Hotels in Sandakan

The historical city of Sandakan is the second largest city in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu. It is located in the east coast of Borneo Island and is the administrative centre of the Sandakan Division. It had served as the capital of the British North Borneo during the British colonial time. The town has an estimated population of 157,330 while the surrounding municipal area has a total population of 396,290.

Sandakan is famous as the gateway for eco-tourism destinations in Sabah such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, the Turtle Islands Park, Sukau Proboscis Lodge, and the archaeological Gomantong Caves. Sandakan is one of the main ports for oil, tobacco, coffee, sago, and timber exports. Other economic activities include fishing, ship building, eco-tourism, and manufacturing. Among the tourist attractions in Sandakan are Sandakan Heritage Museum, Sandakan Cultural Festival, Sandakan War Memorial, Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Turtle Islands National Park, and Gomantong Caves.

Sandakan formerly known at various times as Elopura. It is also the notorious site of a World War II Japanese airfield which was built by the forced labour of Javanese civilians and Allied prisoners of war. In 1945, the surviving prisoners were sent on the Sandakan Death Marches after which only 6 survived the war.

How to Get There

By Plane

If you are traveling by air, nearest airport is the Sandakan Airport (IATA: SDK, ICAO: WBKS) is a domestic airport, which serves Sandakan, a town in the east Malaysian state of Sabah. It is located 14 km (8.7 mi) west of downtown Sandakan.

Most people in Sandakan speak Bahasa Melayu. However, due to various ethnicity, the language spoken get influenced with many words from the Suluk and Bajau language. The Chinese speak Chinese language with Cantonese and Hakka dialect.

Hotels

Accommodations around Sandakan are available in abundance, ranging from 3 stars hotel, modest hostels and backpacker inns.

Sandakan Homestay

It is a budget accommodation you are looking for with a great deal in Sandakan. If you are on a budget travel plan, this hotel might just be the ideal hotel for you to stay in while you can spend your money in other elements in the town such as food and souvenirs.

Hotel Kensington

Kensington Hotel Sandakan is one of the most affordable hotels you can find in Sandakan. The Kensington Hotel Sandakan is not a stand-alone building of its own, thus, one guideline for you to seek the place is to look out for shop lots in which the hotel is located. The hotel takes place on the ground, first and second floors and there are a total of 22 bedrooms in serving its customers. In the same time, it is also a great opportunity for you to observe the local culture of Sandakan in a close distance, and in the same time, you will also be able to observe the daily lifestyles of the locals out from your window. Besides, residing in the Kensington Hotel Sandakan also helps you to eliminate your worries of getting around the town because you will be able to get yourself a public transport once you step out of the hotel.

My Dream Hotel

My Dream Hotel provides you with a variety of rooms to choose from base on your own preference. My Dream Hotel is also an ideal place for you to consider staying in due to the fact that it locates in the center of the town; thus, exposing you to the many shop lots and restaurants that you can find nearby the hotel.

Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan

Overlooking Sandakan's azure scenic bay at the heart of Sandakan Town, Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan is your perfect choice for business or leisure; a drive a way to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Wear suitable cotton clothes as it is very hot and humid in Sandakan. Also, bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and make sure to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.