Sandakan
Sabah's wildlife capital, famous for Orangutans and the Kinabatangan River.
Welcome to Sandakan
Sandakan, a historic port town located along the eastern coast of Sabah, is the gateway to Borneo’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Once a thriving colonial timber capital, it has transformed into a global hub for conservation, dedicated to protecting rare species and ancient rainforest ecosystems.
Sepilok Rehabilitation & Sun Bear Protection
The world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the adjacent Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre offer a rare opportunity to observe endangered animals thriving in their natural habitat. Nearby, the wide Kinabatangan River offers peaceful boat safaris to spot wild pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys along the riverbanks.
Sandakan Memorial Day & Food Festivals
The town’s history is honored during the annual Sandakan Memorial Day in August. This solemn event brings together international travelers and veterans to commemorate fallen soldiers at the peaceful Sandakan Memorial Park. On a lighter note, the town also hosts the Sandakan Food Festival, showcasing the unique culinary specialties of eastern Sabah, including bird’s nest soups, fresh seafood, and traditional pastries.