Sandakan Hotel Guide - Cheap Hotels in Sandakan, Sabah

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Our top choices for Sandakan cheap hotels

Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)

Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (74)
"Great location for the sanctuaries, comfortable hotel with onsite restaurant. Hot showers and WiFi. "
United Kingdom
Hayley
The price is €60
includes taxes & fees
8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026
Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (82)
"Wonderful place, such friendly, helpful staff. The communal eating area has a lovely atmosphere. Rooms are very pleasant and comfortable."
United Kingdom
Elianne
The price is €19
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 Jan 2026
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

Sanbay Hotel

Sanbay Hotel
3.0 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (35)
"Good bang for your buck if you just need a quick night stay! Clean and easy check in process with nice helpful staff. "
United States
Kristy
The price is €22
includes taxes & fees
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
Sanbay Hotel

Sepilok Jungle Resort

Sepilok Jungle Resort
2.5 star property
Sandakan
7.6 out of 10, Good, (221)
"Great rural hotel. Wonderful hosts and within easy walk of the sun bear and orangutan centres. Would highly recommend if you love quiet and nature "
United Kingdom
Delia
The price is €35
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 Jan 2026
Sepilok Jungle Resort

Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment Sandakan

Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment Sandakan
3.0 star property
Sandakan
7.4 out of 10, Good, (15)
"very good place to stay provided you have own transport"
Malaysia
aaron chong en
Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment Sandakan

Hotel Lutana

Hotel Lutana
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (3)
"Fantastic"
Australia
George
The price is €13
includes taxes & fees
30 Jan - 31 Jan 2026
Hotel Lutana

THE HOTEL

THE HOTEL
2.5 star property
Sandakan
5.0 out of 10, (2)
"Close to the airport, but far enough not to hear the noise. Nice clean room. Bathroom needs some re-thinking. Shops and restaurants nearby. No elevator to the rooms. "
Australia
Tapos
THE HOTEL

The Grand Hotel 2 Sandakan

The Grand Hotel 2 Sandakan
2.0 star property
Sandakan
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (4)
"This is a great hotel for the price. Near market and restaurants. Very friendly staff. Definitely recommend "
United States
Grant
The price is €28
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan 2026
The Grand Hotel 2 Sandakan

Hotel Ramai

Hotel Ramai
2.0 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (6)
"Friendly staff"
Malaysia
SYED
Hotel Ramai

Sandakan Inn

Sandakan Inn
2.5 star property
Sandakan
5.4 out of 10, (3)
"Quiet"
Malaysia
MAZNI BINTI
The price is €19
includes taxes & fees
30 Jan - 31 Jan 2026
Sandakan Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Find out more about Sandakan

Discover cheap things to do in Sandakan

In Sandakan, Sabah, budget-conscious travellers can immerse themselves in a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences without breaking the bank. Begin your adventure at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can witness these magnificent creatures being fed, a truly unforgettable experience that typically costs just a small entrance fee. Explore the lush trails of the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can take a stroll along the canopy walkways for free, enjoying stunning views and the chance to spot native wildlife. The historic Agnes Keith House offers a glimpse into the historic past of the area, and entry is quite affordable, making it a perfect stop for history buffs. For a taste of local life, head to the Sandakan Central Market, where you can sample delicious street food at reasonable prices, from mouth-watering satay to fresh seafood. The nearby Harbour Square is a pleasant area to wander through, with its breezy waterfront and local shops, ideal for a leisurely afternoon. Staying in the heart of Sandakan near these attractions not only provides convenience but also allows you to find comfortable yet affordable hotels that cater to your needs, ensuring you feel pampered and well taken care of throughout your stay.

Find the best cheap hotels in Sandakan

For budget-conscious travelers visiting Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, these hotels offer excellent value without compromising on comfort. Each hotel is equipped with essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay at an affordable price.

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Ideal for those on a budget, Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat boasts an excellent review rating of 8.6. With free daily breakfast, WiFi, and self-parking, this retreat provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
  • Other amenities: Guests can enjoy daily housekeeping, a lovely terrace, and family-friendly options such as free cribs. The hotel is set in a beautiful garden with air-conditioned rooms and balconies, offering a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • Nearby attractions: Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre - 5.5 km, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - 5.5 km, Rainforest Discovery Centre - 5 km

Sepilok Jungle Resort

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Sepilok Jungle Resort provides an affordable stay for budget travelers, with an excellent guest review rating of 7.6. The resort's free WiFi and self-parking services make it an ideal choice for those looking to keep costs down while enjoying a jungle retreat experience.
  • Other amenities: Guests can take advantage of an outdoor pool, a garden view restaurant, and various family-friendly options, including free rollaway beds and children's breakfast. Additional features include in-room massage services, fitness facilities available for a fee, and convenient transfers and shuttles to local attractions.
  • Nearby attractions: Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre - 0.2 km, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - 0.3 km, Rainforest Discovery Centre - 1.5 km

Top Sandakan Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is Sandakan like for travellers on a budget?
Sandakan offers cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, making it a budget-friendly holiday choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Sandakan Harbour Mall, Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Sandakan?
Based on our traveller reviews, Sandakan Backpackers Hostel is a top choice for a less expensive stay.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Sandakan?
Weather is probably a major factor when you plan your trip to Sandakan, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually May and June, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 26°C. The snowiest months in Sandakan are April, May, August and July, with each month seeing an average of 211 cm of snowfall.
What is there to see and do in Sandakan?
Sandakan is known for its rainforest and wildlife, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then make time for sights and activities that cost very little. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like Agnes Keith House, or enjoy the outdoors at Rainforest Discovery Centre and Turtle Islands Park.
How can I get to Sandakan and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Sandakan can help keep you on budget. The closest airport is 5.5 mi (8.9 km) from the centre in Sandakan (SDK). Sandakan may not have many public transport choices so a car rental could be an economical alternative to see the area.