Location: Sandakan
Top Things to do in Sandakan
What to do and see in Sandakan, Sabah: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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 Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 775 reviews
Reviewed By OrderintheHouse
In September and October 2017 my wife and I visited delightful Malaysian Borneo visiting attractions in both Sarawak and Sabah. Included in the Sabah section was a visit to Sandakan Memorial Park. A visit to the Sandakan Memorial Park is a reflective and very solemn experience for any visitor to Sandakan. It dedicates the memory of 1793 Australian and 641 British members of the armed forces whilst prisoners of war (POWs) in Borneo during World War II. It highlights the terrible atrocities inflicted upon those POWs who lost their lives on the infamous Death Marches from Sandakan to Ranau, around 220 kilometres inland and close to Kinabalu Park. Only 6 prisoners, all Australians, survived. To my mind it is an essential visit for any Australian traveller to Malaysian Borneo to gain an insight into this important aspect of Australian war history. The Park is adjacent to the site of the original Sandakan POW camp. There are several memorial and interpretive stations around the park for visitors to explore at their own pace via an impressive walking track. The landscaping of the Park including the lake, gardens and trees is very beautifully maintained. The Commemorative Pavilion is also an important aspect of the Park displaying photographic exhibits that tell countless stories of the atrocities inflicted upon these brave POWs by their Japanese captors. A feature in this Pavilion is the decorative gates depicting flowers representing people of the three nations who suffered at Sandakan during the Second World War. Above all, the Park is a chilling reminder to all that in learning to forgive the wrongs of the past we must maintain Memorials such as Sandakan Memorial Park to make sure we never allow these wrongs to be repeated. It’s this reminder that makes this Park so essential to include in any Borneo visit. Equally impressive are the memorial stain glass windows installed since 2005 in St Michael’s Church, Sandakan in memory of the POWs imprisoned in Borneo. I would recommend a visit here also. You need to make arrangements with the Church Office to gain access inside the Church, for a small fee. Another must for travellers interested in this chapter of World War II history is the Sabah Tea Plantation at Ranau. The Plantation is on the very site where the Death Marches ended and viewing further impressive POW memorials is an added bonus to simply buying Sabah tea or enjoying lunch in the Plantation Restaurant. We were deeply moved by all three experiences. .
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. 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.
5. 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.
