How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

All Topics about Sandakan All Cities in Malaysia

1. Seafood Market

Authentic local seafood market offering fair prices. Avoid overpriced restaurants near tourist spots.

Price Comparison: Compare prices in the market with restaurant menus nearby to ensure you're getting a good deal.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite seafood stalls in the market.
Business Hours: Visit during non-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds and higher prices.

Bustling market selling local produce at reasonable prices. Avoid souvenir shops offering overpriced items.

Haggling Skills: Haggle for better prices when buying souvenirs.
Knowledgeable Locals: Ask locals which stalls offer the best deals and authentic goods.
Shopping Strategies: Visit several stalls before making a purchase to compare prices.

Official boat tours offer a chance to see proboscis monkeys up close without overpaying or dealing with scams.

Official Tours: Choose official tour operators for a reliable experience.
Advance Booking: Book tours in advance to secure a spot and avoid overpriced last-minute deals.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings for the best tour operators.

Join a guided river cruise to see wildlife in their natural habitat without overpaying or being scammed.

Reputable Tour Operators: Select reputable tour operators for a safe and educational experience.
Advance Booking: Book tours in advance to secure a spot and avoid overpriced last-minute deals.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings for the best tour operators.

Historical park commemorating WWII prisoners of war. Avoid overpriced food vendors and souvenir shops.

Pack a Picnic: Bring your own lunch to save money on overpriced park food.
Ask About Local Eateries: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable nearby restaurants.
Souvenir Shopping Strategy: Wait until you visit the central market to buy souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Official center providing a unique opportunity to see orangutans up close without overpaying or being scammed.

Advance Booking: Book tickets in advance to secure a spot and avoid overpriced last-minute deals.
Reputable Tour Operators: Select reputable tour operators for a safe and educational experience.
Avoid Unofficial Guides: Avoid unofficial guides who may overcharge or provide misinformation.

Nature reserve offering guided tours and wildlife spotting without overpaying or being scammed.

Reputable Tour Operators: Select reputable tour operators for a safe and educational experience.
Advance Booking: Book tours in advance to secure a spot and avoid overpriced last-minute deals.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings for the best tour operators.

Beautiful mosque offering a peaceful escape. Avoid pushy vendors selling overpriced items.

Respectful Behavior: Dress appropriately and remove shoes before entering.
Local Etiquette: Follow local etiquette when visiting the mosque.
Avoid Unnecessary Purchases: Decline pushy vendors offering overpriced items.

Authentic local market offering food and souvenirs at reasonable prices. Avoid overpriced restaurants nearby.

Haggling Skills: Haggle for better prices when buying souvenirs.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite food stalls in the market.
Shopping Strategies: Visit several stalls before making a purchase to compare prices.

Authentic fishing village offering fresh seafood at reasonable prices. Avoid overpriced restaurants nearby.

Price Comparison: Compare prices in the village with restaurant menus nearby to ensure you're getting a good deal.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite seafood stalls in the village.
Business Hours: Visit during non-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds and higher prices.

Official sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles. Avoid overpriced food vendors and souvenir shops.

Pack a Picnic: Bring your own lunch to save money on overpriced sanctuary food.
Ask About Local Eateries: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable nearby restaurants.
Souvenir Shopping Strategy: Wait until you visit the central market to buy souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Natural caves housing thousands of bats and swiftlets. Avoid unofficial guides who may overcharge or provide misinformation.

Reputable Tour Operators: Select reputable tour operators for a safe and educational experience.
Advance Booking: Book tours in advance to secure a spot and avoid overpriced last-minute deals.
Avoid Unofficial Guides: Avoid unofficial guides who may overcharge or provide misinformation.

Beautiful park offering hiking trails and wildlife spotting without overpaying or being scammed.

Reputable Tour Operators: Select reputable tour operators for a safe and educational experience.
Advance Booking: Book tours in advance to secure a spot and avoid overpriced last-minute deals.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings for the best tour operators.

Beautiful island offering snorkeling, diving, and beach relaxation without overpaying or being scammed.

Reputable Tour Operators: Select reputable tour operators for a safe and educational experience.
Advance Booking: Book tours in advance to secure a spot and avoid overpriced last-minute deals.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings for the best tour operators.

Historical site showcasing Mahogany trees. Avoid overpriced food vendors and souvenir shops.

Pack a Picnic: Bring your own lunch to save money on overpriced square food.
Ask About Local Eateries: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable nearby restaurants.
Souvenir Shopping Strategy: Wait until you visit the central market to buy souvenirs at reasonable prices.