Making the most of Sandakan
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The cruise dock sits right in the town centre.
On Borneo's east coast, Sandakan is Sabah, East Malaysia's second-largest city. It serves as the gateway to Sabah ecotourism destinations including the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation center, Rainforest Discovery center, Turtle Islands Park, Kinabatangan River and Gomantong Caves.
Above nearby Tanah Merah, hilltop Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple commands views across the town and harbour, as does Sam Sing Kung Temple, the city's oldest building. For an authentic experience, visit Kampung Buli Sim Sim, a stilted water village, for fresh seafood at a floating restaurant, or make a day trip to ecotourism destinations such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation center and Kinabatangan River.
The chief attraction for visitors is the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation center, where young orphaned apes are cared for and taught the skills needed to survive in the shrinking natural habitat once ruled by their kind. These gentle, enchanting animals are certain to capture your heart and leave an indelible memory of a close encounter with another species. Foreign tourists pay 30RM.
Getting around
Taxis make it easy to reach places such as Sepilok or the War Memorial, but fares must be negotiated because meters are not commonly available. A taxi to Sepilok, waiting and returning, costs 40myr.
Sandakan is a small town that is easy to explore on foot, with a walking trail covering all the main sites.
Food and shopping
A short walk from the port brings you to the Central Market and Milimewa Superstore. Do not carry turtle eggs in your luggage: police and customs officials take this very seriously.
Money
Malaysia's currency is the ringgit.
Staying connected
Sandakan has long been a predominantly Chinese city. Unlike in most other parts of Sabah, Cantonese is the principal Chinese dialect used among Sandakan's Chinese, although it is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect in Sabah. Most residents can understand and speak at least basic English.