Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Sandakan September 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Sandakan Travel Guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Sandakan.dx3111)[Hotels in Sandakan](https://expedia.co.uk/Sandakan-Hotels.d3111.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Sandakan](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Sandakan.d3111.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Sandakan Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Sandakan.d3111.Car-Hire-Guide)[Sandakan Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Sandakan.d3111.Holidays-City-Breaks) # What to do in Sandakan ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Sandakan Types of activities [Sandakan travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Sandakan.dx3111) ![Sandakan featuring a park, a city and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44040-Sandakan.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Sandakan](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/502000/502857-rainforest-discovery-centre.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Sandakan](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/502000/502840-rainforest-discovery-centre.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Sandakan showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44039-Sandakan.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Tun Sakaran Marine Park showing boating and a coastal town](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/43000/43979-Tun-Sakaran-Marine-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Sandakan Attractions **Sandakan** is an unusual little city, with an unusual history. Once a hub for far-flung traders and merchants, the city was burnt to the ground during World War II. Nowadays it’s the palm oil trade that drives Sandakan’s economy and so, around the religious relics and impressive colonial mansions that do still remain, its indomitable spirit of reinvention means there’s plenty of new developments popping up all the time, with an entirely new city centre currently under construction. And, with the Sepilok Forest Reserve nearby, Sandakan is also the ideal place to stay if you want to see orangutans in the wild. ### Areas & Neighborhoods in Sandakan **Sandakan Memorial Park** — This sombre memorial park provides a setting to learn and reflect upon the terrible events of the Second World War and, in particular, the events that took place here in the Japanese POW camp just outside Sandakan. Once home to 1800 Australian and 600 British troops - of which only six survived - the site is now home to a beautiful orchard and gardens that symbolise hope and regrowth, and a small museum that ensures that what took place here is never forgotten. **Kampong Buli Sim Sim** — Hard as it may be to believe, this curious stilt village is in fact the original seed from which today’s modern Sandakan grew. Located just three miles outside of the city proper, Kampong Buli Sim Sim is a wonderful example of traditional rural river life. **Chinese Cemetery** — The Chinese Cemetery in Sandokan is a great place to visit for anyone that appreciates the eternal tension between man and nature and the passage time. The further you explore this vast plot, the more you’ll discover the jungle starting to reclaim it, with many older graves almost lost to the wild. You’ll also find many grand mausoleums and tombs where those born into Sandakan’s Chinese nobility now rest. **Sepilok Forest Reserve** — The natural habitat for perhaps the greatest of all the apes, the orangutan, this forest area is where you’ll also find The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. An absolute must for nature lovers, the centre is the world’s premier location for seeing rehabilitated and wild orangutans. ### Things to See in Sandakan As well as being a great place to stay if you’re planning to explore further afield, Sandakan also offers sights of its own. Literature fans will want to see the Agnes Keith House and Museum, a beautifully restored residence and former home of author Agnes Newton Keith. Meanwhile St Michael and All Angels Church is the only building in Sandakan to have survived the war, and a testament to the town’s spirit of resilience. And for those looking to take it all in, head up to Puu Gih Jih, the Chinese temple situated on a hilltop behind the town that affords spectacular views out over Labuk Bay. ### Things to Do in Sandakan Sandakan is a great base for exploring further afield. So, as well as heading out to the jungles of the Sepilok Forest Reserve, you could also take to the waters and visit the Sandakan archipelago for some exceptional turtle-watching. Alternatively you could take a trip to Labuk Bay where you’ll get to observe proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat from wooden platforms built through the jungle. * * * Explore thousands of activities with **free cancellation and no added fees**. Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more. Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel. * * * ## Recommended things to do in Sandakan | Number of things to do | 13 | | --- | --- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/mangrove-cruise-with-fireflies-tour-including-dinner-from-sandakan.a1102809.activity-details): £57 | | Top 5 things to do | - [Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Proboscis Monkey from Sandakan or Kota Kinab...](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-sepilok-orangutan-and-proboscis-monkey-from-sandakan-or-kota-kinabalu.a1464557.activity-details) - [Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discov...](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-full-day-sepilok-orang-utan-bornean-sun-bear-and-rainforest-discovery-centre-tour.a1102804.activity-details) - [Private Full Day Sandakan Tour & Orangutan Sanctuary with Lunch](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-full-day-sandakan-tour-orangutan-sanctuary-with-lunch.a358872.activity-details) - [Full Day Orang Utan Sepilok, Proboscis Monkey, Sunbear, RDC](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-orang-utan-sepilok-proboscis-monkey-sunbear-rdc.a45987621.activity-details) - [2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/2d1n-sandakan-private-tour-with-kinabatangan-river-cruise.a1102818.