Places to Visit in Sandakan, Malaysia, Asia
Sandakan is the second largest city in the state of Sabah lying on east of Malaysia on the north-eastern coast of Borneo. Sandakan covers a total area of 2266 sq kms and is known for being the major tourist attraction in this part of the country renowned for Turtles Parks, Caves and Rivers. Sandakan coordinates with 5.50’ degree North Latitude and 118.7’ degree East Longitude.
Climate in Sandakan:
Sandakan experiences tropical rainforest climatic conditions all round the year. The city receives heavy rainfall all round the year with the heaviest precipitation seen during the months of November to January. Summers are quite hot and humid with average temperature ranging around mid 30 degree Celsius where as during winter the minimum temperature hovers around mid 20 degree Celsius.
Tourist attractions in Sandakan:
Sandakan has lots of attractions to offer for the tourists who visit the place all round the year. Some of the places of interest are listed here below:
- Sandakan Prison Camp Memorial
- Turtle Island Park
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center
- Orangutan Sanctuary
- Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple
- Lankayan island
- Agnes Newton Keith Home known for historic sites.
- Sandakan Rainforest Park
- Gomantong Cave Sandakan
- Sandakan Heritage Trail
- Japanese Cemetery
- The Parish of St Michael and All Angels Church
- Deramakot Forest Reserve
- Sandakan Heritage Museum
Shopping, sports, cuisines and festivals in Sandakan:
Sandakan is well known for shopping malls, supermarkets and hypermarkets which are spread in every nook and corner of the city. Some of the retail giants like Tesco, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dominos and KFC have opened their outlets in Sandakan in recent times. Tourists can also shop for handicrafts, garments, boutiques, souvenirs, antiques, jewellery, electronics and other luxury commodities from the malls that are present in Sandakan.
Sandakan is also quite famous for sporting actions like rugby and football as many matches are held from time to time inviting large spectators.
Sandakan is also well known for its local cuisines which have a combination of Malay, Chinese and Indian. Some of the local delicacies include chicken roast, meat rolls, beef rolls and lots of fresh sea foods like eels, tunas, salmons, shark meat, prawn fry, octopus, lobsters and oysters.
Chinese, Buddhist, Hindus, Muslims and Christian’s festivals are hosted with much faith and devotion.
Connectivity to Sandakan in Malaysia:
The city of Sandakan is well connected by all modes of public transport like road, rail, air and sea. Sandakan has good network of roadways like Highways, Expressways and Bypasses which pass through the city. Local and intercity buses are also available from Sandakan to travel nearby cities and places located in and around Sandakan. Light Rail Transit Network and Mono rail connect Sandakan with its suburbs quite frequently. Sandakan is approx 318 kms from Kota Kinabula and the Sandakan Airport connects the city with Kota Kinabalu, Kualalumpur, Kota Bharu, George Town and Ipoh with direct flights. Sandakan also has a port that carries passengers and freight to other major ports located in Malaysia.
Hotels in Sandakan:
There are many reputed hotels ranging from 1 star to 6 star ratings located in Sandakan providing decent accommodation facilities to the tourists. Tourists can reserve the hotels well in advance prior to visiting the place and they can book the hotels as per their choice, requirements and budget. List of hotels located in Sandakan are:
- Lankayan Island Dive Resort
- Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan
- May Fair Hotel
- Borneo Cove Hotel
- Sabah Hotel
- Swiss-Inn Waterfront Sandakan
- Sepilok Jungle Resort
- Hotel London
- Hotel Sandakan
- The Mark’s Lodge
- 2 Inn 1 Boutique Hotel & Spa
- The Pavilion Hotel
- Hotel City Star