Sandakan and Kinabalu

Sandakan

The eastern gateway to Sarawak with views toward Mount Kinabalu, historically significant as a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp and now home to wildlife sanctuaries including the Sepilok Orangutan Centre. It combines historical interest with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Things to do

• Sepilok Orangutan Centre — Watch orphaned orangutans being rehabilitated and released into the rainforest canopy during feeding times at this award-winning sanctuary.
• Sandakan War Memorial & History Centre — Pay respects at this solemn memorial dedicated to Allied prisoners who died in the Japanese POW camp, with exhibits documenting the camp's history.
• Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise — Observe proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and hornbills along Sabah's longest river on guided boat excursions at dawn or dusk.
• Turtle Islands National Park — Visit Selingan, Bakkungan Kecil, or Gulisan islands to witness endangered sea turtles nesting and hatchlings returning to the ocean (seasonal visits).
• Pula Gading Island Mangrove Tour — Kayak through pristine mangrove forests to spot mudskippers, monitor lizards, and rare bird species in their natural habitat.
• Sandakan Central Market — Wander through this bustling local market at dawn to see fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional produce from the region.

Food to try

• Char Kway Teow — Stir-fried flat rice noodles with shrimp, cockles, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, a beloved hawker favorite throughout Sandakan.
• Sabah Fish Curry — Fresh local fish cooked in a rich coconut and spice-based curry, reflecting the region's seafaring heritage and abundant catch.
• Tuhan Seafood — Grilled or steamed fresh catch from the Sulu Sea, often prepared simply with garlic, soy sauce, and lime to highlight the quality of local fish.
• Roti Canai with Dhal — Flaky, layered Indian flatbread served with spiced lentil curry, a breakfast staple found in coffee shops throughout town.
• Laksa Sandakan — Rich coconut-based noodle soup with shrimp paste, local fish, and fresh herbs, a signature comfort food unique to the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect at War Sites — Remove shoes and speak quietly at the War Memorial and POW camp sites, as they remain places of deep historical mourning for many families.
• Wildlife Interaction Etiquette — Maintain silence and avoid sudden movements during wildlife tours, especially at the Orangutan Centre, to minimize stress on rehabilitated animals and maximize viewing opportunities.
• Local Greetings — Use 'Selamat pagi' (good morning) or a gentle nod when interacting with locals; politeness and respect are highly valued in this multicultural community.
• Dress Modestly Near Religious Sites — Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or mosques in and around Sandakan, as the area has significant Muslim and Buddhist communities.