About the Port
Sandakan sits on the northeastern coast of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, where a natural harbor once made it the capital of British North Borneo. The town's colonial-era waterfront and bustling central market give way quickly to dense rainforest, and the city serves as the principal gateway to some of Malaysia's most storied wildlife sanctuaries, including the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. History runs deep here as well, most somberly at Sandakan Memorial Park, which commemorates Allied prisoners of war held during the Second World War.
Beyond the town, the Kinabatangan River and its floodplain forests draw travelers seeking proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other Bornean wildlife. The pier area lies within walking distance of the old town's shops and market stalls, making it easy to explore on foot before venturing further into the surrounding jungle landscape.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Sandakan.
Visit Sepilok Orangutan Centre
Watch rehabilitated orangutans swing in at the elevated feeding platform, roughly 25 minutes from the pier by taxi; time arrival for one of the twice-daily feedings.
Cruise the Kinabatangan River
A river safari through floodplain forest offers close-up sightings of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles; allow a half-day excursion given the drive from town.
Pay Respects at Sandakan Memorial Park
This quiet riverside park marks the site of the POW camp and the start of the infamous death marches, with interpretive trails and memorial plaques honoring Allied soldiers.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Sandakan
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $9,900 | |
| Jan 31, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $9,680 | |
| Feb 28, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $9,520 | |
| Jun 23, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Cloud Expedition | 21 | $19,890 | |
| Nov 7, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $7,980 | |
| Dec 5, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $7,500 | |
| Jan 5, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 176 | $63,339 | |
| Jan 28, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $8,400 | |
| Mar 17, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 11 | $4,419 | |
| Nov 30, 2028 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | Atlas Adventurer | 128 | $74,207 | |
| Dec 23, 2028 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | Atlas Adventurer | 40 | $28,439 | |
| Jan 6, 2029 | Atlas Ocean Voyages | Atlas Adventurer | 13 | $12,142 | |
| Mar 13, 2029 | Silversea | Silver Whisper | 12 | $8,900 |