Perched on Sabah’s northeast coast, the port city of Sandakan is the gateway to some of Borneo’s top natural attractions. From here, you can visit the cute proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, see rescued baby orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and enjoy world-class scuba diving on Lankayan Island. While most travelers don’t spend too long in Sandakan, those who stick around will find worthwhile things to do—Sandakan Memorial Park combines rainforest scenery with World War II history, and the Buddhist Puu Jih Syh Temple boasts a dazzling display of dragons and fireflies.
Sandakan and the state of Sabah escape the worst of Borneo’s tropical storms during the wet season, so you can technically visit it year-round. However, to ensure conditions are optimal for outdoor exploration, visit during the dry season from May to September. No matter when you’re in Borneo, you can always expect rain—after all, the island is mostly rainforest. July to October sees the highest wildlife activity, as animals congregate around more limited water sources this time of year.
Sandakan has an airport serviced by flights from the Bornean capital of Kota Kinabalu and the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Once you arrive in the city, the easiest way to get around is by using rideshare apps such as Grab and Gojek, though standard cars and motorbike taxis are also available. Most conservation centers are on the outskirts of the city; it’s worth arranging a tour that covers them all in one day to save yourself the hassle of arranging transport.
Sandakan is the ideal base for doing a Kinabatangan River safari, with excursions ranging in length from one to three days and showcasing some of Borneo's best wildlife. You can choose from different accommodation options based on your budget, but most include relaxing hammocks and fabulous buffets for each meal. During nature-spotting activities such as boat rides, jungle hikes, and night walks, you might spot pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and much more.
