Sabah is famous for its rich biodiversity, towering mountains, world-class diving spots, and unique Bornean wildlife. If you’re planning a trip to Sabah to enjoy a fun holiday in nature, why not stop by Sandakan?

Although primarily known for its rich wildlife (like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre) and eco-tourism, Sandakan also offers top beach and island-beach destinations in and around its area. Read more about the best beaches in Sandakan! 

Read More: Things to Do in Sabah: 7 Unforgettable Adventures to Explore

Sandakan is a historic coastal port city on the northeast coast of Sabah, Borneo, known as the gateway to wildlife conservation and its World War II history. It once served as the capital of British North Borneo from 1883 until it was heavily bombed and destroyed during World War II.

Temporarily named "Elopura" (meaning "The Beautiful City") in 1897 before returning to the name Sandakan. As Sabah's second-largest city, set along the northeastern coast of Malaysian Borneo facing the Sulu Sea, Sandakan is home to beaches and coastal spots to explore.

In mainland Sandakan and surrounding areas, you can find these 5 best beaches and coastal spots for an unforgettable holiday:

Pantai Dandulit is a scenic recreational black-sand beach located at Jalan Dandulit, Batu 12 Utara, in Sandakan, Sabah. Pantai Dandulit is known for its darker, black-sand shoreline mixed with unique rock formations and coconut/palm trees.

Located about 34 km (around a 45-minute drive) from Sandakan town, Pantai Dandulit is famous as a favorite local spot for evening photography, capturing golden hour sunsets over the water. 

Popular for weekend picnics, family gatherings, fishing, and community events, people also enjoy stargazing at Pantai Dandulit, away from the heavy city light pollution, nights here are perfect for clear views of numerous stars.

Lankayan Island Resort Beach is a private and secluded, one-resort tropical paradise in the Sulu Sea off the coast of Sandakan. The island features fine, soft white-sand beaches surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear aquamarine lagoons. 

The entire island is small enough that you can walk around it in roughly 30 minutes, and it is located within the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA), a protected no-take zone managed with local wardens and turtle conservation programs.

Guests can book a stay at Lankayan Island Dive Resort to enjoy the luxurious experience staying in one of the exclusive beach or water wooden chalets and explore the island. Enjoy world class diving/snorkeling or kayaking experience, and learn more about the sea turtle conservation program.

Read More: 9 Best Beaches in Sabah You Need to Visit in 2026

Selingan Turtle Island or Selingan Island (Pulau Selingan) is a protected marine sanctuary and national park island located 40 kilometers north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea. 

Best to visit from July to October, during peak green turtle nesting. It is a time where the endangered green turtles and hawksbill turtles come ashore almost every night of the year to lay their eggs in the sand.

Visitors can join the baby turtle release, where they will be guided to the beach at night to watch newly hatched baby turtles being released and making their frantic scurry into the ocean.

To get to Selingan Turtle Island Beach in Sabah, Malaysia, you must travel through Sandakan and take a licensed speedboat from Sabah Parks Jetty. Take note that day trips are not permitted.

All visitors must book a 2-day/1-night tour package that includes your permit, boat transfer, chalet accommodation at Selingan Island Park Headquarters, and meals. So, prepare your journey and book ahead, as there are only 50 visitor permits issued per day.

Pantai Pamaguan is a serene coastal beach located in mainland Sandakan. Situated outside the main city center near rural countryside and mangrove ecosystems, it serves as a central hub for nature tours and local eco-tourism.

The beach is well-known for its panoramic evening views, where the sky turns brilliant colors over the water. It also serves as a departure or cruising point to nearby Pamaguan Island. The surrounding mangrove and coastal ecosystems offer chances to spot proboscis monkeys, macaques, native birds, and small marine creatures like crabs and mudskippers.

One of the more exciting trips to take from Pantai Pamaguan is firefly watching that can be enjoyed during evening boat tours, where visitors can watch glowing swarms of fireflies light up the mangrove trees after dark.

Pasir Putih Beach (Pantai Pasir Putih) is located about 10 kilometers from the center of Sandakan, Sabah. Pantai Pasir Putih is famous for being a casual local hangout spot and a popular open-air seafood dining destination, rather than a swimming beach.

The area is well-known for local eateries and food centers near the shore, such as Santai Pantai Pasir Putih, a beachfront food court to visit for local meals, grilled crab or steamed grouper.

The beach serves as a popular local gathering place to watch the sunset over the water in the evening. Although in recent years, one of the challenges the beach experienced is the pollution and waste cluttering the beach front.

For comfortable stay when visiting the beaches of Sandakan and surrounding islands, you can book one of these recommended hotels in Sandakan:

Livingston Hotel is situated close to the city center and major transportation hubs, making it easy to get around. The hotel is equipped with an outdoor swimming pool for relaxing after a day of exploring Sandakan. 

It is located close to famous sights like the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, Sandakan Rainforest Park, Agnes Keith House, and Sandakan Harbour Mall. Book your stay starting from RM250/night.

The Pavilion Hotel is a popular 3-star contemporary hotel located at Bandar Labuk Jaya, only about 5 minutes (roughly 3.8 km) from Sandakan Airport, making it very convenient for early flights or quick arrivals. 

The hotel is a short 20-minute drive from the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Guests can book a room for two, starting from RM166/night or opt for the Family Room for families traveling together. 

The Elopura Hotel is located right by the waterfront and Sandakan Bay/the Sulu Sea, making it the best hotel to stay right in Sandakan Harbour Square, where you are within a 5-minute walk of the Sandakan Heritage Trail, the Sandakan Harbour Mall, local street markets, and mural arts.

You can ask the staff for a room with views over the Sulu Sea and Sandakan Bay. A nice and simple place to stay at Sandakan with room rates starting from RM164/night. 

Read More: Island Hopping Sabah: A Complete Guide to Exploring Its Tropical Islands

Plan a luxurious island escape at Lankayan Island Resort Beach or join the 2-day/1-night tour package during peak green turtle nesting months at Selingan Turtle Island. But for a budget weekend trip, you can also venture the beaches at mainland Sandakan, such as Pantai Dandulit, Pantai Pamaguan, or Pantai Pasir Putih.

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