Sandakan Holidays

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Things to do in Sandakan

Sandakan offers a delightful mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and business opportunities. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as shopping centres, campgrounds, and captivating Borneo tours, including orangutan experiences and city tours. For those seeking a budget-friendly option, there are also free adventure activities available, making Sandakan an ideal destination for a memorable family holiday.

Shopping

The Sandakan Harbour Mall offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment right in the heart of the city. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting the nearby Plaza Sentosa for additional retail options and local delicacies.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can meditate amidst lush greenery. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments at local wellness centres, or join guided nature walks to explore the unique biodiversity of Borneo's rainforests.

Adventure

Experience the wild at Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, where you can immerse yourself in nature with thrilling jungle treks and river cruises. Alternatively, explore the Sandakan Heritage Trail, a captivating outdoor journey revealing the rich history and stunning landscapes of the area, perfect for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.

Nightlife

Sandakan's nightlife is vibrant and inviting. Begin your evening at the lively Harbour Square for street food and drinks. For a more relaxed vibe, try the cosy pubs along Jalan Leila. If you're in the mood for live music, the local bars offer a delightful atmosphere to unwind.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Sandakan

Sandakan, perfect for family, outdoor, and business-themed vacations, offers a wealth of attractions, including reserves, islands, and churches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the area's culture and scenery by exploring the Sandakan Memorial Park, embarking on a tour of the city, capturing photographs of its beauty, and visiting the Sandakan War Memorial and Sandakan Harbour Mall. Make the most of your visit by experiencing the unique blend of nature and history that Sandakan has to offer.

  • Gomantong Caves: Experience the thrill of exploring Gomantong Caves, known for its stunning limestone formations and rich biodiversity. The adventure vibes here offer an exhilarating opportunity to witness swiftlets nesting and the unique ecosystem within.
  • St Michael's & All Angels Church: Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage at St Michael's & All Angels Church. This historic site showcases beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a moment of reflection.
  • Rainforest Discovery Centre: Enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can walk along elevated canopy walkways and learn about the region's diverse flora and fauna, making it a delightful experience for nature enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Sandakan

The best time to visit Sandakan is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.0°F (26.1°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February78.8°F (26.0°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March79.7°F (26.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April80.8°F (27.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May81.7°F (27.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June81.1°F (27.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July80.6°F (27.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August80.8°F (27.1°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October80.4°F (26.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November80.2°F (26.8°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Sandakan

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Sandakan during the low season (January to February and November) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Sandakan

Ormond Sandakan

Ormond Sandakan

4 out of 5
Harbour Mall Sandakan Sandakan Sabah
The price is €81 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
€81
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Amazing hotel with amazing staff. Fab pool and views. Best hotel in Sandakan"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2026

Ormond Sandakan
Hotel Meliden

Hotel Meliden

2 out of 5
One Avenue, Batu 6, Jalan Utara Sandakan Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €29 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
€29
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
8/10 Very good! (8 reviews)
"Ok to stay but now knowing how hot it is in the middle of the day, I would prefer a hotel with a swimming pool. It was alright for the price, located within walking distance to plenty of restaurants and handy location for getting to Sepilok and other places outside city centre by grab car."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026

Hotel Meliden
Sepilok Jungle Resort

Sepilok Jungle Resort

2.5 out of 5
Jalan Rambutan, Mile 14 Sepilok Sandakan Sabah
The price is €39 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
€39
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
7.6/10 Good! (237 reviews)
"Excellent location to the Orangatangs and the Sunbear viewings. Easy walking to the Rainforest Discovery center. Lots of wildlife . Very scenic jungle property"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2026

Sepilok Jungle Resort
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.

Stay near popular Sandakan attractions

What to do in Sandakan

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Sandakan holiday package cost?
You can grab a holiday package to this popular destination on Expedia. However, how much your holiday to Sandakan costs will depend on factors like your hotel choice, season and length of stay.
What are the cheapest months to go to Sandakan?
You're likely to find lower prices and greater availability in June, November and December. Check out our cheap Sandakan holiday packages and you could score some great off-season discounts.
How many days is enough for Sandakan?
With a well-planned schedule, you can easily visit the main Sandakan attractions in a few days. But if you'd like to explore off the beaten track or go on day tours, think about booking your Sandakan holiday for longer.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Sandakan?
Sandakan is a good holiday destination with attractions like Sandakan Rainforest Park among the many things to keep you entertained. Whether you're travelling with the family or planning a trip with friends, a Sandakan holiday promises a good time for everyone.
How to find the best Sandakan package deals?
Begin your search for a Sandakan package deal by entering your preferred travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then add some filters, like "Property type" and "Amenities," to fine-tune the results to your exact style. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with unbeatable savings. If you don't find the ideal Sandakan package deal straight away, just change your dates and search again. Remember that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Sandakan adventure off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Sandakan holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could save you hundreds of dollars when compared to booking flights and stays separately. Better still, you can customise your Sandakan trip to match your exact needs. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Check out our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Sandakan?
If you've got your Sandakan travel dates locked in, book as early as you can to score some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to one year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment getaways? Our last-minute deals are ideal for setting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Sandakan?

  1. Choose when to get away: Check your schedule and pack your bags. Your preferred season and the activities available will also help you decide when to holiday in Sandakan.
  2. Figure out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to pay for everything from transportation and meals to activities and flights. Your hotel will likely be the biggest expense during your trip to Sandakan.
  3. Decide how many days away: Start by compiling a list of the attractions you want to experience in Sandakan. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, along with any travel time.
  4. Bundle your accommodation and airfare: Once you've nailed down your trip dates and duration, lock in the right Sandakan holiday package for you.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.