Things to Do in Sandakan: Orangutans and River Wildlife

Sandakan sits on a wide bay on Sabah’s north-east coast, and for most visitors it is the wildlife capital of Malaysian Borneo. The list of things to do in Sandakan starts with orangutans at Sepilok and proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River, but the town has more depth than its role as a gateway suggests: a hillside of colonial and wartime history, a Chinese temple with views over the harbour, and some of the best seafood in the state.

Most people split their time between three places: Sepilok, 25km inland, the old harbour town itself, and a riverside lodge on the Kinabatangan. This guide explains how they fit together.

Top things to do in Sandakan

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The Sepilok Orangutan Centre cares for orphaned and rescued orangutans and returns them to the surrounding forest reserve. Visitors watch from a boardwalk and feeding platform as young orangutans come in from the trees, and there is an indoor nursery viewing area where you can watch the youngest ones learn to climb. Feeding sessions are held morning and afternoon; check the current times before you go, as they can change.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre

Next door to the orangutan centre, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre looks after the world’s smallest bear species, best seen in the morning or on a cloudy day when the bears are most active. A short drive away, the Rainforest Discovery Centre has a canopy walkway and towers that are excellent for birdwatching at dawn. Together, the three sites fill a relaxed day at Sepilok.

Cruise the Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River is one of the best places in Southeast Asia to see wild animals from a boat. On early-morning and late-afternoon cruises from Sukau or Bilit you are likely to see proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills and crocodiles, and with luck wild orangutans or Bornean pygmy elephants. Stay at least one night, ideally two, to get several boat trips.

Gomantong Cave

Often combined with a Kinabatangan transfer, Gomantong is a vast limestone cave where swiftlet nests are harvested for bird’s nest soup. A boardwalk leads into the main chamber, which is home to large numbers of bats and swiftlets. Wear closed shoes; the floor is slippery and not for the squeamish.

Sandakan Memorial Park and the heritage trail

Sandakan Memorial Park marks the site of the Second World War prisoner-of-war camp from which Allied prisoners were sent on the Sandakan Death Marches. It is a quiet, moving stop with an interpretive pavilion. In town, a hillside heritage trail links Agnes Keith House, the former home of the American writer who described pre-war Sandakan, with St Michael’s and All Angels Church, one of the oldest stone churches in Sabah. Finish with tea at the English Tea House next to Agnes Keith House.

Puu Jih Shih Temple and Sim Sim water village

Puu Jih Shih is a Buddhist temple on a hill above the bay, with large gilded Buddha statues and wide views over the town. Down at sea level, Sim Sim is a stilted water village where boardwalks lead past homes to small seafood restaurants.

How Sandakan fits a Sabah trip

Sandakan works best in the middle of a Sabah itinerary. Fly in from Kota Kinabalu, spend a night or two at Sepilok, transfer to the Kinabatangan, then continue south to Semporna for the islands, flying out from Tawau or Lahad Datu. Our Sabah 7-day itinerary follows this route, and the Sabah state guide has the bigger picture.

Practical tips

• Pack for the forest. Bring insect repellent, a light rain jacket and binoculars. Leech socks are useful for jungle walks along the river.
• Book river lodges ahead. The best Kinabatangan lodges fill up in the dry season and school holidays, and most sell packages with meals and boat trips included.
• Keep your belongings close at Sepilok. Macaques visit the boardwalks and will grab bags and food.
• Use Grab in town. Grab works in Sandakan and is the easiest way between the airport, town and Sepilok.
• Check advisories for islands. Some governments, including the UK, advise against all but essential travel to the islands and dive sites off eastern Sabah, which can include island trips from Sandakan. This advice does not cover the mainland, but check your own government’s guidance and your insurance.

How long to stay and when to go

Three to four days is right for most travellers: one full day at Sepilok, half a day for the town’s history and food, and two nights on the Kinabatangan. Wildlife enthusiasts often add a third river night.

Sandakan is a year-round destination, but March to October is generally the most comfortable period, with drier weather and better river conditions. The wetter months from November to February bring heavier rain, and parts of the Kinabatangan floodplain can flood; wildlife is still around, though some walking trails may close.