What to do in Sandakan

Activities, attractions and tours

Sandakan featuring general coastal views, a garden and a city
Sandakan
Sandakan
Sandakan featuring religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Tun Sakaran Marine Park showing boating and a coastal town

Places to Visit in Sandakan

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Sandakan, Sabah while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Sandakan attractions from NZ$133, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Sandakan tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 13 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Sandakan. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Sandakan

Number of things to do
13
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: NZ$133
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Sandakan

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sandakan

Rainforest Discovery Centre

Rainforest Discovery Centre

Explore the great outdoors at Rainforest Discovery Centre, a lovely green space in Sepilok. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Rainforest Discovery Centre
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Two daily feeding sessions draw crowds of tourists to watch monkeys as they swing through their natural habitat.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Watch as a community of orphaned orangutans play in the trees above you at this sanctuary.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Sandakan Harbour Mall

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Sandakan Harbour Mall during your visit to Sandakan. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Sandakan Harbour Mall

Kinabatangan Jungle Camp

Enjoy an outing to Kinabatangan Jungle Camp during your stay in Sandakan. Stroll along the seaside or visit the temples in the area.

Kinabatangan Jungle Camp

Libaran Island Jetty

You can find out about the history of Sandakan with a visit to Libaran Island Jetty. Wander the rainforests and seaside in the area.

Libaran Island Jetty

Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Visit the native and exotic animals who call Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre home during your trip to Sepilok. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Turtle Islands Park

Explore the great outdoors at Turtle Islands Park, a lovely green space in Sandakan. Stroll along the seaside or visit the temples in the area.

Turtle Islands Park

Pulau Selingan

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pulau Selingan during your travels in Sandakan. Wander the rainforests and seaside in the area.

Pulau Selingan

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandakan worth visiting?
Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Sandakan.
How do I spend a day in Sandakan?
Sandakan Rainforest Park and Bukit Buli Sim Sim are two good places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Sandakan while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sandakan?
Bukit Buli Sim Sim is one of the top tourist attractions in Sandakan and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sandakan?
Three days in Sandakan is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Bukit Buli Sim Sim, Sandakan Rainforest Park and Saint Michael's and All Angels Church are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Sepilok.
What are some activities to do in Sandakan with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Sandakan with kids.

What to do in Sandakan for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Sandakan for adults including Sandakan Memorial Park and Japanese Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Sandakan?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Sandakan is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without taking your wallet out. Bukit Buli Sim Sim is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.