuala Lumpur (by AirAsia]) and to Kota Kinabalu (by Malaysia Airlines and its subsidiary MASWings]). MASWings also has connecting flights with Tawau and Kudat.

• Sandakan Airport IATA Code: SDK

Travel on a Bus in Sandakan

From Kota Kinabalu: several bus companies depart between 7AM Monday - 2PM, and 8PM (~5hrs, 33MYR).

• Tung Ma Express (☎ +60 19-8827334 Mr Shim)-(buses from KK at 7AM, 8AM, 10AM, 12:30PM, 2PM, 8PM.
• Sida Express (☎ +60 12-816 5524 Ms. Sanita Binte Sapena) has departures from KK at 7:30AM, 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 2PM, 8PM.
• Bunga Raya Express (☎ +60 19-8999142 Ms. Suraidah Mohd) has departures from KK at 7:30AM, 9:30AM, 1:30PM, and 8PM.

The bus will pass the junction to Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre and you can ask to be dropped off here. The centre is about 4 kilometers down the road and costs 3-5 MYR pp by taxi to get to (drivers will be waiting at the bus drop-off).

To get to KK North Bus Terminal in Inanam get on a public bus (go to the bus station on Jalan Padang across from the State Library 1.50 MYR, 20 min]) or by taxi (~20 MYR).

To Semporna: buses leave from the express bus terminal for Semporna at 730am, 8AM, and 2PM.

All express buses arrive at one of the express bus terminals, which are still 15 minutes from downtown, and a taxi ride to downtown should cost RM 15.

• Stesen Bas Express Terminal

• Hentian Bas Ekspress Terminal

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Sandakan

Weesam Express runs 2 ferry per week between Sandakan and Zamboanga, Mindanao (Philippines). Aleson Lines also runs ferries on the same way twice weekly, but it's longer and more expensive.

Get around

Best way to travel in Sandakan by a Taxi

Travel by taxi out to places such as Sepilok or the War Memorial is easy, however fare negotiation will be required as meters are not commonly available. Taxi to Sepilok wait and return 40myr. Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary 180myr. Airport from downtown 28myr. Feb 2010]

Travel on a Bus in Sandakan

There are buses and vans going everywhere in the areas around Sandakan, to the airport, Sepilok, Buli Sim Sim etc.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Sandakan

There is a water taxi from Buli Sim-Sim to Pulau Berhala. For individual explorations of the islands within Sandakan Bay, it is highly recommended to book local boats only via tour agencies or experienced guides.

Halal Friendly Walking Tours in Sandakan

Sandakan is only a small town and it is easy to walk around. There is a walking trail which covers all the main sites.

Local Languages

Sandakan has always been a predominantly Chinese town. Unlike most other parts of Sabah and the main Chinese dialect in use among Sandakan's Chinese is Cantonese. However and the most widely spoken Chinese dialect in Sabah, Hakka, is also widely spoken and understood, as is Mandarin. Among local residents of different ethnic groups and the lingua franca is (Malay). Most residents are able to understand and speak at least basic English. Other races, such as the Bajau and Suluk, may be able to speak their own native languages but generally these native tongues are not in common use as a lingua franca within the community.

What to see in Sandakan

In town

• Sandakan Memorial Park - Located 11km from city and the memorial park is situated on the original site of the Japanese Prisoner of War camp. The memorial park is dedicated to the men who lost their lives in the Borneo Death Marches during the Second World War. A small museum in the centre of the park provides a sombre look at the atrocities which occurred. Negotiate a taxi to take you there (15 min), and expect to pay around RM 30 including waiting time. Entry is free.
• Puu Gih Jih - a Chinese temple on top of a hill behind Sandakan where you can get stunning vistas of Labuk Bay.
• St Michael and All Angels Gothic Church - erected in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah.
• Buli Sim Sim - a picturesque water village on stilts, 3 kilometers east of town past the big mosque. Vans go from Sandakan.
• Agnes Keith House and Museum - former home of author Agnes Newton Keith, now restored as a museum.

Further afield

• Gomantong Caves The massive cave is home to swiftlets and their nests are harvested as a Chinese delicacy. The harvesting processes involves people climbing to the roof of the caves with bamboo poles and ladders. Getting there/away: The easiest way to get to the caves is by vehicle from Sandakan about 100 kilometers away. Using public transport is difficult. The caves are on the itinerary of some tour companies.

• Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary - You are guaranteed a sighting of these monkeys from a wooden balcony built in the middle of the mangrove forest, as well as silvery lutungs (another species of monkey) that often come into close proximity with Muslim visitors. If you're lucky, you might even get to see some oriental pied hornbills. It is definitely worth a visit, and can be arranged easily by a day tour. Closest accommodation is at Nipah Resort (domitary RM35 per bed, chalet RM180+). Getting there/away: The journey to Labuk Bay is very rough and will take about half an hour from the primary street, but it is worth it. There's a bus departing from Hotel Sandakan at 9:30AM for 20 MYR (ask at the Tourist information office in Sandakan for more details), private van will cost 80 MYR one way.

What to do in Sandakan

• River cruise on the Kinabatangan - The 560 kilometers Kinabatangan River and the longest in the state, flows pass some of the richest ecosystems on earth, especially just before it meets the sea. The Lower Kinabatangan and Sukau areas are known for its mangrove swamps and flood plains, and is home to its most famous inhabitants and the proboscis monkeys. Up river, you will go past interesting villages where the river is still the main highway. There are also opportunities to view wildlife, including elephants. The best way to do this is through tour companies from Sandakan and even Kota Kinabalu.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sandakan

Fancy "Salted Fish"? Prawn crackers & dried shrimps are tasty and available at the local market.

