Weekend Dose of Sandakan: Top 6 Places to Visit

 

A group of us had some free time to spare one weekend and decided to make an impromptu road trip to Sandakan to explore what it has to offer.

As a first-timer visiting Sandakan, I've heard many great things about Sabah's "Little Hong Kong", but I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The euphoria I felt upon arrival was similar to when I travelled overseas.

Between waterfront villages, historical landmarks, rainforest trails and wildlife encounters, we managed to squeeze quite a bit into our short getaway.

Here are 6 places we managed to explore in and around Sandakan, and what made each one worth the visit.

1. Sim Sim Water Village

After 8 hours on the road, we finally arrived in Sandakan, and just in time for lunch too!

Our first stop was Sim Sim Water Village, a long-established waterfront community known for its colourful wooden houses built on stilts over the water. Wooden walkways connect the village, passing homes and leading towards seafood restaurants further inside.

On the way to the restaurant, I was intrigued by the fact that we were indeed walking by people's homes. It felt like we were invading their privacy but to them, it was just another day of people passing by to get to their restaurant of choice.

By the time we were finally seated, it was time for a feast! Fresh seafood, especially prawns, was a very welcome reward after spending most of the day sat in a car.

Sim Sim Water Village is also featured in Amazing Borneo's 3D2N Sabah Wildlife Wonders tour, which combines Sandakan's town attractions with wildlife experiences in Sepilok and Kinabatangan.

2. Puu Ji Shih Temple

Perched on a hillside overlooking Sandakan, Puu Ji Shih Temple is known for its ornate Buddhist architecture, colourful decorations and impressive statues.

I'm not Buddhist myself, but I couldn't help admiring the craftsmanship throughout the temple. The 3 enormous Buddha statues inside were particularly striking, with their gold-coloured finishes and intricate decorative details.

The elevated setting is another reason to visit, offering panoramic views of Sandakan town and the surrounding coastline. It's an excellent vantage point for photography, with plenty to appreciate beyond the temple's religious significance.

The temple is also included in the Sandakan city sightseeing portion of Amazing Borneo's Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Labuk Bay tour.

3. Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok

The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is one of Sepilok's main attractions, particularly for visitors interested in birdwatching, nature and rainforest conservation.

Located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, RDC has nature trails, observation towers and an elevated skywalk that takes visitors above the forest floor.

Families and visitors curious about rainforest conservation can explore the environmental education exhibits, which introduce Sabah's rainforest ecosystems and the importance of managing forest resources sustainably. I enjoyed this part of the visit, although I was admittedly more excited about the canopy walkways!

As someone on the shorter side, being able to walk among the treetops rather than look up at them was quite a novelty. There's something special about finding yourself at eye level with the rainforest giants.

Unfortunately, we didn't have nearly enough time to explore everything. We managed to walk along the canopy walkways and climb 2 of the 3 observation towers that were there during our visit.

The real highlight came when we spotted a flying squirrel gliding from one tree to another.

Flying squirrel spotted at Rainforest Discovery Centre

RDC is also popular among birdwatchers, while guided night walks offer opportunities to discover nocturnal wildlife. Allow a few hours to explore, particularly if you're interested in wildlife photography or spending time along the forest trails.

The centre is close to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. All 3 attractions are included in Amazing Borneo's 3D2N Sandakan and Kinabatangan Wildlife Tour, alongside other wildlife experiences in the region.

4. Gomantong Caves

Gomantong Caves aren't exactly the place to visit if you're sensitive to smells, but there's much more to this limestone cave system than its rather pungent welcome.

Located within the Gomantong Forest Reserve in the Kinabatangan district, the cave system consists of 2 main caves: Simud Hitam (Black Cave) and Simud Putih (White Cave). Simud Hitam is the more accessible of the 2, while access to Simud Putih is restricted.

The caves are home to large populations of swiftlets, bats, cockroaches and other cave-dwelling creatures. With so many residents sharing the same space, the distinctive smell is hardly surprising.

Gomantong Caves are particularly known for their traditional edible bird's nest harvesting. Swiftlets build their nests high along the cave walls, and licensed harvesters use rattan ladders, ropes and bamboo poles to collect them.

Harvesting traditionally takes place between February and April, and again between July and September, although exact dates may vary. We arrived a few days too late to witness the process ourselves, but the harvesting equipment was still visible inside the caves.

The caves can be dark and slippery, so covered shoes with good grip and a proper torch are recommended. A phone flashlight may not provide enough illumination for some areas.

Gomantong Caves are also known for the large numbers of bats that emerge around sunset. We didn't stay long enough to witness this ourselves, but it's another fascinating part of the caves' natural environment.

The surrounding forest is home to other wildlife, including wild orangutans, although sightings are a matter of chance.

Located near the Kinabatangan River, Gomantong Caves can be combined with a wildlife cruise through Amazing Borneo's Gomantong Cave and Kinabatangan River Cruise. If you're particularly interested in bird's nest harvesting or bat emergence, check current visitor access and activity arrangements before planning your trip.

