SANDAKAN

 

Overview

Sandakan, the capital of Sandakan district, is the second-largest town in Sabah, east Malaysia. The town was previously named Elopura which means "beautiful town" and was given by British North Borneo Company. It was formerly the capital of British North Borneo. Today, the town is administered by the Sandakan Municipal Council.

Located on the eastern coast of Sabah facing the Sulu Sea, Sandakan is known as one of the port towns in Malaysia. Sandakan’s economy is largely supported by export activities of oil, palm oil, coffee, sago, tobacco and timber. Fishing, ship building, ecotourism and manufacturing are other economic contributors.

The town is 332 km away from Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu, linked by the Tamparuli-Ranau Highway (Federal Route 22).

Sandakan is served by a domestic airport-- Sandakan Airport. Bus and taxi services are available, while there is also a ferry terminal connects the town to the Southern Philippines.

Facilities and Amenities

Sandakan is completed with various facilities and amenities including schools, hospital and clinics, worship places, post offices, eateries and convenience stores.

Sandakan Harbour is the primary business area in the town with the Harbour Mall Sandakan located within.

There are several higher education campuses here including University of Malaysia Sabah and Open University Malaysia.

Places of Attraction

Sandakan is known for its ecotourism. Some of the tourist spots include Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Gomantong Caves.

Apart from these, the Turtle Islands National Park which lies in the Sulu Sea about 3km north of Sandakan, is where visitors can observe turtle conservation and egg laying.

There are also cultural venues such as Sandakan Heritage Museum and Agnes Keith House and Museum. Buli Sim Sim which is a lovely water village on stilts by the coast of Sandakan that depicts lives local fishermen families in wooden houses.