What is there to do in Sandakan? If you’re heading to Borneo, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in Sandakan, especially if you’re interested in Borneo’s unique wildlife. Sandakan, located in the east of the state of Sabah, is most famous as the gateway to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and also the Kinabatangan River, known for its wildlife safari boat cruises.
The lesser-known Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) are also fun to visit. The town of Sandakan itself has a fascinating WW2 history, and also has some excellent food worth discovering.
This 24-hour itinerary shows you how to make the most of one day in Sandakan, in Malaysian Borneo. I visited mainly to see the orangutans and also as I was passing through on my way to a Kinabatangan jungle adventure. But I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s possible to see a lot in just one day in Sandakan as most of the main sights are all close together. If you have more time, you could spread this out over 2 days. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Sandakan, read on below.
🌿 Planning a longer trip? Read my guides to:
🌟 Remember to get travel insurance for your trip. Call of the World readers receive a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance.
Where is Sandakan?
Sandakan is located on the island of Borneo, in South East Asia. The island of Borneo itself is split between 3 separate countries: Malaysia, Indonesia and the tiny sultanate of Brunei.
The Malaysian section of Borneo (in the north) is split into 2 states: Sarawak (West) and Sabah (East). Sandakan is located on the Eastern coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah, nestled between Borneo’s famous rainforest and the sea.
History of Sandakan
Sandakan used to be the capital of British North Borneo during the colonial era. During this time, many people moved from what was then British Hong Kong to Sandakan, and the Cantonese influence can still be seen today in the foods and local delicacies of Sandakan. Sadly, Sandakan was practically razed to the ground during the Second World War at the time of the Japanese invasions.
🌟 If you’re interested in the Second World War history of this part of the world, I can recommend The Gift of Rain by Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng, which is set in nearby Penang, Malaysia. (Note however that North Borneo only became part of modern-day Malaysia in 1963. Before that, both North Borneo and what was then Malaya were under British colonial rule until Malaysian independence in 1957).
How Do I Get to Sandakan?
Sandakan has its own airport. The most common route for visitors to Sandakan is to get an international flight to Kota Kinabalu (KK) which is slightly north-west of Sandakan, and then get a connecting flight to Sandakan itself. The flight from Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Sandakan is only about 45 minutes – I didn’t even have time to eat my packed lunch before we were landing!
There is a bus route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan which is the more environmentally friendly route and perfect if you have more time. The journey apparently takes 7 hours and 25 minutes, but I’ve heard that there can sometimes be delays. You can book bus tickets in advance with 12Go Asia.
Flights can be booked in advance using Skyscanner.
Plan Your Escape: Flight Deals to Anywhere
24 Hour Itinerary for Sandakan, Borneo
Breakfast in Sandakan
Start your day with a decent breakfast. There are a number of good breakfast places in Sandakan, and many of them are open early. Notable mentions are:
- Kedai Kopi Baru Bar Lok Yuen: (family-run cafe serving both pastries and savoury options). Famous for their stuffed buns
- Kedai Kopi Wing Hup Lee: (known for their egg tarts)
- Sim Sim Water Village: (traditional stilt village known for authentic Sandakan dishes)
Enjoy a local Malaysian breakfast of kaya toast, half-boiled eggs and kopi (Malaysian-style coffee).
Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Seeing orangutans has to be top of the list for what to do in Sandakan! Just a short drive from central Sandakan, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the number one reason most travellers visit this area. The centre rescues orphaned orangutans and rehabilitates them for release into the wild. It is endorsed by legitimate charities such as Orangutan Appeal UK.
Visit during the morning feeding time (usually around 10am) to have the best chance of seeing these gentle, intelligent creatures swinging through the forest. It’s a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
📍 How to Visit the Orangutans at Sepilok, Borneo
9am – 11am & 2pm – 4pm daily | RM 5.00 for Malaysians and RM 30.00 for foreign visitors
Lunch in Sepilok
There are several cafes and restaurants in the Sepilok area within walking distance of the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre. I recommend using Google Maps to check the most recent reviews when deciding where to eat.
Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)
Right next door to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is another must-visit: the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). These small, tree-loving bears are the world’s smallest bear species and are native only to Southeast Asia. Sadly, they’re also endangered due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade.
The BSBCC rescues sun bears and works to rehabilitate them in a safe forest environment. Elevated walkways and viewing platforms give you a great chance to spot the bears climbing, foraging and playing in the trees. Unlike a zoo, the centre is designed to mimic their natural habitat, and all conservation efforts focus on welfare and eventual release when possible.
A visit here is short and easy to combine with the orangutan centre.
9am – 3:30pm daily | RM 10.00 for Malaysians and RM 50.00 for foreign visitors
Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
If you want to immerse yourself in the lush Bornean rainforest without straying too far from Sandakan, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is the perfect spot. Located just a few minutes from the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, this conservation and education centre gives you a brilliant introduction to Borneo’s biodiversity.
