
Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
1. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
A sanctuary helping orphaned orangutans return to the wild. It offers educational tours and the opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close.
- Orangutan Rehabilitation: Provides a second chance for orphaned orangutans.
- Educational Tours: Offers insight into the life and conservation of orangutans.
- Up-close Encounters: Allows visitors to observe orangutans in a natural setting.
2. Borneo Rainforest Lodge
A luxury eco-resort nestled deep within the Danum Valley. It offers jungle treks and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Luxury Accommodation: Provides comfortable lodging in a pristine rainforest setting.
- Jungle Treks: Offers guided tours through the heart of the rainforest.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe Borneo's diverse wildlife.
3. Gomantong Caves
A series of limestone caves housing thousands of swiftlets and bats. It offers a unique glimpse into their intricate nesting colonies.
- Swiftlet and Bat Colonies: Offers a rare opportunity to witness these creatures in large numbers.
- Natural Architecture: Showcases the intricate nest structures built by swiftlets.
- Cave Exploration: Provides a chance to explore these natural wonders.
4. Kinabatangan River
A major river in Sabah teeming with wildlife. It offers boat tours to observe proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and various bird species.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot unique and elusive wildlife.
- Boat Tours: Provides a peaceful and convenient way to explore the river.
- Eco-friendly Activities: Encourages responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
5. Batu Tulug Burial Caves
An archaeological site featuring prehistoric burial chambers. It offers a glimpse into the lives of early human inhabitants.
- Prehistoric Heritage: Offers insights into the lives of ancient humans.
- Archaeological Site: Provides a unique opportunity to explore prehistory.
- Educational Experience: Enriches understanding of early human civilizations.
6. Lankayan Island
A private island resort offering turtle watching opportunities. It also features a turtle hatchery and dive sites.
- Turtle Watching: Offers the chance to observe green sea turtles.
- Dive Sites: Provides opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Turtle Hatchery: Promotes turtle conservation efforts.
7. Selingan Turtle Island
A turtle sanctuary where visitors can witness the nesting and hatching process of green sea turtles.
- Turtle Sanctuary: Provides a safe haven for endangered sea turtles.
- Nesting and Hatching Process: Offers a unique opportunity to observe the lifecycle of sea turtles.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports turtle conservation programs.
8. Batu Sapi Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
A wildlife reserve dedicated to the protection of proboscis monkeys. It offers guided tours and close-up viewing opportunities.
- Proboscis Monkey Protection: Ensures the survival of this unique species.
- Guided Tours: Provides expert guidance during wildlife observations.
- Close-up Viewing Opportunities: Allows visitors to observe proboscis monkeys up close.
9. Kundasang War Memorial Park
A moving tribute to the Australian and British servicemen who lost their lives during World War II in Sabah.
- Historical Significance: Honors the sacrifices made during World War II.
- Memorial Gardens: Offers a peaceful and reflective environment.
- Educational Tours: Provides insights into the history of World War II in Sabah.
10. Miri-Sabah Fruit Farm and Museum
A farm featuring a variety of exotic fruits along with a museum showcasing the history of fruit cultivation in Sabah.
- Exotic Fruit Varieties: Offers opportunities to taste unique and local fruits.
- Farm Tours: Provides insights into the process of fruit cultivation.
- Historical Museum: Enriches understanding of Sabah's agricultural heritage.
11. Batu Puteh Tongkat Ali Reserve
A reserve dedicated to the protection of Tongkat Ali, a medicinal herb. It offers guided tours and educational programs.
- Tongkat Ali Conservation: Ensures the survival of this important medicinal plant.
- Guided Tours: Provides expert guidance during visits to the reserve.
- Educational Programs: Promotes understanding of traditional medicinal practices.
12. Sabah Tea Garden
A tea plantation offering tours, tastings, and the opportunity to learn about tea cultivation.
- Tea Cultivation Education: Provides insights into the process of tea production.
- Tasting Experiences: Allows visitors to sample different types of Sabah teas.
- Scenic Landscapes: Offers beautiful views of the tea plantation and surrounding hills.
13. Klias Wetlands
A wetland reserve offering sunset cruises to observe proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and various bird species.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to observe unique and elusive wildlife.
- Sunset Cruises: Provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for wildlife viewing.
- Eco-friendly Activities: Encourages responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
14. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to the protection of proboscis monkeys. It offers feeding sessions and close-up viewing opportunities.
- Proboscis Monkey Protection: Ensures the survival of this unique species.
- Feeding Sessions: Allows visitors to interact with proboscis monkeys.
- Close-up Viewing Opportunities: Provides a unique chance to observe proboscis monkeys up close.
15. Batu Sokol Sandakan Highlands Resort
A resort located in the highlands of Sandakan offering birdwatching and jungle trekking opportunities.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Allows visitors to observe a variety of bird species.
- Jungle Trekking: Provides opportunities for exploration in the highland rainforest.
- Highland Scenery: Offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.