Major Highways & Driving Tips in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

1. Sandakan-Lahad Datu Highway

Main highway connecting Sandakan to the eastern districts of Sabah, offering scenic views and important access to national parks.

Scenic Drive: Features lush greenery, rivers, and wildlife sightings.
Road Condition: Well-maintained two-lane highway with occasional stretches of single lane.
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours travel time to Lahad Datu town.

Major highway connecting Sandakan with the Tawau district, offering access to coastal towns and national parks.

Main route connecting Sandakan with Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and the Kinabatangan River.

Wildlife Spotting: Potential sightings of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and pythons.
Road Condition: Two-lane highway with occasional potholes.
Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes travel time to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Main highway connecting Sandakan with Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.

Minor road connecting Sandakan with Mempenghulu village, offering cultural insights into the Rungus community.

Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into the traditional Rungus lifestyle.
Road Condition: Single-lane dirt road with steep inclines and curves.
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours travel time to Mempenghulu village.

Minor road connecting Sandakan with Sukau, gateway to the Kinabatangan River.

Wildlife Spotting: Potential sightings of pythons, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys.
Road Condition: Single-lane dirt road with occasional flooding.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour travel time to Sukau jetty.

Minor highway connecting Sandakan with Balung village, offering access to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary.

Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for close encounters with proboscis monkeys.
Road Condition: Two-lane highway with occasional potholes.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour travel time to Balung village.

Minor road connecting Sandakan with Silam, offering access to the Silam Rainforest Reserve.

Minor road connecting Sandakan with Batu Sapi National Park.

Nature Exploration: Allows exploration of the park's limestone formations and wildlife.
Road Condition: Single-lane dirt road with steep inclines and curves.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour travel time to Batu Sapi National Park.

A protected area offering close encounters with proboscis monkeys.

Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for close encounters with proboscis monkeys.
Boat Tour: Requires a boat tour to access the sanctuary.
Guided Tour: Offers guided tours to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife.

A rehabilitation and conservation center for orangutans.

Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for close encounters with orangutans.
Guided Tour: Offers guided tours to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife.
Feeding Time: Features twice-daily feeding times for orangutans.

A major river offering wildlife spotting opportunities.

Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for close encounters with proboscis monkeys, pythons, and crocodiles.
Boat Tour: Requires a boat tour to access the river.
Guided Tour: Offers guided tours to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife.

A cultural village offering insights into the Rungus community.

Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into the traditional Rungus lifestyle.
Guided Tour: Offers guided tours to explain local customs and traditions.
Craft Shop: Features a craft shop selling traditional Rungus handicrafts.

An eco-lodge offering wildlife spotting opportunities in the Kinabatangan River area.

Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for close encounters with proboscis monkeys, pythons, and crocodiles.
Accommodation: Offers comfortable lodging with river views.
Guided Tours: Provides guided tours to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife.

A jungle resort offering wildlife spotting opportunities in the Kinabatangan River area.

Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for close encounters with proboscis monkeys, pythons, and crocodiles.
Accommodation: Offers comfortable lodging with river views.
Guided Tours: Provides guided tours to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife.