Location: Sandakan
Top Things to do in Sandakan
9 Nature & Parks in Sandakan That You Shouldn't Miss
Tropical Sandakan is a paradise for animal lovers. Watch turtles lay eggs at Turtle Islands Park, keep a giggly distance at a crocodile farm or share an impish smile with some of the residents at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The houses on stilts in the fishing village of Buli Sim Sim are perfect for sightseeing and photographing.
Restaurants in Sandakan
1. Turtle Island Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
Reviewed By AR548739 - London, United Kingdom
We booked direct through crystal quest, it was easy, Fatima was fantastic and responded quickly everytime she was very helpful from begining to end. After a few emails back and forth it was booked and we didnt have to pay anything until the day. Her email is - [email protected] The trip was fantastic, the work they do on the island is brilliant, if it wasn't for them the eggs wouldnt stand a chance.
2. Sandakan Rainforest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
3. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,168 reviews
Reviewed By Daneli09
Arrived early, had a good meal in the onsite restaurant before going to the feeding platform. Saw dozens of proboscis monkeys and several troops of macaques within arms length on the boardwalk leading to the feeding platform. Travelling between the feeding platforms, we saw hornbills, silver eared monkeys, wild boar and a huge monitor lizard. Great day out.
4. Lankayan island
5. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,628 reviews
Reviewed By Cosmopolitan587907
We decided to go to the Bornean Sun Bear Center instead of seeing the Orangutans next door. This place does invaluable work for Sun Bears and we saw 3 bears out from the viewing platform and they were adorable. One of the helpers, Becca was very friendly and spoke to us for 20-30 minutes, answering our questions and talking to us about the bears. We even saw an orangutan pop in from next door briefly in the trees! Could not recommend this place enough!
6. Deramakot Forest Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By sukiesue2019
I have just spent 7 days in Deramakot and have to say that the wildlife exceeded all expectations. In reference to the last post, yes the accommodation is basic but we all knew that before we booked so it should not have been any surprise. Whilst there we did suggest that a thorough clean prior to new clients arriving should be instigated, but other than that it was much as expected. As to the food, the cooks we took in with us produced very tasty food, especially given the limited kitchen set up available to them, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And yes we did break down a couple of times - but only for a couple of minutes, and once the battery was sorted there were no further problems. The vehicles may not have been the most luxuriously comfortable, but for being able to see the animals and to photograph them they were ideal. However, you are not at Deramakot for the rooms or food - the wildlife is the draw and this definitely did not disappoint. Our tour leader, Mike (Adventure Alternative Borneo), was a wizard with the spotlight and we had so many great sightings of leopard cats and the highlight was seeing a flat-headed cat posing beautifully on a log. Along with the binturong, orangs, gibbons, three species of civets, colugos, flying squirrels and numerous birds, we were treated to a wonderful collection of the wildlife of the area. I would wholeheartedly recommend Deramakot (and Mike!) to anyone who appreciates wildlife and particularly if you want to see some of the more bizarre animals that you can find in Borneo. I cannot wait to return.
7. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By F7652NOkevinr - Sydney, Australia
Have waited years to come here and I was not disappointed. The orangutans are just so amazing to watch as they play and eat in their playground. They are not locked in this area and are free to come and go as they like. We were mesmerised by their antics. They seem to roll and swing with such ease and rhythm. Out of a forward roll into a rope swing and up a tree in one motion. I wish I could’ve stayed there all day to soak up the entertainment. Love these guys.
8. Gomantong Cave Sandakan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 562 reviews
Reviewed By PhongN221 - Gungahlin, Australia
Having read David Attenborough's autobiography and his description of the Gomantong cave, I wanted to go here. It certainly is amazing to see all the animals that make up the eco-system of the cave.
