Things to do in Sandakan

Activities, attractions and tours

Sandakan featuring a garden, general coastal views and a city
Sandakan featuring a garden, general coastal views and a city
Rainforest Discovery Centre showing forest scenes
Rainforest Discovery Centre showing a lake or waterhole
Sandakan showing a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
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What to do in Sandakan

Popular places to visit

An orangutan in a bizarre pose among the green leaves of a tree. The primate holds onto branches and a stretched rope with its paws and looks down. Malaysia. Borneo. Sandakan. Rehabilitation Centre

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Watch as a community of orphaned orangutans play in the trees above you at this sanctuary.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Adult female proboscis monkeys sitting on the wood alone. Jungle trees on background Labuk bay, Sabah, Borneo island. Travel Malaysia

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Two daily feeding sessions draw crowds of tourists to watch monkeys as they swing through their natural habitat.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Rainforest Discovery Centre featuring cuddly or friendly animals and forests

Rainforest Discovery Centre

Explore the great outdoors at Rainforest Discovery Centre, a lovely green space in Sepilok. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Rainforest Discovery Centre
We struck it lucky stumbling across 6 wild Orangutans close to the entrance of the Gomantong Caves. It was a real treat to watch the young ones mess around in the same way human kids might – they also have a naughty streak! #Orangutans #apes #wildlife #Sabah #Borneo #Malaysia

Gomantong Caves

Explore the great outdoors at Gomantong Caves, a lovely green space in Sandakan. Wander the rainforests and seaside in the area.

Gomantong Caves

Turtle Islands Park

Explore the great outdoors at Turtle Islands Park, a lovely green space in Sandakan. Stroll along the seaside or visit the temples in the area.

Turtle Islands Park

Sandakan Harbour Mall

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Sandakan Harbour Mall during your visit to Sandakan. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Sandakan Harbour Mall

Pulau Selingan

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pulau Selingan during your travels in Sandakan. Wander the rainforests and seaside in the area.

Pulau Selingan

Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Visit the native and exotic animals who call Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre home during your trip to Sepilok. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Kinabatangan Jungle Camp

Enjoy an outing to Kinabatangan Jungle Camp during your stay in Sandakan. Stroll along the seaside or visit the temples in the area.

Kinabatangan Jungle Camp
Beautiful image of rain-forest with reflection in water at Royal Belum State Park, Gerik Perak Malaysia.

Pamol

Most amazing experience, elephants, hornbills, orangutans, proboscis monkey and more 😁

Kota Kinabatangan

Rainforest Discovery Centre featuring cuddly or friendly animals and forests

Sepilok

We struck it lucky stumbling across 6 wild Orangutans close to the entrance of the Gomantong Caves. It was a real treat to watch the young ones mess around in the same way human kids might – they also have a naughty streak! #Orangutans #apes #wildlife #Sabah #Borneo #Malaysia

Gua Gomantong

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandakan worth visiting?
Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Sandakan.
How do I spend a day in Sandakan?
Sandakan Rainforest Park and Bukit Buli Sim Sim are two good places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Sandakan while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sandakan?
Bukit Buli Sim Sim is one of the top tourist attractions in Sandakan and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sandakan?
Three days in Sandakan is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Bukit Buli Sim Sim, Sandakan Rainforest Park and Saint Michael's and All Angels Church are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Sepilok.
What are some activities to do in Sandakan with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Sandakan with kids.

What to do in Sandakan for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Sandakan for adults including Sandakan Memorial Park and Japanese Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Sandakan?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Sandakan is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without taking your wallet out. Bukit Buli Sim Sim is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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