Location: Sandakan
Top Restaurants in Sandakan
Top Things to do in Sandakan
- 1. Sandakan Memorial Park
- 2. Turtle Island Park
- 3. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- 4. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- 5. Orang Utan Sanctuary
- 6. Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
- 7. Deramakot Forest Reserve
- 8. Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple
- 9. Agnes Newton Keith Home
- 10. Gomantong Cave Sandakan
Sandakan Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Sandakan
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.
Things to do in Sandakan
1. Ocean King
Overall Ratings
4 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By NURY888 - Bintulu
This restaurant used to be situated on the beach but apparently after the kidnapping incident, they had moved to IJM. Love the fresh seafood but still prefer the one on the sea side with nice view of the open sea. Now that they have moved to a smaller shophouse, obviously losing its famous trademark, the ocean view....nevertheless the food still yummy.
2. English Tea House & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 719 reviews
The English Tea House is a colonial style English restaurant. It is situated next to the Agnes Keith House and overlooks Sandakan Bay
Reviewed By David C - Brisbane, Australia
Had a morning High Tea in this delightfully situated cafe on top of a hill overlooking Sandakan harbour. The food supplied was very good and varied and more than enough for two people for 45 MAR. HOWEVER, they did not have any English breakfast tea which rather defeats the purpose of a Tea House.
As it was near our hotel we did go back for an evening meal. They have a range of western sets but we opted for Malaysian which was good.
We had iced coffees there on another morning.
The staff are good and the setting is very good with the only downside the lack of a suitable tea on our first visit.
Worth a visit.
3. Good Taste Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By armking - Sandakan, Malaysia
It served with fresh seafoods and the soup based is strong. Other than Bak Kut Teh, they also serve Yellow Wine ( 黄酒) which best combination with chicken. Also, the Salted Vegetable Soup (咸菜汤) which best combination with fish. Must try... Sandakan trip will never complete without a taste in this restaurant.
4. Harbour Bistro Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Faithalicious_x - London, United Kingdom
This is a great restaurant by the harbourside waterfront in Sandakan (between Harbour Mall and the navy base - the last restaurant on the end if walking towards the naval base).
The food was really good and really cheap. I got curry chicken with rice for 9MYR (£1.50!). Portions are of a good size and the juices were really tasty. The orange juice was so good that I got two.
Its cool enough to sit outside as the restaurant is by the water. Better yet, there is no strange smell of Durian fruit or rubbish as there is throughout much of Sabah.
5. Balin Roof Garden Bar & Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 399 reviews
This little undiscovered gem is situated above the stalwart landmark of Nak Hotel, built in the 1960s. Once an engine room, The Bar & Alfresco dining area sprawl across an expansive open roof Terrace. Sip your ice cold beer & cocktails to a 360 degrees unobstructed view of the waterfront & catch the chillout sunset sessions from 5.00pm onwards to take in the best of Sandakan from a different perspective. Balin Bar & Bistro serves hearty yet creative western meals with Vegetarian, Gluten-Free & Childfriendly options but not forgetting a great dessert menu for those late night cravings.
Reviewed By BallardBeaver - Seattle
Ate dinner here twice while staying at Nak Hotel. Amazingly good Western food in a town that's not exactly a cuisine mecca. I had spaghetti carbonara with smoked duck one night (excellent) and mac-and-cheese the next (good).My companion had oat-crusted fried chicken with mashed potatoes both nights and it was outstanding. Very generous serving of chicken - too much for her to eat so I had quite a bit, too. Service was pleasant.
6. Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Jo-AnnKYTan - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
My favorite restaurant in Sandakan even though tourists opt for next door. I love the cooking here. Fantastically tasty. This time around I met Chef Thomas Yong who won the seafood section of the Sandakan Food Festival 2017. When I am here, I always choose the cheesy baby lobsters. Super duper yummy. Their salted fish is very appetizing too. Crabs are always good. I believe I may be bias but I love everything they cook up here. Maybe because I only get to visit once or twice a year but they have NEVER disappointed me. Whenever I get to visit, my reunion dinner with my students will always be here.
7. Plantation Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By FplusV - Penang Island, Malaysia
Dined in Plantation cafe while staying in Sabah Hotel on business in early December 2011.
Plantation Cafe is located on Level 1, by the Pool and the environment on the Terrace is especially nice since it is surrounded by the rain forest and lots of greenery which is very soothing.
They offer buffet breakfast which is similar with most hotels and not that really stands out. Small selection for Buffet Lunch, however their Theme Nights are something to look forward to especially Charcoal Night which is literally BBQ Night with a wide variety of fresh seafood and meats. Other Theme Nights are also quite Good.
Tried their ala carte local dishes a couple of times which were very good! Curry Laksa and Cantonese Noodles tops the list as they were very tasty, portion large with lots of ingredients (chicken, prawns, fish fillet, etc)
Service was ok, staff were friendly and served or cleared when required
8. The Eatery
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 44 reviews
The Eatery Restaurant is an all day dining restaurant with operating hours from 6:00am to 10:00pm featuring a wide array of local and international flavors on breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a 360 sea view restaurant with contemporary interior. Featuring fresh seafood, live cooking stations including grill, wok, noodles, pizzas, pastas and dessert bar.
Reviewed By leigh b - Santa Monica, California
Tried dinner and breakfast. Both bummers. Breakfast there are a least options to chose from but dinner was just a disappointment. One gluten free option and really no veggies. Just greasy food that you regret eating
9. Restoran Seafood Sim-Sim 88
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By Ron E - Canberra, Australia
Your greeted by a very knowledgeable person who then shows you all the options that they can cook for you. From live lobsters, prawns, various fish, mussels, etc. He then explains the cooking options and you then sit in cover overlooking the waters. What a way to go. Friendly service, great food and NO rush. Highly recommended.
10. 7 Heaven
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Hee Ting T - Lahad Datu, Malaysia
My wife and I came here in the recommendation of our friends that the ice cream here is the best and I am not disappointed. The titular dish is a must have when you are here.
