Day Trips & Excursions: Sandakan

Accessible Day Trip Locations

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre are clustered about 25 km from Sandakan. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is a bit further.

Gomantong Caves (30 km south) and Sim-Sim Water Village (near city center) also await your visit. For a broader array of experiences, explore and book tours through GetYourGuide.

Organized Tours vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tours: Transfers, entry fees, and guides are typically included. Group travel often brings efficiency and local insights.
Tailored for those who value convenience and have limited time for planning.
Independent Travel: Full flexibility over schedule and pace. Requires self-navigation and arranging transport.
Best for adventurous explorers or those on a budget, allowing for spontaneous discoveries.

Natural & Cultural Escapes

Discover Sandakan's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage just beyond the city limits.

Parks and Reserves

The Kinabatangan River presents a significant natural retreat, often involving an overnight visit. The Rainforest Discovery Centre offers an accessible rainforest experience with a canopy walk.

Prominent Features

Kinabatangan River: Diverse wildlife along the riverbanks, best explored on multi-day stays.
Rainforest Discovery Centre: Accessible trails and canopy walkways for a close-up rainforest view.
Puu Jih Shih Temple: Enjoy panoramic views of Sandakan Bay from this hilltop location.

Cultural & Historical Journeys

Explore historical sites and rural villages that paint a picture of the region's past and present.

Sites

Sandakan Memorial Park: A poignant site acknowledging World War II history.
Orang Sungai Villages: Discover local life and traditions through Kinabatangan River tours.
Religious sites offer architectural and historical value.

Seasonal Wonders & Phenomena

Dusk Spectacle

Gomantong Caves Bat Exodus: Witness millions of bats emerge at dusk for nightly foraging.
Fireflies on Kinabatangan River: Evening river cruises showcase trees illuminated by swarms of fireflies.
Unique wildlife sightings increase during specific periods.
This experience presents an unparalleled opportunity to see Borneo's creatures.

Local Highlights

Diverse Borneo fauna awaits on immersive safaris.
Accessible treks at the Rainforest Discovery Centre are a good option.
No significant tourist beaches or major mountain day trips are close to Sandakan.
White-water rafting and extreme adventure sports are limited here.

Travel Times & Distances

Sandakan to Sepilok:25 km
Sandakan to Gomantong Caves:30 km
Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu (flight):1 hour
Sandakan to Tawau (flight):45 minutes

Sandakan to Kinabatangan River (Sukau/Bilit):2-3 hours drive
Full day wildlife immersion:6-8 hours
Gomantong Caves exploration:2 hours
Multi-day Kinabatangan Safari:2-3 days

Planning Day Trips

Many tour operators in Sandakan offer pre-arranged half-day or full-day tours that include transport and entry fees. This often makes logistics simpler for travelers.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your journey beyond Sandakan to explore more of Sabah's diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Kinabatangan River Safari

An essential extension for wildlife viewing. Typically involves an overnight stay at a river lodge with cruises and treks.

Turtle Islands Park

An overnight visit to Pulau Selingan to witness sea turtles laying eggs and hatchlings released. Prior booking is necessary.

Danum Valley / Tabin Wildlife

For serious wildlife enthusiasts, remote rainforest experiences await. Access via Lahad Datu with flights from Sandakan.

Essential Wildlife Experiences

Dive into Borneo's unique ecosystems with extended stays focused on conservation and rich biodiversity.

Experiences

River Safari Packages: Typically include multiple river cruises (day and night), jungle treks, and sometimes cultural activities.
Turtle Nesting: Witnessing green and hawksbill sea turtles nesting and hatchlings being released.
Deep Jungle Trekking: Chances for rare wildlife sightings in pristine rainforest.

Next Logical Destinations

After Sandakan, Sabah has more to offer, from city life to world-class diving.

Popular Connections

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's capital, connected by flights and buses, a hub for further adventures.
Semporna: Gateway to world-class diving and snorkeling sites like Sipadan.
Lahad Datu: Access point for serious eco-tourism at Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Transportation & Routes

Sandakan to Kinabatangan:Pre-arranged transfers from tour operators.

Sandakan to Turtle Islands:Boat transfer part of tour package.

Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu:Daily flights (1 hr) or buses (5-6 hrs).

Sandakan to Tawau:Daily flights (45 min) or buses (5-6 hrs).

Sabah Loop Example:Kota Kinabalu > Mount Kinabalu > Ranau > Sandakan > Lahad Datu > Tawau/Semporna.

From Tawau to Semporna:Short van or taxi ride from Tawau airport.

Planning Extended Journeys

Long bus rides connect major towns.
Daily flights are available between Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, and Tawau.
Multi-day tours to specific reserves often include all transfers.
Prior booking is important for unique experiences like Turtle Islands Park.
Research and support local conservation efforts.

Adventure & Exploration

Sandakan presents various outdoor adventures and unique local experiences for visitors.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) has well-marked trails, from easy boardwalks to moderate jungle paths. Kinabatangan River lodges present guided treks for wildlife spotting.

Route Details

Rainforest Discovery Centre: Canopy Walkway (easy), moderate jungle trails available.
Kinabatangan River: Easy to moderate jungle treks, often muddy in wet season.
Gomantong Caves: Well-maintained boardwalks and steps for comfortable exploration.

Water & Adventure Activities

River cruises dominate water activities here, focusing on wildlife. Extreme adventure sports are limited.

Activity Details

Kinabatangan River Cruises: Focus on wildlife spotting, offering diverse ecosystem perspectives.
Snorkeling/Diving: Available at Turtle Islands Park, but not directly in Sandakan.
Adventure Sports: Limited to Sandakan; Kota Kinabalu presents more extreme options.

Local Markets & Shopping

Discover traditional markets for local goods, souvenirs, and daily life.

Market Highlights

Sandakan Central Market: Vibrant place for fresh produce and local interaction.
Pasar Kim Fung: Large local market with diverse goods, a truly local shopping experience.
Night Markets (Pasar Malam): Lively spots for street food, clothes, and items on specific evenings.

Souvenirs & Retail

Find unique gifts and everyday items, while contributing to local artisans.

Shopping Focus

Local Snacks: UFO tarts, amplang (fish crackers), dodol (palm sugar candy) for portable gifts.
Crafts: Batik fabrics, traditional Sabah handicrafts (e.g., beaded accessories).
Wildlife Items: Souvenirs from Sepilok or Sun Bear Centre directly contribute to conservation.

Entertainment & Evening Scene

Live Music

Limited venues, some hotel bars or waterfront pubs may feature live music on weekends.

Nightlife

Nightclubs and dedicated dancing venues are very limited or absent.

Late-Night Dining

Local eateries and mamak stalls offer food and drinks until late, a casual social spot.

Ethical Choices & Shipping

Support local artisans directly. Purchase wildlife-themed souvenirs from reputable sources that support conservation, avoiding illegal wildlife trade. Major post office services for shipping are available in the city.

Day Trips & Excursions