Sandakan

March 2, 2025

Synopsis

5/5 (4 Votes)

Overview

Sandakan is a city in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, on the northeastern coast of Borneo. It is known for its rich history, wildlife conservation centers, and as a gateway to eco-tourism destinations.

City: Sandakan

State: Sabah

Population: 396,290

Historical Background

Once the capital of British North Borneo, it was a major timber-exporting hub before being heavily bombed during WWII.

Geographic Features

A coastal city in eastern Sabah, facing the Sulu Sea, with mangrove forests and islands nearby.

Transportations

Nearest Airport	Sandakan Airport
Major Highways	Sandakan-Tawau Highway
Railway Connectivity	No railway connection
Distance from Kuala Lumpur (km)	~1,950 km (Flight needed)
Estimated Travel Time (by Car)	~2.75 hours (by flight)
Postal Code	90000 – 90999

Notable Features

Known for wildlife sanctuaries, including orangutan and sun bear conservation centers.

Climate

Climate Type	Avg. Temperature (°C)	Avg. Rainfall (mm)	Monsoon Season
Tropical Rainforest	25-32	3200	Nov – Feb (NE Monsoon)

Things to Do in Sandakan

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sandakan Memorial Park

Top Attactions in Sandakan

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sandakan Memorial Park, Gomantong Caves

Notable People & Contributions

Agnes Chan (singer, actress, UNICEF ambassador)

Major Ethnic Groups

Agnes Chan (singer, actress, UNICEF ambassador)

Popular Shoppings Malls

Harbour Mall Sandakan, Gentingmas Mall

Parks & Nature Reserves

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Turtle Island Park

Night Life Entertainment

DJ Sunset Lounge, Ba Lin Rooftop Bar

Religious Sites

St. Michael’s & All Angels Church, Sam Sing Kung Temple

Final Words

Sandakan, the nature capital of Sabah, is famous for Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Turtle Islands, and historical World War II sites. A dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts.