Sandakan Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels

About Sandakan

Sandakan was the capital of British North Borneo until 1946. The town prospered in the early days due to its port with visiting traders from around the world. Sandakan is an important town to Australian and British World War II history with the infamous Death Marches commencing here in 1945 and ending in Ranau. After the war, the capital was moved to Jesselton (nowKota Kinabalu). "Sandakan" is derived from the Suluk word "sanda", meaning to pawn, and "kan" being the suffix. So "Sandakan" means the place that was pawned. Who pawned it, and to whom, remains a mystery.

Top Attractions in Sandakan

Explore the best things to see and do in Sandakan:

• ★Agnes Keith House and Museum
• ★Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
• ★Buli Sim Sim
• ★Cruise on the Kinabatangan River
• ★Gomantong Caves
• ★Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
• ★Puu Jih Syh
• ★Sandakan Memorial Park

Where to Eat in Sandakan

Must-try local food and restaurants:

• 🍴English Tea House
• 🍴Tomato Sandakan

Where to Stay in Sandakan

• 🏨Borneo Seaview & Budget Hotel
• 🏨Hotel City View
• 🏨Hotel London
• 🏨Hotel Seafront
• 🏨NAK Hotel
• 🏨PAT'S Bed and Breakfast Lodge

Sandakan Travel Guide Sections

Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: