Sandakan
Advertisement
By Plane
Sandakan Airport (IATA code SDK) is connected directly daily with Kuala Lumpur amd Kota Kinabalu by AirAsia, and to Kota Kinabalu by Malaysia Airlines [5] and its subsidiary MASWings (which took over the rural air service from FlyAsian Express (FAX) on 1 October 2007). MASWings also has connecting flights with Tawau and Kudat.
By Road
By bus
From Kota Kinabalu:
The bus will pass the junction to Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre and you can ask to be dropped off here. The centre is about 4 km down the road and costs 3-5 MYR pp by taxi to get to (drivers will be waiting at the bus drop-off).
KK city to KK North Bus Terminal in Inanam. By public bus, go to the bus station on Jalan Padang across from the State Library (1.50 MYR, 20 min), or by taxi (~20 MYR).
KK North Bus Station (Inanam) to Sandakan. Several bus companies depart between 7AM-2PM, and 8PM (~5hrs, 33MYR).
Tung Ma Express (Tel: +60-(0)19-8827334 Mr Shim)-(buses from KK at 7AM, 8AM, 10AM, 12:30PM, 2PM, 8PM.
Sida Express (Tel: +60-(0)12-816 5524 Ms. Sanita Binte Sapena) has departures from KK at 7:30AM, 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 2PM, 8PM.
Bunga Raya Express (Tel: +60-(0)19-8999142 Ms. Suraidah Mohd) has departures from KK at 7:30AM, 9:30AM, 1:30PM, and 8PM.
You arrive in Sandakan at the express bus terminal on Jalan Utara. This is still approximately 15 minutes from downtown, and a taxi ride to downtown should cost RM 15.
To Semporna: Buses leave from the express bus terminal on Jalan Utara for Semporna at 730am, 8am, and 2pm.
By Boat
Weesam Express runs 2 ferry per week between Sandakan and Zamboanga, Mindanao (Philippines). It's a 13h/P2600 ride. Aleson Lines also runs ferries on the same way twice weekly but it's longer and more expensive.
Advertisement
Sandakan Memorial Park
Sandakan Memorial Park Located 11km from city, the memorial park is situated on the original site of the Japanese Prisoner of War camp. The memorial park is dedicated to the men who lost their lives in the Borneo Death Marches during the Second World War. A small museum in the centre of the park provides a sombre look at the atrocities which occurred. Negotiate a taxi to take you there (15 min), and expect to pay around RM 30 including waiting time. Entry is free.
Gomantong Caves
Gomantong Caves The massive cave is home to swiftlets and their nests are harvested as a Chinese delicacy. The harvesting processes involves people climbing to the roof of the caves with bamboo poles and ladders. Getting there/away: The easiest way to get to the caves is by car from Sandakan about 100 km away. Using public transport is difficult. The caves are on the itinerary of some tour companies.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary The journey to Labuk Bay is very rough and will take about half an hour from the main road, but it is worth it. You are guaranteed a sighting of these monkeys from a wooden balcony built in the middle of the mangrove forest. Learn more about the sanctuary here. It is definitely worth a visit, and can be arranged easily by a day tour. Entrance fee 60 MYR (March 2011). There's a bus at ~9:00 a.m. for 15 MYR. Ask at the Tourist information office in Sandakan for more details.
Turtle Islands Park
Turtle Islands Park Three islands in ths Sulu Sea where you can see turtles laying eggs and also turtle conservation at work. You can only stay on Selingan Island. Overnight stays on Turtle Island are now offered at a whopping 600myr per person although the lowest rate is 265 myr according to the Information Centre
Puu Gih Jih
Puu Gih Jih a Chinese temple on top of a hill behind Sandakan where you can get beautiful views of Labuk Bay.
St Michael and All Angels Cathedral
St Michael and All Angels Cathedral erected in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah.
Buli Sim Sim
Buli Sim Sim a picturesque water village on stilts, 3 km east of town past the big mosque. Vans go there from Sandakan.
Agnes Keith House and Museum
Agnes Keith House and Museum former home of author Agnes Newton Keith, now restored as a museum.
Information not available
Information not available
Advertisement