Getting There & Away: Sandakan

Air Travel

Flights to Sandakan SDK

Sandakan Airport (SDK) serves as the main air gateway. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia operate direct domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Kota Kinabalu (BKI). No direct international flights reach SDK; international travelers typically connect via KUL or BKI.

Flight Booking Resources

Discover flight deals with Dollar Flight Club.
Compare flights and find best routes on Skyscanner.
Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (May-September, Malaysian holidays).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Sandakan Airport offers basic facilities including check-in, baggage claim, food outlets, a souvenir shop, and car rental desks. ATMs are available. For transfers to the city or accommodation, several options exist.

Transfer Options

Taxi: Purchase pre-paid coupons at the arrival hall counter.
Grab (Ride-Sharing): Widely available; pick-up points are marked.
Hotel Transfers: Many hotels present pre-arranged airport transfer services.

Seamless Arrivals

Sandakan Airport facilitates smooth domestic air travel, connecting you to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.

Peak Season Awareness

Flight prices increase during May-September and major holidays; booking early is recommended.

Local Access

Easy airport transfers to the city via pre-paid taxi, Grab, or hotel services.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Sandakan presents bus connections to Kota Kinabalu (5-6 hours), Tawau (5-6 hours), and Lahad Datu (2-3 hours).
Companies include Sida Express, Tung Ma Express, and Dyana Express.
Buses depart from the Sandakan Long Distance Bus Terminal, outside the city center.
Tickets are purchased at the terminal or sometimes online.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

A valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP) are required for foreigners.
Major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis) and local companies operate from the airport and city.
Roads are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can vary. Driving is on the left.
GPS navigation (Google Maps, Waze) is highly recommended. Avoid long-distance night driving.

Car Rental Considerations

Booking Ahead

Pre-booking online is recommended, notably during peak seasons, to secure your preferred vehicle.

Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is recommended for car rentals to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Road Safety

Be aware of motorcycles and potential potholes. Caution for wildlife on rural roads.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry & Cruise Access

No regular international ferry services operate to Sandakan. The city has a commercial port that occasionally handles cruise ship calls, but it does not serve as a main mode of arrival for independent tourists.

Port Information

Commercial port serves occasional cruise ships.
Immigration procedures for cruise passengers are handled onboard or at the cruise terminal.
Cruise port typically connects to Sandakan city via pre-arranged shuttles or taxis.

River Transportation

River transportation mainly serves tourist activities, notably for wildlife tours along the Kinabatangan River. Lodges along the river use longboats for transfers and wildlife cruises.

Kinabatangan River Travel

Longboats are the main mode of transport for river excursions.
Wildlife safaris and transfers to lodges occur via river.
River tour operators present land transfers from Sandakan city to their river lodges.

Tour-Specific Boats

Most boat transport in Sandakan is for specific tours like wildlife river cruises or island visits.

No Public Ferries

Regular international ferry services to Sandakan are not available.

Operator Transfers

River tour operators arrange land transfers from Sandakan city to their respective lodges.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are payable by travelers upon departure from Malaysia at airports or land/sea borders. Departure taxes are typically included in the airline ticket price.

Departure Timing

Domestic Flights: Arrive at Sandakan Airport (SDK) at least 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure.
International Connections: Allow ample layover time (at least 3 hours) for transfers, immigration, and potential delays.
Buses: Arrive at the Sandakan Long Distance Bus Terminal at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Sandakan Airport and the Long Distance Bus Terminal offer necessary facilities for departing travelers.

Departure Point Services

Sandakan Airport: Basic facilities including check-in, security, small departure lounge, food/beverage, souvenir shops.
Bus Terminal: Basic waiting areas, ticket counters, and local eateries.
Assistance is available from airport staff and bus terminal personnel.

Travel Logistics

Direct Flights

No direct international flights to Sandakan; connections via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu are standard.

Land Travel

Long-distance buses connect Sandakan to other major towns in Sabah, a viable option for inter-city travel.

River Transport

Mainly for tourist activities like Kinabatangan River safaris; not a general transport mode.

Departure Readiness

Allocate sufficient time for airport check-in and security, especially if connecting to international flights.

Getting There & Away