Sandakan Port Malaysia

Sandakan Port

Transportation from Sandakan Port Malaysia Port

Welcome to Sandakan, Malaysia! Upon arriving at the port in Sandakan, you have a few options to get to the city center. If your cruise ship docks directly at the port, it is walkable to some central locations within the city. If your ship anchors offshore and requires tendering (taking a small boat from the ship to shore), you will be taken to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty. From there, you can easily walk or take a short taxi ride into town. For those looking for an affordable option, you can take the local public bus from the port area. The most convenient bus to catch is Bus No. 14 which runs between Sandakan town and various neighborhoods. You can catch this bus near the port entrance. The price for a bus ticket is typically around 2-3 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) per person, making it a budget-friendly choice for transportation into town. Enjoy exploring Sandakan and all it has to offer!

Things to do in Sandakan Port Malaysia Port

Free Activities

1. Sandakan Heritage Trail: Embark on a self-guided walking tour through the historic streets of Sandakan, where you can explore colonial-era buildings, temples, and landmarks that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage. 2. Agnes Keith House: Visit the former home of Agnes Newton Keith, an American author who lived in Sabah during the British colonial period. The house is now a museum showcasing her life and works, offering insights into Sandakan's past. 3. Central Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Sandakan's Central Market, where locals gather to sell fresh produce, seafood, handicrafts, and traditional snacks. It's a great place to experience everyday life in the city. 4. Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple: Climb up to this hilltop temple for panoramic views of Sandakan Bay and its surroundings. Admire the intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance while learning about Buddhism in Malaysia. 5. St. Michael's & All Angels Church: Marvel at the beauty of this Anglican church, which dates back to the late 19th century and features stunning stained glass windows and wooden interior details. It stands as a symbol of religious diversity in Sandakan. 6. Buli Sim-Sim Water Village: Take a stroll along the wooden stilt houses of Buli Sim-Sim Water Village, where local fishermen reside with their families. Witness daily activities on water and gain insight into traditional Malaysian coastal living. 7. Australian War Memorial: Pay your respects at this memorial dedicated to Australian soldiers who perished during World War II in Borneo. The site offers a poignant reminder of Sandakan's wartime history and sacrifices made by Allied forces. 8 . Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC): Explore nature for free at RDC located just outside Sandakan; walk along canopy walks or visit botanical gardens to learn about Borneo’s diverse wildlife like orangutans or pygmy elephants 9 . Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre : Observe these incredible creatures swing from trees & interact with each other while learning about conservation efforts being done by this sanctuary 10 . Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary : Watch these unique monkeys with their long noses frolic around their natural habitat without having to pay an entrance fee

Paid Activities

1. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: A renowned conservation center dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans, offering visitors a chance to observe these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. 2. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre: Home to the world's smallest bear species, this sanctuary aims to rescue and rehabilitate sun bears while educating visitors about their conservation efforts. 3. Agnes Keith House: A historical colonial house turned museum that once belonged to an American author, providing insights into Sandakan's past through its well-preserved artifacts and exhibits. 4. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary: Known for its unique proboscis monkeys, this sanctuary offers a close-up encounter with these distinctive primates in a natural setting. 5. Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple: Perched on a hill overlooking Sandakan town, this serene temple provides panoramic views of the surroundings and serves as a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking spiritual solace. 6. Rainforest Discovery Centre: An educational hub focused on Borneo's diverse flora and fauna, featuring canopy walkways, interactive exhibits, and guided tours through the lush rainforest ecosystem. 7. St. Michael's and All Angels Church: The oldest stone church in Sabah built during British colonial rule, showcasing beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architectural details reflecting its rich heritage. 8. English Tea House & Restaurant: A charming establishment set amidst lush gardens offering traditional English fare with stunning views of Sandakan Bay—a perfect spot for afternoon tea or dining al fresco. 9. Sim Sim Water Village: Explore the stilt houses of this traditional water village where locals have lived for generations, providing a glimpse into their daily lives along the waterfront. 10. Crocodile Farm (Taman Buaya): Get up close with various crocodile species at this farm where informative tours shed light on these fascinating reptiles' behavior and conservation efforts in Malaysia.

Food to try in Sandakan Port

1. Nasi Lemak - A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and spicy sambal sauce. 2. Roti Canai - A popular flatbread served with curry sauce for dipping or with various fillings like egg or banana. 3. Laksa - A spicy noodle soup with a flavorful coconut-based broth, often topped with shrimp, chicken, tofu, or fish cakes. 4. Satay - Skewers of marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) grilled to perfection and served with peanut sauce for dipping. 5. Char Kway Teow - Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives in a savory soy sauce. 6. Rojak - A mixed fruit and vegetable salad drizzled with a sweet and tangy shrimp paste dressing and topped with crushed peanuts. 7. Cendol - A refreshing dessert made of shaved ice topped with green rice flour jelly strands, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and red beans. 8. Mee Goreng Mamak - Spicy fried noodles stir-fried in a blend of chili paste, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, vegetables, tofu or meat. 9. Apam Balik - A crispy pancake filled with sweet corn kernels or crushed peanuts mixed with sugar and creamed corn as a delightful treat. 10. Durian - Known as the "king of fruits," this pungent yet creamy fruit is either loved or loathed by many for its strong aroma and custard-like texture. These traditional Malaysian dishes offer a culinary journey through the diverse flavors and spices of the region's cuisine found at Sandakan port!

Interesting Facts about Sandakan

1. Sandakan, Malaysia is known as the gateway to Borneo's wildlife and nature reserves, offering cruisers a chance to explore the rich biodiversity of the region. 2. The city of Sandakan has a significant historical past as it was once the capital of British North Borneo and played a crucial role during World War II. 3. One of the must-visit attractions in Sandakan is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where cruisers can witness these fascinating primates up close in their natural habitat. 4. For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Sandakan Memorial Park is recommended, honoring those who lost their lives during the tragic Sandakan Death Marches in WWII. 5. Nature lovers will appreciate exploring the Kinabatangan River, one of Borneo's longest rivers teeming with diverse wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and exotic bird species. 6. Foodies on board will enjoy sampling local delicacies at Sandakan Central Market, offering fresh seafood and traditional Malaysian dishes that tantalize taste buds. 7. Adventure seekers can embark on a thrilling canopy walk at Rainforest Discovery Centre, providing panoramic views of lush rainforests and an opportunity to spot unique flora and fauna. 8. Cruisers looking for relaxation can unwind at beautiful beaches near Sandakan like Lankayan Island or Turtle Islands National Park where they can witness turtle conservation efforts firsthand. 9. Don't miss out on experiencing traditional culture by visiting Agnes Keith House, once home to an American author showcasing colonial architecture and artifacts from bygone eras. 10. A fun fact about Sandakan: It is also known as "Little Hong Kong" due to its historical ties with Chinese immigrants who settled in the area during its early development stages.

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