About Sabah

Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sabah is one of the thirteen states which Malaysia is made of. Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan.

Ideal for backpackers, Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. 

We have it all, from the world’s largest flower - the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains is South East Asia - Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites - Sipadan Island.

Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things to do here, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. 

Explore the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet memories to last a lifetime!

Public Order in Sandakan

Sabah is a peace and security place to visit. But unfortunately, the order situation has slightly changed due to influx of foreign illegal immigrants in recent years.

There are several rules that can safe you more:

- Do not show off your cash.

- Beware of pickpockets at crowded places.

- Cell phone, wallet, backpack should not left it on the table, or away from your sight.

- Always be vigilance if you walking around at night.

- Avoid entering into back alleys or unknown streets.

- Avoid traveling with unlicensed mini-buses (Bas Mini) at night.

Although Sandakan is free from gang crime / severe criminals, you should keep your safety awareness always.

It is a good idea if you could hold some long strip in your hand at night such as camera tripods, umbrellas that might give out some deterrent effect.

It might be worrying too much, we never heard of a tourist was robbed, but more vigilance and precautionary can ensure your travel is safe and smoothly. 

We wish everyone a happy safe journey.

How to Take a Taxi?

Taxi

The taxis are normally painted red and white in city, easy to identify.

The taxi fares are not quoted according to the taxi meter, which means you have to bargain.

If you want to take a taxi from airport, you have to buy a ticket at a counter, and this will be charged with uniform price. 

However, in the other area, you are suggested to bargain with the driver before take a taxi. There is no effective control by the state government regarding to this problem.

The fare will be increased 50% at the late night or early in the morning.

If you plan to take a taxi, we recommend you to inquire for the price of your destination from the receptionist / staffs of your accommodation. This may avoid being cheated.

Of course, there are many drivers who are enthusiastic and friendly. They may even act as a guide to introduce you the beautiful scenic at here. 

We sincerely hope that every tourist will have a great time when travelling in Sandakan. Perhaps these tips will make some effort on it!

Sandakan’s Roundabouts

Sandakan, the second largest city in Sabah, is famous for its nature tourism and seafood. But just in case some people are clueless on the attractions in Sandakan, it has a unique way of promoting its tourist spots. Outsized and sometimes funny statues have been placed in the round-abouts in and around Sandakan.

Orang Utans and Sumatran Rhinoceros

Roundabout at the junction to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre used to house two Sumatran Rhinoceros as well.

Adult Male Orang Utan and Proboscis Monkeys

Didn’t know orang utans and proboscis monkeys are friends, but at this roundabout, they apparently are. Proboscis monkeys are found in abundance at Kinabatangan Riverand Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Estuarine Crocodile

A crocodile that not only points the way to Sandakan Crocodile Farm, but shows you the thumbs-up. Crocodiles can be found along most major rivers in Sandakan. 

Green Turtle

Green Turtles come to the beaches at Turtle Islands Park every night to lay eggs, especially between July and October when the sea is calmer.

Bird's Nest

The nests of some species of swiftlets are regarded as a delicacy by the Chinese. Bird’s Nests are collected at Gomantong Caves. Roundabout is in town, near Dewan Masyarakat Sandakan (Sandakan Community Hall).

Lobster

I believe this lobster represents the cheap and fresh seafood in Sandakan. Near the junction to Puh Jih Shih Temple.

Fish

 

I believe this fish also represents the cheap and fresh seafood in Sandakan. Located at Pasir Putih beach, near the Ocean King's Restaurant.

Roundabout at city centre

Roundabout at Sandakan City Centre, opposite Wisma Harrison, Padang Bandaran &  MPS Buildings.

Public Toilet

Like any other places in Malaysia, you need to pay for using the public toilet in Sandakan. Normally is around 20~30 cents (Ringgit Malaysia) per entry. There will be more expensive in some upscale shopping mall.

Besides, you may find that there is a hose/bucket with bailer in the toilet. This is the "toilet culture" of Muslims in our country for cleaning. So please be careful if the floor is wet.

Bring along your own toilet paper too, or else you would need to pay another 30 cents for the paper.

Is foreign currency payments accepted?

Foreign Currency

The answer is NO.

You could only pay in Ringgit-Malaysia for all kind of payment. Some souvenir shops might accept specific/major foreign notes, eg. US Dollar, Euro, Sterling Pound, Australian Dollar and Chinese Renminbi, but the exchange rate is terrible.

Spending money is inevitable. Therefore, prepared your Ringgit-Malaysia is a must.

Money Exchange

Exchange Currency

If you are visitor from other country and your country currency is listed below, just bring them here to exchange into Ringgit-Malaysia directly:

 US Dollar

 Euro

 Sterling Pound

 Singapore Dollar

 Japanese Yen

 Korean Won

 Hongkong Dollar

 Chinese Renminbi

 New Taiwan Dollar

 Australian Dollar

 New Zealand Dollar

 Canadian Dollar

 Brunei Dollar

 Indian Rupee

 Indonesian Rupiah

 Philippine Peso

 Thai Baht

Because of you could exchange it into Malaysia Ringgit directly, you are no need to change your country currency into US Dollar, then exchange it into Ringgit upon arrival. Keep in mind that, two times of exchange will cost you more.