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | | | With kids | - [Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Proboscis Monkey from Sandakan or Kota Kinab...](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-sepilok-orangutan-and-proboscis-monkey-from-sandakan-or-kota-kinabalu.a1464557.activity-details) - [Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discov...](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-full-day-sepilok-orang-utan-bornean-sun-bear-and-rainforest-discovery-centre-tour.a1102804.activity-details) - [Private Full Day Sandakan Tour & Orangutan Sanctuary with Lunch](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-full-day-sandakan-tour-orangutan-sanctuary-with-lunch.a358872.activity-details) - [Full Day Orang Utan Sepilok, Proboscis Monkey, Sunbear, RDC](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-orang-utan-sepilok-proboscis-monkey-sunbear-rdc.a45987621.activity-details) - [Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-sepilok-orangutan-and-sandakan-city-trail-from-kota-kinabalu.a1486528.activity-details) | ## What to do in Sandakan * * * ### Popular places to visit ![Rainforest Discovery Centre](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/502000/502856-rainforest-discovery-centre.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Rainforest Discovery Centre Explore the great outdoors at Rainforest Discovery Centre, a lovely green space in Sepilok. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Rainforest-Discovery-Centre-Sandakan.d6182362.Attraction) ![Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/51934fe1b7d550d2c4769057031be947.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Two daily feeding sessions draw crowds of tourists to watch monkeys as they swing through their natural habitat. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Labuk-Bay-Proboscis-Monkey-Sanctuary-Sandakan.d6276535.Attraction) #### Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Watch as a community of orphaned orangutans play in the trees above you at this sanctuary. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sepilok-Orangutan-Rehabilitation-Centre-Sandakan.d6182353.Attraction) #### Sandakan Harbour Mall You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Sandakan Harbour Mall during your visit to Sandakan. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sandakan-Harbour-Mall-Sandakan.d6177370.Attraction) #### Kinabatangan Jungle Camp Enjoy an outing to Kinabatangan Jungle Camp during your stay in Sandakan. Stroll along the seaside or visit the temples in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Kinabatangan-Jungle-Camp-Sandakan.d553248621532743387.Attraction) #### Libaran Island Jetty You can find out about the history of Sandakan with a visit to Libaran Island Jetty. Wander the rainforests and seaside in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Libaran-Island-Jetty-Sandakan.d553248622107336174.Attraction) #### Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit the native and exotic animals who call Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre home during your trip to Sepilok. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Borneo-Sun-Bear-Conservation-Centre-Sandakan.d553248621526918632.Attraction) #### Turtle Islands Park Explore the great outdoors at Turtle Islands Park, a lovely green space in Sandakan. Stroll along the seaside or visit the temples in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Turtle-Islands-Park-Sandakan.d6116182.Attraction) #### Pulau Selingan Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pulau Selingan during your travels in Sandakan. Wander the rainforests and seaside in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pulau-Selingan-Sandakan.d6352741.Attraction) * * * Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. * * * ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Sandakan worth visiting? > Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Sandakan. ### How do I spend a day in Sandakan? > Sandakan Rainforest Park and Bukit Buli Sim Sim are two good places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Sandakan while you're in town too. ### What is the top tourist attraction in Sandakan? > Bukit Buli Sim Sim is one of the top tourist attractions in Sandakan and should feature high on every to-do list of the area. ### Is three days enough to stay in Sandakan? > Three days in Sandakan is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Bukit Buli Sim Sim, Sandakan Rainforest Park and Saint Michael's and All Angels Church are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Sepilok. ### What are some activities to do in Sandakan with kids? > If you're looking for activities and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Sandakan with kids. > > > > - [Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Proboscis Monkey from Sandakan or Kota Kinab...](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-sepilok-orangutan-and-proboscis-monkey-from-sandakan-or-kota-kinabalu.a1464557.activity-details) > - [Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discov...](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-full-day-sepilok-orang-utan-bornean-sun-bear-and-rainforest-discovery-centre-tour.a1102804.activity-details) > - [Private Full Day Sandakan Tour & Orangutan Sanctuary with Lunch](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-full-day-sandakan-tour-orangutan-sanctuary-with-lunch.a358872.activity-details) > - [Full Day Orang Utan Sepilok, Proboscis Monkey, Sunbear, RDC](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-orang-utan-sepilok-proboscis-monkey-sunbear-rdc.a45987621.activity-details) > - [Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-sepilok-orangutan-and-sandakan-city-trail-from-kota-kinabalu.a1486528.activity-details) ### What to do in Sandakan for adults? > Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Sandakan for adults including Sandakan Memorial Park and Japanese Cemetery. ### Are there free things to do in Sandakan? > One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Sandakan is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without taking your wallet out. Bukit Buli Sim Sim is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee. - Sandakan sightseeing tours & attractions - Hotels near popular Sandakan Attractions - Cities to visit near Sandakan - Expedia's Latest Trends - [Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre](https://expedia.co.uk/Sepilok-Orangutan-Rehabilitation-Centre-Sandakan.d6182353.Attraction) - [Rainforest Discovery Centre](https://expedia.co.uk/Rainforest-Discovery-Centre-Sandakan.d6182362.Attraction) - [Kinabatangan Jungle Camp](https://expedia.co.uk/Kinabatangan-Jungle-Camp-Sandakan.d553248621532743387.Attraction) - [Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre](https://expedia.co.uk/Borneo-Sun-Bear-Conservation-Centre-Sandakan.d553248621526918632.Attraction) - [Turtle Islands Park](https://expedia.co.uk/Turtle-Islands-Park-Sandakan.d6116182.Attraction) - [Hotels near Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre](https://expedia.co.uk/Sepilok-Orangutan-Rehabilitation-Centre-Hotels.0-l6182353-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Rainforest Discovery Centre](https://expedia.co.uk/Rainforest-Discovery-Centre-Hotels.0-l6182362-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - 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