Sandakan

Sandakan, on Borneo's eastern coast, puts you face-to-face with Malaysia's most remarkable wildlife. You'll watch orangutans swing through the trees at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, see sea turtles lay eggs on Selingan Island's beaches, and spot proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatangan River. The city itself has preserved its World War II history at the Sandakan War Memorial, while the colonial Agnes Keith House and waterfront markets give you a sense of daily life both past and present.

Getting to Sandakan

Airlines operate daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. The flight from Kota Kinabalu takes 40 minutes, while buses travel between the cities in about 5 hours. When you arrive at Sandakan Airport, you'll find taxis lined up outside the terminal. The drive to most city center hotels takes 20 minutes.

Wildlife Encounters at Sepilok

At the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, 25 kilometers from the city, you'll see rehabilitated orangutans return from the forest for feeding at 10am and 3pm daily. Walk next door to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where elevated walkways let you watch the world's smallest bears forage and climb. Both centers run active conservation programs to protect these animals and their forest home.

Exploring Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River runs 560 kilometers through Sabah as Malaysia's second-longest river. Join morning or afternoon boat cruises to spot wildlife in the mangrove forests - wild orangutans nest in tall trees, proboscis monkeys leap between branches, and pygmy elephants sometimes appear at the water's edge. The river supports eight hornbill species and every primate species native to Sabah. Many visitors base themselves at riverside lodges for early morning wildlife viewing.

Local Markets and Food

The Central Market's three floors buzz with activity, especially between 6am and 10am when fishermen bring in their catch. Browse fresh produce on the ground floor or head upstairs to the food courts. In Sim-Sim Water Village, restaurants serve seafood caught that morning. Market vendors also sell local fruits, vegetables, and dried fish products that make good souvenirs.

Historical Sites

The Sandakan War Memorial Park preserves the grounds of a World War II Japanese prisoner of war camp. Walk through the site to learn about the Sandakan Death Marches through detailed exhibits and a museum collection of artifacts and photographs. At the Agnes Keith House, you'll walk through restored colonial rooms furnished with original pieces and personal items belonging to the American author who documented life in North Borneo.

Religious Architecture

St. Michael's and All Angels Church has stood since the 1890s, making it one of Sabah's oldest stone buildings. The church retains its original structure despite World War II bombing. From Puu Jih Shih Temple's hilltop location, look out over Sandakan Bay toward Berhala Island. The temple blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern building techniques.