Money Changer at Sandakan:

Woi Kwan Money Changers,

Ground Floor, Blok 37, Lebuh Lima,

90000 Sandakan, Sabah.

Tel:  089-272767

Syarikat Perniagaan Kinabalu

Ground Floor, Blok J, Jalan Utara,

Taman Kim Fung,

90000 Sandakan, Sabah

Tel: 089-212936

Recognizing Ringgit-Malaysia (RM)

Malaysia Ringgit (RM)

There are 4 types of coins, their unit is "sen":  5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen.

"Sen" is same as what we commonly known, the "cent". For example, 20 sen means 20 cents.

There are 5 types of notes, their units is "Ringgit Malaysia (RM)": 1 RM, 5 RM, 10 RM, 50 RM, 100 RM.

Malaysia counterfeit situation is not serious, most of the restaurant and store will accept the large notes, unless they are not enough small notes to change, or you purchase goods from small vendors. Sometimes small notes are important.

The most convenience and good to use is 10 RM notes. So, you may ask for mainly 10 RM notes and supplemented by 50 RM notes when you exchange your currency at Money Exchanger.

Mobile Roaming Service

Mobile system of Malaysia is GSM system, supporting to GPRS and 3G too.

If you are visitor from other country, and your mobile network provider is providing you the roaming service (some of provider terminate this service by default, please confirm with your mobile network provider before departure), you will be able to search and using one of the Malaysia mobile network upon arrival. The most probably is Celcom, Maxis and Digi.

There will cost you so much if you calling or answering calls, no matter a local or international call. You may consider to apply a prepaid card during the time you stay in Sandakan. 

For more information, please refer to: Mobile Prepaid Card.

Mobile Prepaid Card

Click to enlarge

If you are visitor from other country and plan to stay longer in Sabah, eg. more than 5 days, or you wish to contact with the local tours, we recommend you to buy a Prepaid SIM Card for your convenience. There are some telecommunication companies here : Digi, Celcom, Hotlink, Tune Talk, etc.

You just bring along your passport and purchase the starter pack from any branch or certified dealers of the company, then you may have your happy airtime.

Please be attention to the "Activation Date"! If you failed to activate the card before the date, this card will become invalid.

Tropical Fruits in Sandakan

Tropical Fruits in Sandakan

Sandakan (Sabah) has a tropical climate, rich in many kinds of tropical fruits, which can be divided into seasonal and non-seasonal fruit. Depending on when you will reach Sandakan, aim for your prefer fruits, take note of the price, then you can enjoy the all these fruits in reasonable price!

◆ Seasonal

Durian

 - Season: June ~ August

 - Price: RM 5 ~ 15 / KG (vary on its species)

 - known as the "King of Fruits".

Mangosteen

 - Season: July ~ September

 - Price: RM 3 ~ 5 / KG

 - known as the "Queen of Fruits".

Rambutan

 - Season: June ~ August

 - Price: RM 4 ~ 5 / KG

Mango

 - Season: June ~ August

 - Price: RM 10 / several pcs

Duku / Langsat

 - Season: July ~ September

 - Price: RM 3 ~ 6 / KG

 - Their appreance are similar.

Salacca

 - Season: June

 - Price: RM 2 ~ 3 / bag

Ciku

 - Season: March ~ July, September ~ November

 - Price: RM 5 ~ 6 / KG

Jackfruit

 - Season: June ~ December

 - Price: RM3 / KG

Cempedak

 - Season: May ~ October

 - Price: RM 2 ~ 3 / KG

Tarap / Marang

 - Season: July ~ August

 - Price: RM 3 ~ 5 / pcs

 - Exclusive in Borneo.

◆ Non-seasonal

Coconut

 - Price: RM 2.50 / pcs

 

Watermelon

 - Price: RM 2 ~ 3 / KG

 

Papaya

 - Price: RM 2 ~ 3 / KG

 

Banana

 - Price: RM 2 ~ 5 / bunch (vary on its species)

You may find it at markert (local peoples call it as "Pasar" or "Tamu").

Sandakan: 

1. The Central Market,

2. Pasar Kim Fung at Mile 4,

3. Roundabout at Mile 7,

4. Pasar at Mile 8.

The price listed above may vary depends on location, quantity and season.

 If you are lucky, you may find some fruits even not in its season.

 

 Please keep in mind that: Do not eat too much!

 So as not to cause physical discomfort, delay or destroy your travel plan.

Cools Your Body Down!

"ABC" (Air Batu Campur)

Shaved ice is very popular dessert in Malaysia. It’s called "ABC" (Air Batu Campur), which can be seen anyway in Sabah and it’s a  dessert commonly sold by street vendors. In a hot and humid country like Malaysia (Sabah), nothing beats the icy cold and pleasant dessert that soothes the throat and cools down the body.

Click to enlarge

 

It is flavoring with numerous toppings such as red beans, creamy sweet corns, cendols, grass jelly, etc. with palm sugar, red syrup and evaporated milk. The one in the pic is an ABC special with vanilla ice cream topping. Just like halo-halo in The Philippines

It’s a great alternative to the likes of frozen yogurt, ice cream, or sorbet. Try it out!