Hotels in Sandakan

Hotels in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

The second largest city in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu is located on the east coast of the island which is the main port for various export commodities. Such as oil, tobacco, coffee, sago, and wood, and have a strong influence on the fishing economy and shipbuilding.

Apart from its strength in the export sector and the coastal economy, Sandakan also has its charm due to its many tourist destinations. From beautiful natural attractions, and authentic historical and cultural sites to traditional and luxury shopping centers. Sandakan is also famous for its culinary seafood, which is fresh and full of flavors, so you must try it.

It won't be enough if only one day to get around Sandakan, so you should stay overnight to be more satisfied. But you don't need to worry because you can easily find hotels in Sandakan according to your taste.

Reasons to Visit Sandakan

Some people come to Sandakan to do business because Sandakan has a strong role in the export of several commodities. Apart from that, Sandakan also has many visitors because of its natural beauty, one of which is Lankayan Island and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Tourists also play at Indah Jaya Waterpark and shop at the Sandakan Public Market. Sandakan has great attention to cultural and natural preservation so you can find some of those preservation places.

There are cultural preservation efforts at the Sandakan and Agnes Newton Keith Memorial Park. Meanwhile, you can get nature conservation at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center and several other places.

Best Activities to Do in Sandakan

1. Enjoying the Natural Beauty of Sandakan

You can visit many destinations when you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Sandakan, for example, the Island of Idols. The island, which has two sandstone hills, has caves and beautiful forests.

Lankayan Island is also known as the best place for diving and boat and jet facilities. Or visit Gomantong Caves, the largest limestone cave in Sabah and has 27 small caves. Inside this cave, you will meet several types of bats, including the Fawn Leaf-Nosed and the Philippine Forest Horseshoe.

2. Playing in the Amusement Park

Sandakan has a lively water theme park, especially during summer, namely Indah Jaya Waterpark. The park is equipped with various rides, including a slide that weaves its way into the middle of a large swimming pool.

3. See the Sandakan Nature Preserve

Efforts to conserve nature, both flora and fauna, have received much attention in Sandakan. There are several forest reserves, such as the Rainforest Discovery Center and the Deramakot Forest Reserve. Apart from functioning as forest reserves, these forests are also home to many flora and fauna.

To deal with the threat of extinction of sun bears or sun bears, there is the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Not far from this place, there is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where the big and long nose monkeys are preserved.

You can also visit Sandakan Crocodile Farm, home to 3000 crocodiles and several other animals in a mini zoo. Shifting to the coastal area, visit Pulau Selingan, which is a center for conserving and hatching turtle eggs. Since 1996, the types of turtles that have landed here are the Karah Turtle and the Green Turtle, which come to lay their eggs.

Best Hotels to Stay in Sandakan

1. Sabah Hotel Sandakan

Address: KM 1, Jalan Utara, Sandakan Town, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, 9000

Price: start from RM 315.00 per night

This hotel near Sandakan Airport (SDK) has complete facilities, so it is not only suitable for a stopover but also for a staycation. There is a very large swimming pool with a unique design and a child-friendly slide. You can also relax in the garden or terrace or have fun in the karaoke room. 

2. Livingston Hotel

Address: Mile 4, Jalan Utara, Sandakan Town, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, 9000

Price: start from RM 234.11 per night

Take the time to try the nasi lemak breakfast, which is the best choice when staying at this hotel. This hotel is also quite close to Sandakan Airport, so it can be an option if you are in transit during your trip. If you have an event or have business interests, use the available Function Hall.

Getting Around Sandakan

Visitors who come from out of town can visit by plane with several choices of airlines such as AirAsia. Next, you will land at Sandakan Airport, about 13 km from the city center. Another option is to use buses which are the preferred choice for inter-city traffic, but some are old. 

Meanwhile, to get around the city, you can use the city bus, which you can find at bus stops and terminals. For those of you who want to go to several islands, boats are usually offered at several ports.

Popular Food or Restaurants in Sandakan

1. White Sands Seafood Centre

It's incomplete if you visit Sandakan but don't taste the fresh seafood. This restaurant serves a variety of seafood menus such as Yee Mee Lobster and Yee Mee Udang Kara. Another menu that is no less delicious is Boiled Shrimp and Salted Grilled Crab, which are rich in taste and soft meat.

2. San Da Gen Kopitiam

This restaurant, located in the heart of Sandakan, has a very attractive and Instagrammable interior design. Some menus that you must try are UFO Tart, Salted Egg Lava French Toast, Durian Cream Puff, or Avocado Cream Puff.

3. The English Tea House & Restaurant

There is a historic house in Sandakan, the Agnes Keith House, an American writer, now a museum. Next to the house is a chill-out restaurant with a menu of Western classics and Asian favorites.

4. Coto Makassar Haji Alimuddin bin Indala

Taste the delicious special soto located on Jalan Pryer, only 5 minutes walk from San Da Gen Kopitiam. This small outlet serves a hot bowl of soto, a favorite breakfast menu with pieces of beef or chicken.

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