Tourist Information Centre

Tourist Information Centre

Tourist Information Centre (Pusat Maklumat Pelancong) located in town centre beside Sandakan Municipal Council, right in the Wisma Warisan Building has been operation since year 2000. This centre is fully renovated and sponsored by the generosity of Datuk John S.K Lim, the Sandakan Tourism Committee Chairman and owner of Sepilok Jungle Resort. It is served to promote interesting places of Sandakan and to provide useful information to visiting foreign and domestic tourists.

Wisma Warisan Building (Click to enlarge)

Wisma Warisan used to be the main government building during the British Colonial Administration. The former Residency office was on the first floor and the present Tourist Information Centre was the post office for many years. Now, the Sandakan Heritage Museum which was declared opened on the 5th December, 2003, is situated on the first floor of the Wisma Warisan. The first museum in Sandakan was believed to be set up in 1898 but later discontinued.

Sandakan Heritage Trail

Map (Click to enlarge)

You can now enjoy Sandakan at your own pace. The Sandakan Heritage Trail is a comprehensive walk that covers the town's important and interesting sites which have contributed to her rich historical past. A leaflet will map out the entire trail for you and it covers about fifteen spots.

These include the 100-year old Masjid Jamek, the Pryer Memorial, a granite structure erected to honour the founder of Sandakan, William B. Pryer, the Tourist Information Centre, the WW11 memorial and much more. Climbing the Stairs with a Hundred Steps will lead you to a beautiful view of Sandakan town and bay. It also brings you to the Agnes Keith House.

From restored colonial buildings like the Agnes Keith's House and the English Tea House, to places of worship - St. Michael's and All Angels Church, Sam Sing Kung (Three Saints) Temple and Goddess of Mercy Temple, this one hour walk takes you back to over 100 years.

Getting There - Begin at the Masjid Jamek at Lebuh Empat (Fourth Avenue), near Wisma Sandakan.

Further Information:

Tourist Information Centre, Wisma Warisan

(near the Sandakan Municipal Council)

Telephone: 089-229751

Sandakan Mosque

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Sandakan Mosque, also called Masjid Daerah Sandakan, is the district mosque in Sandakan, Sabah. It is located along Jalan Buli Sim Sim, close to the stilt village of Kampung Buli Sim Sim.

This mosque firstly built on the edges of the bay next to Kampung Buli Sim Sim, where the town of Sandakan began in 1879. This magnificient mosque is the largest Muslim Mosque in Sandakan District, build in the early 1986. 

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Its is served as a holy place for the muslim community to conduct their praying, especially on Friday and during the Hari Raya celebration. 

Sepilok Jungle Resort

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Sepilok Jungle Resort is located in a more than 8 thousand acres of tropical rainforest in Sandakan, and is just less than 5 minutes walk from the world famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.

This Resort provides great spots for bird watching enthusiasts.

The resort with its tranquility and peace is the perfect place for guests who wish to get away from “it all” to spend holidays with family and friends. It is set admit a 30 acres stunning garden with full range of tropical fruit trees. They offer friendly and comfortable home of 57 rooms in total for everubody at affordable price starting from RM18.00 nett per person with breakfast included, to RM120.00 nett per person air-conditioned Executive Room with private balcony, set admit nature with its charm and mysticism.

Facilities: Camping ground, restaurant, laundry, internet, barbeque pits, function hall, hot shower, lagoons for boating and fishing, shuttle service to town and airport …

Contacts:

Sepilok Jungle Resort,

Km22 Labuk Road,

Sandakan, Sabah.

Email: sepilokjr@yahoo.com

http://www.sepilokjungleresort.com  

Phone: +6 089 533031 / 41   Fax: 6 089 533029

English Tea House & Restaurant

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Located on a little hill overlooking the majestic Sandakan Bay. This unique place is also housed in a meticulously renovated colonial English house and is surrounded by 1.5 acres of perfectly manicured lawns complete with a Croquet Pitch and outdoor seating. 

Anyone visiting Sandakan should at least visit this place for some good old traditional English cooking or for a tea and scones session. The English Teahouse is also run by a non-Malaysian which gives the place a lot of character.

English Tea House & Restaurant in Sandakan also caters to weddings and other small functions but the main attraction here is the beautiful landscaping and experience of dining in an old colonial home. This is possibly the best restaurant around Sandakan so prices are a little more than your regular cafe or coffee shop, so be prepared.

Extra information:

No.2002, Jalan Istana, 

90000 Sandakan, Sabah.

Telephone: +6089 222 544
Email: info@englishteahouse.org

Website: http://englishteahouse.org/sandakan_index.html

Sam Sing Kung Temple

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Sam Sing Kung Temple is a Chinese temple in Sandakan, Sabah. It faces the Municipal Field of Sandakan. The name "Sam Sing Kung" means "Three Saints Temple", and refer to Kwan Woon Cheung, the saint of righteousness, goddess Tin Hou, a deity worshipped by fishermen, and Emperor Min Cheong, a patron deity of students, worshipped for good examination results.