The highlight here is the RDC canopy walkway, a 347-metre network of raised walkways suspended above the treetops. From up here, you can spot hornbills, flying squirrels and sometimes even orangutans in the wild.
The birdwatching here is especially good. RDC is one of the best places in Sabah to see Borneo’s endemic bird species. There are also botanical gardens, jungle trails and a visitor centre with info about local flora and fauna.
8am – 5pm daily | RM 7.00 for Malaysians and RM 30.00 for foreign visitors
Afternoon Tea at The English Tea House & Restaurant
Soak up the region’s British colonial history by enjoying tea and scones at The English Tea House & Restaurant. Everything is served on old-fashioned style plates with floral designs, and you can sit outside in the beautiful gardens.
Agnes Keith House
Next to The English Tea House & Restaurant you’ll find the Agnes Keith House, a heritage home that has been turned into a museum. The house was formerly called Newlands, but is now named after the American author Agnes Keith, who was married to a British official and wrote several memoirs about life in British North Borneo. The house is said to be haunted.
9am – 5pm daily | RM 2.00 for Malaysians and RM 15.00 for foreign visitors
Sandakan Memorial Park
This might be a bit much to squeeze into one day, but if you do have time then head over to Sandakan Memorial Park. Located just over 10km outside of Sandakan itself. The memorial is built on the grounds of a former Japanese prisoner-of-war camp and commemorates the lives lost in the area during the Second World War, both in the POW camps and on the Sandakan and Ranau Death Marches.
8am – 5pm daily | free-of-charge
Sandakan Harbour Square
There’s a large pedestrian area and esplanade down by the harbour which is popular at sunset. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants along here. There’s a large shopping mall nearby (Sandakan Harbour Mall) where you can stock up on anything you’re missing before your Kinabatangan River Cruise.
How to Spend a Day in Sandakan: Borneo Map
Where to Stay in Sandakan
When I visited Sandakan I stayed at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel. It had a really sociable vibe without being a party hostel. They have both dorms and private rooms, and the location is super central. It’s right nearby a large shopping mall which is perfect if you need to pick up any essentials. The minibus to Sepilok to see the orangutans leaves from nearby, or you can just take a Grab.
Alternatively, you can stay right at Sepilok itself at one of the following:
- Tanini Sepilok Formerly Known As Nature Lodge Sepilok
- Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat
- Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
- Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort
- Sepilok Jungle Resort
- Sepilok B&B
Where Should I Go After Sandakan?
River Cruise on the Kinabatangan
Sandakan is the pick up point for many of the famous Kinabatangan River cruises. This is one of the best wildlife-watching experiences in Borneo, where you might spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles and hornbills. Most tour providers will offer to pick you up from Sandakan itself.
📍 Join a Kinabatangan River Cruise in Borneo
More Borneo: Visit Semenggoh or Mulu National Park
If you’re travelling across Borneo, you can experience other amazing wildlife and trekking experiences on your trip.
📍 For another chance to see orangutans in a more off-the-beaten-path setting, read my guide to Seeing Orangutans at Semenggoh in Borneo.
📍 If jungle trekking is more your style, you’ll love How to Hike the Mulu Pinnacles in Borneo. It’s a challenging hike but absolutely worth the effort.
Getting Around Sandakan
The ride-share app Grab works well in Sandakan and is an easy, cheap way to get around. Download the app in advance and link it to a WISE card so you can pay in local currency without hefty fees. Alternatively, if you’re staying near Sepilok, some guesthouses and hotels offer bicycle rental or shuttle services.
Public minibuses do exist but can sometimes be hard to navigate without local knowledge. It’s worth noting that there is a public minibus route between Sandakan town centre and the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This is insanely cheap so perfect if you’re on a budget. Your accommodation should be able to advise you where to catch the bus. If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s best to rely on Grab or taxis.
Travel Insurance for Borneo
Don’t forget to get travel insurance before your trip to Borneo. Medical facilities in rural areas are basic, and adventure activities like jungle trekking or boat cruises can involve risk.
🌏 I recommend Heymondo travel insurance. They offer comprehensive cover and an easy-to-use app for claims. Call of the World readers get a 5% discount here.
Where Next in Borneo?
I hope this itinerary helps you plan how to spend a day in Sandakan, Borneo! Whether you’re here to visit orangutans, explore the town or head into the jungle, Sandakan is an essential stop when backpacking around Borneo.
📍 How to Spend 2 Weeks in Borneo (Sabah Itinerary)
📍 How to Spend 3 Weeks in Borneo: Epic Itinerary
Let me know in the comments below what you loved most about Sandakan!
Group Tours in Borneo
Explore the wild heart of Borneo with G Adventures – from orangutan sanctuaries and jungle rivers to tribal villages and Mount Kinabalu, these small group tours are perfect for adventurous travellers.
Call of the World is proud to promote G Adventures: recognised for their “G for Good” ethos, ChildSafe certification for robust child-welfare protections, leadership in sustainable travel & climate action and ethical partnerships with community projects worldwide.
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