Dried "Ikan Bilis" is also a locally produced product available at most shops and even at the Airport; available to bring back as gifts.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Sandakan

Sandakan has good and fresh seafood.

• Restoran Ajmeer Located at mile 3 (Hing Lee) and mile 4 (Bandar Prima). Specialize in South Indian food and Malay-styled fried food. Also serve lamb briyani, fish head Curries, dosai, idli, vadai and other Indian traditional food. They have been awarded as Cheap and Best Restaurant in town by Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.
• 'Sandakan Curries House, Beside Hotel Indah, Mile 4, Bandar Indah. Indian and local food. Excellent Fish Head Curry.
• Habeeb Restaurant, at the third avenue in the town. Serve nice Indian and local food. Taste the Roti Cobra here.
• Imperial Bay View, in the newly developed Harbour Plaza. Serve nice Chinese food with reasonable prices.
• Ocean King Seafood Restaurant at Pasir Putih was once a famous seafood restaurant. It was closed down in the aftermath of a kidnapping incident in April 2015. The pier-like structure over the water, with indoor and outdoor seating is still there. An alternative are the seafood restaurants at Kg Buli Sim-Sim.

• English Tea House - Nice ambience and serve traditional English Food. Serves excellent English high tea in the afternoon.
  Also, don't forget the steamboat at the Trig Hill; it's very tasty and the seafood is very big. The price is also very reasonable.

• Tomato Sandakan. A casual restaurant serving local and international food. The menu is extensive and prices are very reasonable. Popular with local residents and centrally located in town.
• Several famous hawkers' centre in Sandakan. There are a few hawkers' centres at Sandakan located at Central Market (2nd & 3rd floor), Bandar Kim Fung Market, and Mile Eight Market. They provide you with delicious foods (mostly Chinese & (Malay) Cuisine) and the prices are very reasonable. After you've finish your foods there, do not forget to buy some kuih (something like small cake) in the market in the same building (market).

About seven kilometers outside of town in a few shoplots and there are a number of entirely or partially Chinese Vegetarian restaurants serving mock Meat dishes. It's a good place to stop on your way back from the Memorial Park.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Sandakan

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At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Sandakan ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Sandakan. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Sandakan, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Sandakan

• Hotel City View at 60myr per standard room with a/c is great value. The hotel is in the town centre and the associated Hawaii Restaurant has a huge choice of excellent meals for 5 myr, popular with local residents.

• Hotel London | In the heart of the city is a great deal for budget traveller. The room is clean and beautiful as it is newly renovated though some rooms have ventilation problems giving damp bathrooms after showers. Free WiFi. Simple breakfast (toast and instant coffee) is served in the pleasant rooftop garden. Other facilities include tour arrangement, internet access corner, all rooms are ensuite and have satellite channel (DVD player upon request) and the hotel has a backup generator in case of power outage.

• Hotel Seafront - Located 5 mins walk to the water front. This hotel offers modern, clean and comfortable rooms suitable for the independent traveller wanting something mid-range. Internet is available in the foyer. Bookings can made via the website. Note that the hotel is 4 storeys and there is no lift.

• NAK Hotel - The oldest, purpose-built hotel in Sandakan. Family run since 1966. A mix of history and the contemporary. Recently refurbished. Some rooms are thematically designed, with views of the sea. Others are not.

• PAT'S Bed and Breakfast Lodge, Mile 1½ North Road, between bus station and city. ☎ 60 019 5843895 or 60 016 8345488. Manageress: Patricia Pascua. Family home atmosphere, clean dormitory rooms with fan or A/C. RM29 per pax. Comfortable living room and nice balcony. Kitchen for your own use. Laundry service available.
• Sandakan Backpackers. Backpacker guesthouse with small dorm rooms at R25 and superior Muslim friendly rooms starting at R55. All with harbor views. Laundry runs at an expensive RM15 per kilo. Run by the owner, Zaina, who doubles as a travel agent. On Harbor Plaza near Gentingmas Mall, near the KFC.

• Borneo Seaview & Budget Hotel - Clean, quiet and safe.

• Tai Lee Hotel It is completed with WIFI, aircon and two channels of Astro (including Astro Sports, and Wah Lai Toi). Besides and there are shoplots including restaurants, pharmacies, supermarkets, etc.

• WinHo Lodge Comfortable beds and decent sized rooms for all budgets including dorms. Double rooms, come with A/C, free wifi, ensuite and TV, and start at RM55, possibly cheaper if booked through a hostel site.

• Swiss-Inn Waterfront Sandakan - Nice hotel, located right on the waterfront esplanade. 138 trendy and compact rooms, all with A/C, free wifi and LCD TV.

Stay Safe

Turtle eggs, while illegal, are obtainable at the local wet market at a very affordable rate. Bringing it out, or even buying it, when found by the custom officers or wildlife officers can really ruin your trip as they will press charges again you. Do not try! Do not get caught with turtle eggs in your luggage as police and customs officials will take a very serious view of this. Due to the ongoing kidnapping actions/threats posed by pirates from the southern Philippines and there is a large military/police presence in Eastern Sabah coastal waters and a night time curfew on all vessels.(October 2022)

Go next

• Sepilok - The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is where orang utans rescued from plantations and also from being kept as pets are re-adapted to living in the jungle. Most popular are the twice daily feeding times when the orang utans come out from the jungle. Besides and there are surprisingly good Botanical Gardens near Sepilok, where one can learn about Palm Oil and the rain forest, enjoy walks and boats.
• Turtle Islands Park - Three islands in ths Sulu Sea where you can see turtles laying eggs and also turtle conservation at work. You can only stay on Selingan Island. Overnight stays on Turtle Island are now offered at MR630 per person including flights and transfers from K.K.(2023).

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