
Best Museums & Art Galleries in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
1. Sabah Art Gallery
Showcases diverse artworks by local and international artists, with a focus on Borneo's cultural heritage.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers insights into the rich culture and history of Sabah through artistic expressions.
- International Collaboration: Features art pieces from various international artists, promoting global cultural exchange.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational workshops and exhibitions that engage visitors in artistic exploration.
2. Borneo Craft Heritage Centre
Preserves traditional craft-making techniques of the Borneo indigenous communities through interactive workshops and displays.
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to participate in hands-on workshops, learning traditional craft-making skills.
- Cultural Preservation: Promotes the preservation of Borneo's rich cultural heritage through education and experiential learning.
- Indigenous Artwork: Displays a wide variety of traditional artwork from various indigenous communities across Borneo.
3. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Museum
Dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of orangutans in their natural habitat, with an educational museum on-site.
- Wildlife Conservation: Supports the protection and preservation of orangutan populations through rehabilitation efforts.
- Educational Museum: Provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of orangutan conservation and habitat threats.
- Rescue & Rehabilitation: Offers a glimpse into the rescue, rehabilitation, and eventual release process for injured and orphaned orangutans.
4. Sandakan Memorial Park
Honors the Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees who perished during World War II in Sandakan.
- Historical Significance: Pays tribute to the lives lost during a dark period in Sandakan's history.
- Educational Memorial: Offers visitors insights into the tragic events that transpired during World War II.
- Peace and Reflection: Provides a serene environment for visitors to reflect on the importance of peace and remembrance.
5. Sandakan Fish Agriculture Park
Demonstrates sustainable aquaculture practices through various fish species exhibits and educational programs.
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Promotes responsible fish farming techniques for a healthy ecosystem.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops and exhibits on the importance of sustainable fishing practices.
- Variety of Species: Showcases a diverse array of fish species found in Borneo's waters.
6. Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre
Offers guided tours through the low dipterocarp forest, showcasing the unique flora and fauna of Borneo.
- Guided Tours: Provides knowledgeable guides to help visitors navigate the rainforest and identify its inhabitants.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of Borneo's rich biodiversity through educational outreach.
- Canopy Walkway: Features a canopy walkway offering unique views of the rainforest from above.
7. Sim Sim Nature Park
Protects and showcases the diverse plant and animal species found in Borneo's lowland rainforest.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Supports the preservation of Borneo's unique flora and fauna through conservation efforts.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to help visitors discover the park's various ecosystems and inhabitants.
- Educational Programs: Promotes environmental education through workshops and exhibits on the importance of biodiversity conservation.
8. Agnes Keith House Museum
Honors the life and work of author Agnes Keith through exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories.
- Literary Heritage: Celebrates the literary contributions of Agnes Keith to the understanding of Borneo's history.
- Historical Insights: Offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Agnes Keith in Sandakan during the early 20th century.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding through the exploration of Borneo's diverse history and heritage.
9. Sandakan Jazz Festival Museum
Celebrates Sandakan's vibrant jazz music scene through artifacts, photographs, and musical performances.
- Music Appreciation: Provides visitors with an appreciation for the diverse jazz music culture in Sandakan.
- Local Artists Showcase: Highlights local and international jazz musicians, promoting collaboration and cultural exchange.
- Educational Workshops: Offers workshops for visitors to learn about the history and techniques of jazz music.
10. Sandakan Fishing Village
Showcases the traditional fishing lifestyle of Sandakan's residents, offering cultural insights and local cuisine.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to experience the unique culture and traditions of Sandakan's fishing community.
- Local Cuisine: Offers a variety of delicious seafood dishes, showcasing Sandakan's rich culinary heritage.
- Preservation of Traditional Skills: Promotes the preservation of traditional fishing skills and techniques through workshops and demonstrations.
11. Sandakan City Mosque
Serves as a spiritual center for the Muslim community in Sandakan, offering architectural beauty and tranquility.
- Spiritual Reflection: Provides visitors with a peaceful space for reflection and prayer.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Showcases stunning architectural design, combining traditional and modern elements.
- Cultural Understanding: Fosters cross-cultural understanding by offering insights into the Islamic faith and its cultural practices.
12. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Sanctuary
Provides a safe haven for orangutans in their natural habitat, promoting conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
- Wildlife Conservation: Supports the protection and preservation of endangered orangutan populations.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops and exhibits on the importance of wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.
- Rehabilitation Centre: Ensures the rehabilitation and eventual release of orangutans back into their natural habitats.
13. Borneo Eco Tourism Adventure Park
Offers a variety of eco-adventures, including canopy walkways, river cruises, and animal encounters.
- Adventure Activities: Provides visitors with exciting outdoor adventures, connecting them with Borneo's natural beauty.
- Wildlife Encounters: Allows for close encounters with various wildlife species found in Borneo's diverse ecosystems.
- Environmental Education: Promotes environmental conservation through educational workshops and exhibits.
14. Sandakan Railway Station
A historical landmark dating back to the British colonial era, showcasing architectural charm.
- Historical Significance: Pays tribute to Sandakan's rich history and the impact of the British colonial era.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Showcases stunning architectural design, reflecting the grandeur of the colonial era.
- Cultural Exchange: Fosters cross-cultural understanding by offering insights into Sandakan's colonial past.
15. Sandakan Turtle Sanctuary
A sea turtle hatchery and rehabilitation center that promotes conservation efforts for endangered sea turtles.
- Sea Turtle Conservation: Supports the protection and preservation of endangered sea turtle populations.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops and exhibits on the importance of sea turtle conservation and habitat preservation.
- Turtle Release Ceremonies: Allows visitors to witness the heartwarming release of rehabilitated sea turtles back into the ocean.