5. Kinabatangan River and Oxbow Lake

Stretching approximately 560 km across Sabah, the Kinabatangan River is Malaysia's second-longest river and one of the state's best-known wildlife destinations.

Its surrounding forests, wetlands and riverbanks support an impressive variety of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, orangutans, hornbills, crocodiles and, with some luck, Bornean pygmy elephants.

River cruises are a popular way to explore the area, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when animals may be active along the riverbanks.

I only managed to experience the morning cruise, while a few others from our group also went on the evening and night cruises.

The early start came with cool, misty air, but the river was already full of activity.

We spotted several bird species and a few crocodiles resting near the riverbanks.

We also came across families of proboscis monkeys and a pair of hornbills perched among the trees.

Another memorable part of the experience was visiting an oxbow lake. These crescent-shaped lakes form when a bend in a river becomes separated from the main channel, creating a quieter body of water within the floodplain.

Compared with the main river, the lake felt incredibly peaceful. After taking a few photographs and videos, I put my camera aside and spent the rest of the experience enjoying the surrounding rainforest without distractions.

For wildlife enthusiasts, an overnight stay along the Kinabatangan allows for cruises at different times of day. Amazing Borneo's 2D1N Bilit Adventure Lodge Wildlife Tour includes both an afternoon and a morning river cruise, along with visits to Sepilok's orangutan and sun bear conservation centres.

Wildlife sightings vary, and visits to specific areas, including oxbow lakes, depend on the chosen itinerary and local conditions.

6. Agnes Keith House

History enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate at Agnes Keith House, a restored colonial-era residence once home to American writer Agnes Newton Keith and her family.

Keith is best known for her 3 books about her experiences in North Borneo before, during and after the Second World War: Land Below the Wind (1939), Three Came Home (1947) and White Man Returns (1951).

The house was rebuilt in 1946–47 following the war and later restored as a museum. Today, visitors can explore rooms furnished with reproductions of colonial-era furniture, genuine antiques and exhibits documenting the Keith family's life in Sandakan.

I've always enjoyed visiting historical places, especially those that offer a glimpse into everyday life from another era. The old telephones, radios, typewriters and sewing machines particularly caught my attention. It's fascinating how much some everyday objects have changed, while others are still instantly recognisable.

For a little change of pace after exploring the museum, the nearby English Tea House is a lovely addition to consider for afternoon tea. Situated next to Agnes Keith House, it's another place to enjoy Sandakan's hillside views.

Agnes Keith House can also be added to Amazing Borneo's Sepilok Orangutan Centre tour as an optional stop at an additional cost.

Other Places to Visit in and Around Sandakan

Our short getaway only scratched the surface of what Sandakan and the surrounding region have to offer. If you have more time, here are a few other attractions worth exploring.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Located next to each other in Sepilok, these conservation centres care for rescued orangutans and sun bears, the world's smallest bear species. Visitors can observe the animals from designated viewing areas and learn about their rehabilitation and conservation.

Both centres can be visited on the same day, or as part of Amazing Borneo's 2D1N Sepilok Nature Lodge Stay with Orangutan & Sun Bear Experience.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Set within a mangrove habitat outside Sandakan town, Labuk Bay offers opportunities to observe proboscis monkeys from designated viewing platforms during scheduled feeding sessions. Amazing Borneo's Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Labuk Bay tour combines both wildlife attractions in one excursion.

Sandakan Memorial Park

Built on the site of a former prisoner-of-war camp, Sandakan Memorial Park commemorates the Australian and British prisoners who died during the Second World War, including those who perished during the Sandakan Death Marches. Memorials, historical exhibits and wartime relics offer insight into this difficult chapter of Sandakan's history.

The park is also included in the city sightseeing portion of Amazing Borneo's 3D2N Selingan Turtle Island and Kinabatangan River Cruise Safari.

Selingan Turtle Island

Part of the protected Turtle Islands Park, Selingan Island is an important nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles. Overnight visitors may observe ranger-supervised conservation activities, including nesting and hatchling releases. Amazing Borneo's 2D1N Selingan Turtle Island Escape includes accommodation and a guided turtle conservation experience.

How Many Days Do You Need in Sandakan?

For Sandakan town and Sepilok, 2 to 3 days can cover several major attractions. If you're also planning to explore Kinabatangan, Gomantong Caves or Selingan Turtle Island, allow around 5 days to a week.

Our weekend trip felt a little rushed, especially with the travelling involved. Personally, I'd allow more time to explore at a comfortable pace. With that said, I won't be ticking Sandakan off my bucket list just yet!

Explore Sandakan with Amazing Borneo

From wildlife encounters along the Kinabatangan River to rainforest adventures and historical landmarks, Amazing Borneo offers a range of Sandakan tours and experiences to help you discover more of the region.

Planning your Sandakan getaway? Email or chat with us on WhatsApp and let our travel specialists help you find an itinerary that suits your interests and travel plans.