Sandakan, Sabah is known for its rich history, wildlife and natural beauty. Situated on the eastern coast of Sabah, Malaysia, has a rich historical tapestry reminiscent of its days as “Little Hong Kong”. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sandakan thrived as a bustling trading post and a key port for the export of goods, particularly timber and rubber.
The town attracted a significant population of Chinese immigrants, contributing to its cultural diversity and earning it moniker “Little Hong Kong”. However, the town also bears witness to the grim events of World War II, particularly the Sandakan Death Marches.
Despite the scar of war, Sandakan has emerged as a vibrant city, offering glimpses of its colonial past through sites like the Agnes Keith House and continuing to draw visitors with its natural wonders, wildlife sanctuaries and a unique blend of cultural influences.
Some notable tourist attractions in Sandakan, Sabah include:
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
A renowned center dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent primates up close. Established since 1964, this center helps rehabilitate orphaned or abandoned orangutans. The animals are not kept in captivity and can move about as they please, they are fed and cared for and then can voluntarily return to the wild. Walk through the magnificent dipterocarp forest that provides a natural habitat for the orangutans and take lots of pictures as they swing in the trees, snack on milk and bananas and interact with each other.
Visiting hours
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
| Monday – Thursday Saturday – Sunday | 9.00 – 12.00 | 2.00 – 4.00 |
| Friday | 9.00 – 11.00 | 2.00 – 4.00 |
travel by bus from kota kinabalu to sandakan
Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Adjacent to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, this facility focuses on the conservation of the world’s smallest bear species, the sun bear. Visit Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre Official Website
Rainforest Discovery Centre
A nature reserve where visitors can explore canopy walkways, bird observation towers, and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of Borneo.
Agnes Keith House
The former residence of Agnes Newton Keith, an American author, offering insights into her life during the British colonial era through artifacts and exhibits. Read more
Sandakan Memorial Park
Commemorating the tragic events of World War II, this park honors the Australian and British prisoners of war who lost their lives on the Sandakan Death Marches. Read more
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
A sanctuary for the endangered proboscis monkeys, allowing visitors to witness these unique primates in their natural habitat.
“The remarkable males sport big dangling noses, reddish flat-top hairstyles, white tails and markings, and pot bellies. The females on the other hand, are much smaller and have up-turned noses.
Take a night tour for a chance to see wild boars, flying squirrels, fireflies and crocodiles. The sanctuary also has a lodge with air conditioned twin or double rooms, family chalet and dormitories for those who wish to stay overnight.” – Sabah Tourism
