Sandakan, Sabah

Malaysia

Encounter endangered orangutans in their natural rainforest habitat at the renowned rehabilitation center.

💱 Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

🗣 Language Malay, English

🕐 Time Zone MYT (UTC+8)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Nov–Mar

🚢 Typical Duration 14-15 nights

💰 Price Range From $5,810 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Sabah's wildlife and natural wonders, offering access to rainforests, orangutans, and the Kinabatangan River ecosystem.

Cruises that visit Sandakan, Sabah

Build Your Day in Sandakan, Sabah

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM

Usually about 11 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Sandakan Central Market Multi levels. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 4k

Harbour Mall Sandakan The shops on the top floor have some excellent tourist items at a discount. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 4k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Pusat Pemuliharaan Orang Utan Sepilok Take min about 1.5 hours to cover all areas & activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k

MOMO Oriental Kitchen The food and drinks are excellent, and the service is outstanding. Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 3k

MYDIN Sejati Ujana You can buy anything you need here.New building and it's clean. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM

Gentingmas Mall, Harbour Square Well this store has almost everything imaginable and at a reasonable price. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 9:30 PM

Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) The treetop walk and trails are just breathtaking. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Sandakan Memorial Park Good for educational (history) purposes. Memorial park · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Sandakan Crocodile Farm Spent nearly a leisurely hour there to enjoy the experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 1k

Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar Great food, drinks, atmosphere, and service. Bistro · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Bataras Hypermarket Sandakan Sales items are always complete and the parking available is very spacious. Hypermarket · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM

English Tea House & Restaurant Love the ambiance, great location, good service and delicious food. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k

Sandokan Seafood Restaurant The foods were delicious and served within a short time. Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Agnes Keith House Kids below 12yo and adult above 55yo are free. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Indah Jaya Waterpark Can bring own food. Water park · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM

Hainan Cafe Sandakan Sabah Delicious food, good service, great decoration and atmosphere 👍👍😊 Asian · ★ 4.5 · 0k

DOJO NANYANG KOPIHOUSE (IJM SANDAKAN) The food portions are big, and so are the drinks. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Hai Goreng Goreng Amazing service, very friendly staff, and the food was delicious! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Suntos Market Sdn. Bhd. Easy to find school equipment, clothes & groceries Supermarket · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 8:30 PM

Sandakan Rainforest Park For a small fee, u can spend ur day doing so much more. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Sandakan Waterfront Beautifully designed and the view is pretty. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Hainan Village Signature ( Sandakan ) Lovely food, service, and atmosphere - highly recommended! Vegetarian · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Opens soon · 11 AM

The Batcave Winecellar Really enjoyed drinking Guinness and the decor inside was fantastic. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM

Bistro 88 Food, service and atmosphere all 5 stars. Asian · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Beer Buddy Sandakan Friendly staff, cool beer and good music! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

The Deck Bar & Grill - Sandakan The 3-piece band is very good and entertaining. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Gracia VII Harbour Mall Sandakan Friendly staff and beautiful accessories ❤️😘 i want to visit again Fashion accessories store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Happy Castle Pub & Karaoke Entertainment yourself Bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM

Pusat Kalvari Sandakan Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4:30 PM

OT Sandakan The drinks are fairly priced. Grill · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM

DX Bistro Dine-in Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM

Tucz @ Habour Mall Sandakan Staff very friendly n baju smua cantik2 design n good quality Women's clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

The fathers' office The atmosphere is just a vibe, and the staff is just incredible. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Sejati Walk Mall Nice Place but lack of Surau (Pray room for muslim). Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Bee Fun Land Sandakan Playground · ★ 4.5 · 0k

YOLO Good place to chill and good environment Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k

The Corner Pub & Bistro Hidden gem in this area. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

POLO HAUS HARBOUR SANDAKAN MALL Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Mawar drink house Dine-in·Takeout Bar · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Sandakan, Sabah

About Sandakan, Sabah

Sandakan serves as a port of call for cruise travelers exploring the natural wonders of Southeast Asia. Currently, Silversea operates voyages calling at this Sabah port, offering passengers access to extended 14-night itineraries that traverse the region's most captivating destinations. With seven upcoming cruises scheduled, Sandakan appears most frequently on itineraries during the peak months of January, June, February, November, and December, making it an ideal stop for those seeking adventure in Malaysian Borneo.

During your time ashore in Sandakan, you'll discover why this port has become increasingly popular with cruise travelers. The surrounding region offers remarkable opportunities to experience pristine rainforests and remarkable wildlife encounters. Whether you're interested in exploring the natural heritage of Sabah or venturing on organized shore excursions to nearby attractions, Sandakan provides a memorable gateway to one of Asia's most biodiverse corners. The port's position on various regional routes means you'll enjoy convenient access to other sought-after destinations including Kota Kinabalu, Coron Island, and Hong Kong.

Explore Sandakan's Colonial Heritage

Walk through the historic English Tea House, a beautifully restored colonial mansion offering panoramic views of Sandakan Harbour. Discover the poignant Sandakan Death March Memorial and Japanese Cemetery, which tell the compelling stories of World War II history. These landmarks provide fascinating insights into the region's complex past within easy reach of the port.

Savor Fresh Seafood at the Markets

Experience the vibrant Central Market where local fishermen display their daily catch of fresh prawns, fish, and crustaceans. Sample authentic Sabahan dishes like fish head curry and grilled seafood at waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbour. The aromatic spice blends and bustling atmosphere capture the authentic flavors of Malaysian coastal cuisine.

Encounter Wildlife at Sepilok Sanctuary

Visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, located just 25 kilometers from port, where you can observe rescued orangutans in their natural habitat. Watch these magnificent primates during feeding times and learn about conservation efforts protecting Borneo's iconic species. This unforgettable wildlife experience showcases Sabah's commitment to preserving its extraordinary biodiversity.

Shop Local Crafts and Souvenirs

Browse the bustling Sandakan Central Market and nearby shops for authentic Sabahan handicrafts, including traditional beadwork, wooden carvings, and batik textiles. Local artisans sell unique souvenirs reflecting indigenous cultures of Borneo. The vibrant marketplace atmosphere and genuine local products make for memorable shopping that supports community craftspeople.

Cruise Scenic Sandakan Harbour

Take a boat tour through the picturesque Sandakan Harbour, passing mangrove forests and spotting local fishing villages built on stilts. Observe traditional wooden boats and learn about the maritime heritage that defines this coastal town. The serene waterways and authentic village life offer a peaceful perspective on daily life in Sabah.