2025 Sandakan Division Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

This park is notable for the fact that it is inhabited by proboscis monkeys, which live only in Borneo, and their population is rapidly declining. This is due to the fact that planting of various types of agricultural plants and trees is actively developing in Malaysia, and the jungle is gradually being destroyed. Proboscis monkeys are completely harmless to humans, they are very cute and friendly creatures. Labuk Bay Park is a place where these animals can live and move freely, there are no cages or any fences. However, they are still a little afraid of humans and won't let you get too close. #bucketlistreboot #malaysia

turtle park place is place that you can see the turtle feed them and touch them. a few different species of turtle they showed here. They also rehabilitate injured turtles that are found in the wild here. You will be able to see the turtle hatchlings here. These turtles will be kept here until they areold enough to be released into the sea during the night. at turtle park also have some others animals like snake, bird, iguana, and many more you can touch and take photo with this animals ❤️#bucketlistreboot #tripblazers #mytripvlog #awesomepic #couplestrip #animalcare #animalpark

When you go to Sandakan, this will definitely place that you must visit, you will get chance to see lot old stuffs. #passionpassport #awesomepic

#travel

If you’ve never seen the world’s smallest bears hanging out in the jungle, you’re missing out. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is like a VIP lounge for rescued bears, complete with trees to climb, snacks to forage, and lots of bear naps. The bears are ridiculously cute with their unique chest markings—each one looks like they’re wearing a personalized T-shirt. Plus, every bear has a story (some are tearjerkers), but seeing them thrive here is pure joy. The center isn’t just about giving bears a home; it’s on a mission to save these little guys from habitat loss and poachers. The team there? Absolute heroes. Also, the gift shop is a win—you can leave with bear-themed swag and a good conscience. Bottom line: Go for the bears, stay for the good vibes, and leave feeling like a conservationist. #sunbear #conservationheroes

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Tyng Garden Hotel 💡 Tips

#featuredpost

🌲🌲 Sandakan, a hidden gem in Sabah, Malaysia, awaits your discovery. As the second largest city in Sabah, Sandakan is not only Malaysia's largest timber export port and fishing port, but also a tourist destination full of natural wonders and historical sites. 🌺**Day 1: Arrival and Exploration** 1⃣- **Sim Sim Water Village**: Start your journey by exploring this water village located just a ten-minute drive from downtown Sandakan. It is home to indigenous and Malay people, as well as a Chinese community, showcasing the multicultural side of Sandakan. 2⃣- **Sandakan District Mosque**: Feel the religious atmosphere of the city at this magnificent mosque, one of Sandakan's landmarks. 3⃣- **Taman Chong Tain Vun**: Relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature in this city park. 4⃣- **Seafood Dinner**: Enjoy a fresh seafood feast at Sim Sim H90 and experience Sandakan's seafood culture. 🌺**Day 2: Nature and History** 1⃣- **Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary**: Get up close and personal with these unique proboscis monkeys and experience the wildlife charm of Sandakan. 2⃣- **Agnes Keith House**: Visit the home of this famous writer and feel the inspiration for her book "Land Below the Wind." 3⃣- **St Michael and All Angels Church**: This solid granite church has witnessed the historical changes of Sandakan. 🌺**Day 3: Culture and Religion** 1⃣- **Puu Jih Shih Temple**: Explore this Buddhist temple and experience the religious diversity of Sandakan. 2⃣- **Fook Kui Lin Men Seafood Restaurant**: Enjoy dinner at this locally renowned restaurant and taste authentic Malay cuisine. 🌺**Day 4: Market and Return** 1⃣- **Central Market**: Experience the local life of Sandakan at the Central Market and buy some local specialties as souvenirs. 2⃣- **Avocado Shaved Ice**: Before returning, try the local specialty dessert to end your trip on a perfect note. 🌲🌲 Sandakan, a tourist destination that combines nature, history, and culture, awaits your exploration. Here, every step is a discovery, and every day is an adventure. Don't hesitate, start your journey now and make Sandakan your next travel destination. 🌹🌹

🌴 Step into Walai Penyu Resort and be instantly captivated by this tranquil seaside hideaway. It's not just an ideal place to stay while exploring Sandakan, but also a perfect choice for those seeking a natural and comfortable lifestyle. 📍Prime Location The resort is conveniently located near Sandakan Airport, just a 25-minute drive away. Even more exciting, Libaran Island is just a stone's throw away. Take a few steps to feel the sea breeze and listen to the whispers of the waves, as if the whole world has slowed down. 🛏️Well-Equipped Rooms The resort features 10 thoughtfully designed rooms, each equipped with an electric kettle and bottled water to meet your daily drinking needs. The rooms are simply decorated yet cozy, with complete facilities, allowing you to feel the comfort and convenience of home even while traveling. 🌳Beautiful Natural Environment The resort is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a pleasant and beautiful environment. Whether you're strolling by the sea or sitting in your room enjoying the time, you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the embrace of nature, feeling the long-lost tranquility and beauty. 🐢Turtle Conservation Tour Walai Penyu Resort is also a turtle conservation area, offering visitors a great opportunity to observe turtles while being committed to protecting their habitat. You can get up close and personal with the turtles, learn about their habits, and experience the wonders of nature, adding a special memory to your trip. 🍽️Food and Leisure At the resort, you can also enjoy a variety of delicious food to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're spending quality time with family or having a heart-to-heart with friends, this is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the seaside scenery, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. Walai Penyu Resort, a seaside hideaway that will leave you wanting more, awaits your arrival to start an unforgettable leisurely journey.

nice

#traveldiaries Good place to relax and enjoy the fresh cold river. A better place than tawai since its quite unknown and a bit isolated. Place is well kept and clean toilet provided. Definite recommendation for a weekend daytrip. The water is crystal clear. If you bring goggles along for swimming, you can actually see and swim with the fishes. Worth for a visit.

#traveldiaries Nice route to walk to the top. We used the entrance at Astana Height Elopura and this path leads you directly to the correct route and the summit. It is a steep, but a relatively short route. There are several viewpoints where you can take a break. If you run during the day, there is a lot of full sun on the route so SPF is recommended. Recommended activities Hiking

#traveldiaries Located at Sejati Walk, behind Mydin. I'm not sure if you can see it from the main road. This cafe is so aesthetic and the interior design is very nice. They serve drinks & western food and some local food too. The price is still considerable too and their food and drinks are worth the money. Since this place is located far from the main City, it's not too crowded and gives you privacy. A good place to sit back and just chill. And yes, they have cakes and Croissants too. I've tried the Croissant and they are really good.

#traveldiaries For the active people, this Sport Complex is your main place to go to. The jogging track is great. They always seem to have sports events every evening, like football, hockey, basketball and rugby matches. The swimming pool is also very popular! Those who love track-and-field will be happy to know that the Sport Complex has one recently resurfaced track too. Facilities are in great condition, and the online booking is simple and easy to follow.

#traveldiaries The Rabbits are so cute and tamed. People will only need to learn how to care and handle them properly to avoid getting hurt by their claws and there's no need to fear about the rabbits attacking or trying to inflict harm they are just adorable. Nice Rabbit Garden, one more tourist attraction in Sandakan. Very interesting place, good for family recreation.

#traveldiaries Bukit Sim-Sim is also known as Elopura Recreation Park. There is a steep staircase that will take you to the top of Sim-Sim Hill. You will find many beautiful wild orchids on this trail. Also, there are beautiful views at the top of Sim-Sim Hill, including the city of Sandakan. Don’t forget to bring insect repellant, wear comfortable hiking boots and bring enough drinking water.

#traveldiaries Easy to moderate hike. A few steep trails along the way. No dedicated hut along the way but you can still catch your breath along the trail. Best to hike in the early morning. As for evening, 5pm is the latest if you plan to stay for a while at the peak. Best to leave the peak by 6.10pm as it gets dark quite fast. You'll only need sun protective attire around 250-350m of the trail while the rest of the trails are quite shady. Safe to hike alone.

#traveldiaries The Sandakan District Mosque (Malay: Masjid Daerah Sandakan or also known as Masjid Besar Sim-Sim) is a mosque in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. Build in 1985 and completed in 1989, it is the main mosque for the district of Sandakan. The mosque was officially opened in 1990. One of iconic mosque in Sandakan and that has a beautiful architecture and magnificent view; especially during sunrise. Well equipped district mosque for muslims to pray, preach and organize events. Medium size event hall is available.

