Find hotels in Sandakan from £12

Top reasons to visit Sandakan

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Sandakan boasts breathtaking landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush nature reserves, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Rich Wildlife: Experience unique wildlife, including orangutans and diverse marine life, in nearby reserves and islands.
• Cultural Heritage: Immerse yourself in local culture at attractions like Sandakan Memorial Park and vibrant markets.
• Island Getaways: Discover the idyllic Lankayan Island, ideal for relaxation and nature retreats.
• Diverse Accommodation: Enjoy a range of lodging options tailored to both adventure seekers and those desiring a tranquil escape.

Find great hotels in Sandakan

Discover a range of delightful accommodation options in Sandakan, Sabah, catering to both business and leisure travellers. From hotels to lodges, each establishment offers unique services and facilities, ensuring a memorable stay amidst the region's stunning natural beauty. Whether you're seeking an adventure-filled holiday or a serene retreat, Sandakan's hotels provide the perfect base for your exploration.

• Sabah Hotel Sandakan: This 4-star hotel offers a sophisticated environment tailored for business travellers seeking a productive stay in Sandakan. With a range of amenities designed for corporate needs, including a fully equipped business centre and conference facilities, guests can seamlessly blend work with leisure. The hotel's contemporary design and attentive service create a professional atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those on business trips.
• Livingston Hotel: A charming 3.5-star hotel, Livingston Hotel combines comfort with convenience, ideal for both leisure and business guests. This property features a delightful restaurant offering a buffet breakfast, perfect for starting your day. Entertainment is abundant with options like satellite and LCD TVs in the rooms, ensuring guests can unwind after a day of exploring. Its welcoming ambiance and attentive staff make it a popular choice for visitors wishing to experience the local culture.
• Sepilok Jungle Resort: Embrace nature at this unique resort that offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Sandakan. The Sepilok Jungle Resort features an array of dining options, including room service and alfresco dining, allowing guests to savour local flavours in a picturesque setting. With opportunities for hiking and biking nearby, as well as fitness facilities, this resort is perfect for the active traveller. Guests can enjoy the serene views of the surrounding rural landscape, making it a true haven for nature enthusiasts.

Where to stay in and around Sandakan

Sandakan, a charming city in Sabah, offers an unforgettable vacation experience with its tropical atmosphere and friendly locals. Explore the heart of Sandakan for a taste of local culture, or venture to Lankayan Island for pristine beaches and nature getaways. A visit to nearby Kota Kinabalu provides a great location for further adventures, ensuring a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

• Sepilok: Nestled in the vicinity of Sandakan, Sepilok is a charming village that offers an eco-friendly escape for travellers seeking outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences. The area sees a steady influx of visitors, with peak seasons occurring from March to April and July. Sepilok is renowned for its proximity to stunning natural landmarks, including lush parks and inviting hot springs. Visitors can indulge in relaxing spa treatments or explore local shopping centres, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind in a serene environment.
• Kota Kinabatangan: Located approximately 15.5km from Sandakan, Kota Kinabatangan is a vibrant city that promises thrilling outdoor activities and adventurous family experiences. The city attracts a diverse crowd, with peak visitation happening in April and from July to August. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities, including diving and camping, while the nearby islands and hot springs offer additional opportunities for exploration. Kota Kinabatangan serves as a fantastic base for those eager to experience the natural beauty of Sabah.
• Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated around 14.9km from Sandakan, the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The sanctuary experiences moderate seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers, peaking in January to February and July. Here, families and outdoor enthusiasts can partake in activities such as rock climbing and diving while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the park. The sanctuary's proximity to islands and captivating caves adds to the allure of this pristine destination, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

Things to do in Sandakan

Sandakan, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is ideal for outdoor and family beach vacations. Visitors can explore shopping malls and centres, enjoy campgrounds, and experience the region's rich wildlife. This vibrant destination offers a mix of activities, making it perfect for those seeking adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting.

Shopping

In the heart of Sandakan, Sandakan Harbour Mall offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment suitable for the whole family. If you're up for a drive, check out nearby shopping destinations for a wider selection of local crafts and souvenirs.

Recreation

In Sandakan, the Borneo Rainforest Lodge provides a serene escape with rejuvenating spa treatments amid lush greenery. Alternatively, the Sabah Tea Garden offers tranquil tea experiences and guided nature walks, perfect for relaxation while soaking in the stunning views of tea plantations.

Adventure

Kinabatangan Jungle Camp offers an immersive experience in the heart of nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Explore the lush surroundings, engage in wildlife spotting, and unwind by the river. For a cultural touch, stroll along the Sandakan Heritage Trail, discovering the area's rich history amidst scenic landscapes.

Nightlife

Sandakan's nightlife offers a vibrant mix of local bars and restaurants. Enjoy a chilled drink at the popular Harbour Mall, or savour fresh seafood at a nearby beachside café. For a lively atmosphere, the Sandakan Night Market is a must-visit, brimming with food stalls and local crafts.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sandakan

Save money during your visit to Sandakan by travelling in the off-peak months of February and November to December, when accommodation prices are lower. Use public transport options like buses or simply walk to explore the area. Enjoy free attractions such as the Sandakan Memorial Park. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and consider checking Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays typically offer the lowest hotel rates, while Mondays are the most expensive. Look for package deals that combine flights and accommodation for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Sandakan are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Sandakan is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Sandakan is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Sandakan is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel booking in Sandakan with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Sandakan

Sandakan is an excellent destination for outdoor family vacations and beach lovers, offering a variety of attractions such as landmarks, nature reserves, and islands. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and stunning scenery while exploring attractions like the Sandakan Memorial Park. With numerous accommodation options available, Sandakan caters to adventurous guests seeking unforgettable experiences in this vibrant region of Sabah.

• Rainforest Discovery Centre: Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of this reserve, where you can explore well-maintained trails and canopy walkways. The friendly atmosphere invites visitors to engage with the diverse flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
• Gomantong Caves: Venture into the depths of these impressive limestone caves, renowned for their unique formations and thriving wildlife. The adventurous spirit of the caves offers an exciting exploration opportunity, with the chance to see swiftlets and bats in their natural habitat.
• Pulau Selingan: Relax on the pristine beaches of this idyllic island, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Enjoy outdoor activities like snorkelling and turtle watching, creating unforgettable memories in a picturesque setting.

Best time to go to Sandakan

The best time to visit Sandakan can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Sandakan falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain. The coolest average temperature in Sandakan falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	79.0°F (26.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
February	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average
March	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Moderately High
May	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
June	81.1°F (27.3°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Moderately High
August	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Moderately High
October	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Sandakan

Visiting Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, is convenient with two major airports. Sandakan Airport (SDK) is located 3.7km from the city centre. Nearby, you can find accommodation options such as the 4-star Sabah Hotel Sandakan, situated 3.1km away, and the 3.5-star Livingston Hotel and The Mark's Lodge, both 1.9km from SDK, offering on-request airport shuttle services. Alternatively, Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) is 36.0km from Sandakan, with nearby hotels like the 3-star Maya Hotel, Tabin Wildlife Resort, and Executive Hotel, all within 1.6km from LDU, providing easy access to the airport. Public transport options are available for seamless travel between these airports and hotels.