More about hotels in Sandakan
Hotels in Sandakan — Your Complete Guide
Sandakan, perched on the northeast coast of Sabah, was once the capital of British North Borneo and remains one of Malaysian Borneo's most historically rich and wildlife-abundant destinations. Known as the gateway to the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Turtle Islands Park, and the Kinabatangan River, Sandakan draws nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and adventurous families year-round. With over 150 hotels and guesthouses available on Traveloka starting from approximately RM 45 per night, Sandakan delivers excellent value for travellers seeking an authentic Borneo experience without the price tag of more commercialised destinations.
The town itself retains a colourful heritage, from its bustling central market to its waterfront boardwalk and wartime memorials. Whether you are here to watch orangutans swing through the canopy, snorkel with sea turtles, or feast on some of Sabah's finest seafood, Sandakan has accommodation to suit every budget and style.
Best Areas to Stay in Sandakan
Sandakan Town Centre
The town centre along Lebuh Tiga and the waterfront is the most convenient area for first-time visitors. Hotels here put you within walking distance of the central market, Harbour Square, restaurants, and banks. Budget hotels in town start from RM 45–RM 80 per night, while mid-range options with sea views cost RM 100–RM 200 per night. Hotel 81 Sandakan is a popular budget choice in the heart of town.
Mile 1.5 to Mile 6 (Sepilok Road)
This stretch heading towards Sepilok is ideal for travellers whose primary goal is visiting the orangutan centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre. Accommodation ranges from jungle lodges to modern hotels, with rates from RM 80–RM 250 per night. Sepilok Nature Resort offers a peaceful rainforest setting just minutes from the orangutan centre.
Bandar Indah & Bandar Letat
These newer township areas on the outskirts of Sandakan are quieter and more residential, ideal for families and longer stays. Hotels here offer better room sizes and parking, with rates from RM 60–RM 150 per night. properties near Kinabatangan provide easy access to river safari tours.
Hotel Prices in Sandakan by Star Rating
Budget (1–2 star): Sandakan has a good selection of budget hotels and guesthouses starting from RM 45–RM 80 per night. These offer basic air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and convenient town centre locations. They are suitable for backpackers and short-stay travellers.
Mid-range (3 star): Three-star hotels in Sandakan typically cost RM 90–RM 180 per night and offer more comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, and sometimes swimming pools. Hotel Sandakan is a well-known mid-range property with harbour views.
Upper mid-range (4 star): Four-star options range from RM 200–RM 400 per night and feature full-service facilities including fitness centres, business amenities, and premium dining. Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan is the town's leading international brand hotel.
Luxury (5 star): True five-star properties are limited in Sandakan town, but nearby wildlife lodges and eco-resorts command rates from RM 400–RM 900 per night, offering exclusive jungle and river experiences with premium comfort.
Top Hotels in Sandakan
Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan
Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan is the city's premier international hotel, offering modern rooms with harbour views, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and multiple dining options. Rates start from approximately RM 250 per night, making it an excellent choice for business and leisure travellers.
Hotel Sandakan
Hotel Sandakan is a trusted mid-range property in the town centre with clean rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and easy access to the waterfront. Rates start from around RM 100 per night.
Sepilok Nature Resort
Sepilok Nature Resort sits adjacent to the Sepilok Forest Reserve, offering chalets surrounded by tropical gardens. It is the most popular accommodation for visitors to the orangutan centre. Rates start from RM 130 per night.
Sabah Hotel Sandakan
Sabah Hotel Sandakan is a longstanding mid-range property near the town centre, known for its spacious rooms and competitive pricing from RM 90 per night.
Best Time to Visit Sandakan
Sandakan has a tropical climate with warm temperatures of 27–33°C throughout the year. The drier months from March to October are generally the best time to visit, with less rainfall making outdoor activities and wildlife tours more enjoyable. The peak season is from July to September, when hotel rates may be 10–20% higher.
The monsoon season from November to February brings heavier rainfall, particularly in the afternoons. However, the Sepilok Orangutan Centre operates year-round, and hotel prices drop by 15–25% during this period. Turtle nesting on Selingan Island occurs throughout the year, so Turtle Islands Park can be visited in any season, weather permitting.
Getting to Sandakan
Sandakan Airport (SDK) receives daily flights from Kota Kinabalu (approximately 45 minutes) and Kuala Lumpur (around 2 hours 40 minutes). Return flights from KL to Sandakan typically cost RM 250–RM 600 depending on the season and airline. AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines operate regular services.
From Sandakan Airport, a taxi to the town centre takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately RM 25–RM 35. For those arriving overland, buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan take around 6 hours along a scenic route through the Crocker Range, with fares from RM 35–RM 50.
Top Attractions Near Hotels in Sandakan
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is Sandakan's star attraction and one of the world's most important orangutan conservation sites. Visitors can watch feeding sessions at 10am and 3pm daily. Entry costs RM 30 for Malaysians and RM 90 for international visitors. The adjacent Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is equally worthwhile.
Turtle Islands Park lies about 40 kilometres offshore and is one of Southeast Asia's most important turtle nesting sites. Overnight trips cost approximately RM 400–RM 800 per person including boat transfers, accommodation, meals, and guided turtle watching.
Kinabatangan River, accessible from the Sandakan area, is one of the best places in Asia for wildlife spotting. River cruises pass through pristine mangrove and rainforest, where you can see proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and crocodiles. Two-day packages start from RM 300 per person.
The Sandakan Memorial Park commemorates the Sandakan Death Marches of World War II and is a moving historical site. Entry is free. The Agnes Keith House, a beautifully restored colonial-era home turned museum, provides fascinating insight into pre-war life in British North Borneo.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Sandakan
Book your Sandakan hotel on Traveloka to enjoy instant confirmation, flexible payment options, and access to exclusive deals. Many properties offer free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before check-in, giving you peace of mind when planning wildlife tours that may depend on weather conditions.
For the best rates, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during school holidays and the peak July–September period. If you are planning to visit Sepilok, consider staying along the Sepilok Road rather than in town to save travel time and enjoy a more immersive jungle atmosphere.
Traveloka's PayLater feature allows you to spread hotel payments over instalments, making it easier to budget for the full Sandakan wildlife experience including river cruises and turtle island trips. Compare prices across similar properties using Traveloka's filters for star rating, guest reviews, and amenities to find your perfect Sandakan hotel.
Also explore nearby destinations for a broader Sabah adventure. Browse hotels in Semporna for world-class diving, Kota Kinabalu for Mount Kinabalu and island hopping, or Tawau as a gateway to Semporna — all bookable on Traveloka.
