Luxury Travel to Sandakan made for you

Wildlife mecca, gateway to Kinabatangan river & Lankayan island

Sandakan is best known as being home to the Sepilok Nature Rehabilitation Centre, where they care for rescued or orphaned Orang-utans as well as Sun Bears, Gibbons, Sumatran Rhinos and Elephants in need of treatment. This is a good place to see these creatures before embarking on a trip into the rainforest in hope of spotting them in the wild.

From this provincial city take a safari up the Kinabatangan River. This is Malaysia’s second longest river where, despite the palm logging in the area, this spectacular wilderness is home to wealth of wildlife including Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, Pygmy Elephants, lizards, Crocodiles, and birdlife including Kingfishers and Hornbills.

From Sandakan you can also make the journey to Lankayan Island; a paradise, palm fringed island in the Sulu Sea. Home to Sea Turtles often spotted in its waters, vibrant underwater creatures and coral formations can be spotted a few fin kicks from the beach.

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Remarkable stays, handpicked by our experts

Luxury accommodation in Sandakan

There are many incredible places to stay in Sandakan. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Sandakan

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is tucked away in the wilderness of Lower Kinabatangan, surrounding the pristine freshwater swamps and mangrove forest. An internationally important ecosystem that supports some 100 plant, 200 bird and 50 mammal species, it is a rich place ripe for exploring. Reached by an hour-long boat from Sandakan, the resort has four rooms in a Longhouse Cabin and ten more private chalets for those after a bit more luxury, all connected to the restaurant by wooden walkways. The eco credentials here are strong with power predominantly solar generated and water collected and sand filtered from the river and rain. Venture out onto the forest’s rivers and channels on boat cruises in search of proboscis monkey, orangutan, elephant, hornbills and more. There’s some fantastic bird watching to be had and a network of jungle trails start from the resort for night and morning walks.

Sandakan

Abai Jungle Lodge

Found on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River, Abai is one of the newest lodges in this area teeming with exotic wildlife such as orang-utans, langur monkeys, otters and birds. It boasts a brilliant location for spotting these animals thanks mostly to its remote position made only accessible via boat. Its isolated locale means the eighteen wooden chalets are simply decorated but are clean and comfortable with en-suite facilities including hot showers and a ceiling fan. The main area of the lodge connects to the surrounding rainforest by long wooden platforms, leading you onto a fascinating boardwalk trail and five observation towers. Abai’s small bar and an open-air restaurant serve up decent local food including the Kinabatangan River’s famously big prawns.

Sandakan

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge

Approximately two hours from Sandakan is the rustic Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. Reachable by vehicle or boat, this lovely lodge sits in a glorious location and its simple rooms are all connected by wooden walkways, while outside an expansive open sun deck offers a spot to enjoy the scenic river views. Discover the wide assortment of creatures and take advantage of the jungle trail located behind the lodge keeping an eye out for Orang-utans, Red Leaf monkeys and heaps of wild birds. Meanwhile out in the river, Crocodiles and Otters are regular sights too.

Sandakan

Sepilok Nature Lodge

Nestled among the lake’s rich jungle fringes of orchids and trees, Sepilok Nature Resort offers a peaceful and comfortable place to explore the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and Rehabilitation Centre. All sixty of the comfortable chalets come with air conditioning, traditional interiors and private verandas that give you good views. The Reserve which is home to the last wild Orang-utans of Northern Borneo, is just a mere walk away from the resort. Immersed into this pristine wilderness enjoy days, nights, delicious meals and downtime to the chorus of creatures that surround you. Take advantage of the river trips, trekking and birding excursions that are all on offer.

Sandakan

MY Nature Resort

Located in one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, MY Nature Resort is just 2km from the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Completed in February 2016, the resort features 12 wooden chalets that face the jungle. Helping to preserve the natural environment is of the upmost important, and solar panels are used to heat all the water. Behind the resort is a boardwalk that runs along the Sepilock Protected Forest Reserve and during the day there is plenty on your doorstep to explore. At night, enjoy the natural soundtrack from the forest’s inhabitants and the feeling of being surrounded by one of the world’s most wonderful environments.

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Trip Inspiration

Get inspired with our Sandakan example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

14 Day trip

Borneo Wildlife Explorer and Langkawi Beaches

An in-depth adventure to see Borneo’s unique wildlife, natural wonders, culture and endangered creatures before a deluxe beach finale on Langkawi Island

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Whatever you want from your adventure in Sandakan, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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