Sandakan

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

Notable Features

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

Climate

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.

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Kuala Lumpur Weather Now

Kuala Lumpur

11:11 am, Nov 12, 2026

32°C

light rain

82 %

1012 mb

3 mph

Wind Gust: 3 mph

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Clouds: 58%

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 6:57 am

Sunset: 6:56 pm

Hourly Forecast

Temperature Precipitation Rain Chance Wind Humidity Pressure

2:00 pm

32°/32°°C 1 mm 100% 5 mph 78% 1011 mb 0 mm/h

5:00 pm

32°/33°°C 1 mm 100% 4 mph 75% 1010 mb 0 mm/h

8:00 pm

31°/31°°C 1 mm 100% 2 mph 89% 1011 mb 0 mm/h

11:00 pm

30°/30°°C 0.98 mm 98% 1 mph 90% 1013 mb 0 mm/h

2:00 am

29°/29°°C 0.96 mm 96% 1 mph 90% 1012 mb 0 mm/h

5:00 am

29°/29°°C 0.11 mm 11% 1 mph 91% 1011 mb 0 mm/h

8:00 am

28°/28°°C 0.29 mm 29% 1 mph 88% 1012 mb 0 mm/h

11:00 am

29°/29°°C 0.68 mm 68% 2 mph 70% 1013 mb 0 mm/h

Weather from OpenWeatherMap

FAQs

FAQ 1: What is the population?

~420,000

FAQ 2: What are the main attractions?

Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Agnes Keith House

FAQ 3: What is the main industry?

Palm Oil, Fishing

FAQ 4: What is the best time to visit?

April–September

FAQ 5: What is the local specialty food?

Seafood Mee