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Once Sabah’s capital city, Sandakan was virtually destroyed during World War II and its administrative functions were moved to Kota Kinabalu.
Now rebuilt, it is an interesting place to spend some time before continuing your journey to Turtle Island National Park, Lankayan or the Kinabatangan River.
Sandakan War Memorial
There is a thriving port and excellent wet market where the catch of the day is brought for sale, while the war memorial at Sandakan is built at the site of the former Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp in memory of the 2,400 Australian Prisoners of War who died here and in the death marches of World War II.
The shady, forested setting is a peaceful sanctuary to contemplate the tragedies of this all-too-recent history.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Sandakan by contacting one of our Borneo specialists
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Suggested itineraries featuring Sandakan
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Sandakan, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Sandakan
- Sepilok Sandakan
- Kinabatangan River 27 miles away
- Deramakot Forest Reserve 57 miles away
- Garama Wetlands 60 miles away
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve 63 miles away
- Danum Valley 73 miles away
- Maliau Basin 96 miles away
- Mount Kinabalu 104 miles away
- Kinabalu National Park 105 miles away
- Kota Kinabalu 134 miles away
- Gaya Island 141 miles away
- Manukan Island 142 miles away
- Brunei 224 miles away
- Mulu National Park 250 miles away
- Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park 300 miles away
Photos of Sandakan
Our expert guides to exploring Sandakan
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Sandakan, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Sandakan at its best.
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What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide ![Proboscis monkeys, Sandakan, Borneo]()
What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide
What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide
This guide features recommendations for things to do in Borneo. It focuses on the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, which offer a lot of variety in a smaller radius than Indonesian Borneo.
Read this guide -
Borneo family holidays ![Baby Orangutan at the sanctuary]()
Borneo family holidays
Borneo family holidays
Borneo specialist Sophie explains why Malaysian Borneo is a great family holiday destination. She recommends engaging ways to spot wildlife, experience tribal cultures and have jungle adventures.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in Borneo ![Lankayan Island, Malaysian Borneo]()
Honeymoons in Borneo
Honeymoons in Borneo
Plan your perfect honeymoon to Borneo with Audley. Discover some of the best properties, places and wildlife on offer and how we can make your honeymoon in Borneo extra special.
Read this guide -
Seeing orangutan in Borneo: Malaysia or Indonesia? ![Baby orangutan at the Sanctuary]()
Seeing orangutan in Borneo: Malaysia or Indonesia?
Seeing orangutan in Borneo: Malaysia or Indonesia?
Although Borneo is the place to see orangutans in the wild, its political separation as part Malaysia, part Indonesia does leave you with choices for where to plan your orangutan-spotting trip. Our expert Sophie helps you decide: Indonesian or Malaysian Borneo?
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Sandakan
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Sandakan. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Family room at My Nature Resort]()
My Nature Resort
Sepilok -
![Guest Rooms, Sepilok Nature Lodge]()
Sepilok Nature Lodge
Sandakan