#traveldiaries A must go place for families or friends or tourists who come to visit Sandakan. It's a lovely park with a great history in it, plus you can even catch a scenery of the town and sea during the day, night time the view is also magnificent with led lights shining around the tower and other props. You can bring your own food for a picnic there or you can dine in the restaurant just beside the park (operating hours started from evening 5pm or 6pm.

#traveldiaries Though there's an entrance fee, this place is great for shots, clean and there's no other people when we were there. Must see sight in Sandakan, the place is decorated with lots of plants. It's a small but very nice place with natural attractions but no publicity for that. Suggesting to visit with family, kids and loved ones. Recommend to come on day time only.

#traveldiaries Came here at night to enjoy the breeze. The LEDs on the tower lit the park with ambient light, just perfect. Sandakan port is visible from here. Good place to take photo. For viewing landscape better go on daytime. Great spot for a view over Sandakan. Head up there for a cracking sunset & there is a restaurant next door, but book in advance. Visited on -Weekday Wait time -No wait Reservation recommended -No

#traveldiaries A new places in Sandakan city. It's let you travel to the past, during Sandakan glory day at the 60s-90s. When Sandakan are known as little Hong Kong. A place great for Instagram. Others places that had unique wall murals at the old movie theater, the grand stand facing the park, the side wall near MPS and near the warehouse. 1 more there murals on the side of the mall and at the central market.

#traveldiaries This is one of the beautiful attractions when you visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok. The steel canopy walk is so huge that it can take hundreds of people at one time. It is also used as a birdwatching and nature watching tower. There are a total of 4 towers doing around here. Great place to bring your family as well. Visited on -Weekend Wait time -No wait Reservation recommended -No

#traveldiaries Temple of the Three Saints is listed as Sam Sing Kung Temple in the Sandakan Heritage Trail. It is a Chinese temple, and faces the municipal field of Sandakan. The name "Sam Sing Kung" means "three saints temple", and refers to Kwan Woon Cheung, the saint of righteousness, the goddess Tin Hou, a deity worshipped by fishermen, and Emperor Min Cheong, a patron deity of students, worshipped for good examination results. The Sam Sing Kung Temple was built by the four main Chinese communities in Sandakan, namely the Hakka, Cantonese, Hainanese and Teochew. It was completed in 1887, making it the oldest structure still standing in Sandakan.

#traveldiaries The William Pryer monument can be visited at MPS Sandakan Square. William Pryer was the founder of the establishment of Sandakan district. William Pryer was the first British Resident in Sandakan of North Borneo. Now, this monument is one of the landmark to remember the founder of Sandakan district. It's now one of the tourist attractions for the tourist that visit in Sandakan district.

#traveldiaries Can enjoy crickets’ sound and birds chirping while spending time with your family or friends here. Well maintained paved track for walking. Great place to chill and do some physical activity. Spot the Nepenthes! Ample free parking, with 2 stalls selling drinks and ready-to-eat cut fruits. Toilet also available. Entrance is free. To those who are more adventurous, can try the trail!

#traveldiaries Went for a hike at Kabili Trail, and surprisingly it was extremely enjoyable. Trek was harder than expected, but definitely doable. Do pack enough water and a bit of food. Best part is at the end of the trail, the staff there sells cold/hot drinks and instant noodle. So satisfying. Oh there is some leeches here and there but as long as you are prepared, its nothing much to worry about. Enjoy your time there and prepare accordingly. Oh and please don’t litter.

#traveldiaries Sandakan Waterfront must be the best place to take in the magnificent panorama of Sandakan Bay. It has been refurbished with a new pedestrian walkway along the entire esplanade. You can begin your walk from Sandakan Fish Market until the famous "Birds Nest Roundabout". End up by enjoying a cool down at the Tun Razak Park. Then take a short walk to the nearby Sandakan kopitiam for a typical Bajau Breakfast.

Rest ur mind , keep healing duhh

#myhiddengems The Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sabah offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the world's smallest bears. Nestled within the lush rainforest, the center focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating sun bears, providing a sanctuary where visitors can learn about their behavior and habitat. Engaging exhibits and informative guides make it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, highlighting critical conservation efforts and the challenges faced by these remarkable creatures.