Sam Sing Kung Temple was built by the four main Chinese communities in Sandakan, namely the Hakka, Cantonese, Hainanese and Teochew. It was completed in 1887, making it the oldest structure still standing in Sandakan.

In the temple is a plate inscribed with the names of all those who gave more than RM2. The bell donated by the first Kapitan Cina of Sandakan, Fung Ming Shan can still be seen in the Temple today.

Tham Kung Temple

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Tham Kung Temple is a Chinese temple on the north side of Sandakan. It is located at Mile 1.5 Jalan Utara (North Road). The original temple was constructed in 1894 by Hakka immigrants.

The conservation of Tham Kung Temple was hailed as a first in Malaysia, when the original shrine was lifted and brought into the new temple complex built around it. This created a "temple within a temple."

Getting there:

Tham Kung Temple is located off Jalan Utara. If you are coming from Sandakan town, take a right turn immediately after the UEM Building. That is before the roundabout (Bulatan Elopura).

Kinabatangan River

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Stretching 560km from the Crocker Range in the southwest of Sabah to the Sulu Sea in the east, the Kinabatangan River sustains one of the world's richest ecosystems. The surrounding areas along the river consist of five distinct habitats - dipterocarp or dry, waterlogged and limestone forests, and freshwater and saline swamps. The lower basin of the river itself is the largest forest covered floodplain in Malaysia and has the largest concentration of wildlife in the South East Asian region.

Other than being home to Borneo's indigenous orang utan and proboscis monkey, the surrounding forest is also one of only two known places in the world where 10 species of primates are found. All the eight species of hornbill found in Borneo make the area their home.

A trip up the river at dawn or dusk is the best opportunity to see the wildlife. You might even sight an Asian elephant or a Sumatran rhinoceros wandering through the trees. Optional tours can be arranged for night safaris as well to spot crocodiles, birds and nocturnal animals.

Many major local tour companies run lodges in the Sukau area with packages that include accommodation, transportation, meals and guided tours. Alternatively, you may want to experience the homestay programme which is available at surrounding villages and which provides a good opportunity to truly experience the life of the Orang Sungai. Join in their cultural activities or even try your hand at the local way of farming!

Getting There:    

The overland trip from Sandakan to Sukau covers 135km where 42km of the journey is on gravel road through palm oil plantations. A 350km drive from Kota Kinabalu is also possible but will take at least six hours. Transportation can be arranged with local tour operators:

1. Barefoot Sukau

2. Nasalis Larvatus Tours and Travel 

3. Paganakandii

Berhala Island

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Situated in Sandakan Bay, just 15 minutes by boat from the town jetty, this beautiful forested island has striking, prominent cliffs at its northern end and also had a small leper settlement colony. The island is approximately 5 ha. in size and has prominent cliffs at its northern end. Many birds of prey can be seen on and around Berhala, including Brahminy Kites, Serpent Eagles and Sea Eagles.

During World War II, Berhala Island became the camps for civilian internees and POWs. A story was told of an escape, when eight prisoners being taken to the mainland made their break at Berhala via the leper colony. They swam to the sheer walls of the Berhala cliffs and with help from natives, escaped to freedom.

Each year, some families of the Australian POWs make their pilgrimage to this seemingly peaceful island to retrace that dramatic journey.

Plans are currently in development to promote Berhala Island as a tourist attraction.

Libaran Island

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In the northeast coast of Sandakan lies the island of Libaran. This small island is ideal for those searching for some quiet time and in need of a relaxing trip. Many agree that the charm of this island lies in its simplicity: a long stretch of beach, crystal blue waters and beautiful sunsets. 

In the evening, you can enjoy a river cruise in the mangrove forest or have the unique experience of night fishing. A great place to get away from it all! 

Getting there - Take a boat from the Sabah Parks Jetty located at Jalan Buli Sim Sim Sandakan. The boat departs at 10:00am and returns at 7:00pm.

For bookings and enquiries:

Wildlife Expeditions Sdn. Bhd. (KPL 4245)

Mailing address: P.O Box No. 3507, 
90739 Sandakan, Sabah.

Tel: +6089-219616   Fax: +6089-214570

Email: enquiry@wildlife-expeditions.com

Website: www.wildlife-expeditions.com

Lankayan Island

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Lankayan, a tiny jewel-shaped island located on the northeastern coast of Sabah, is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) and is surrounded blue-green waters and coral reefs. It is also one of Sabah's top diving spots.

The availability of jungle interior and interesting diving attracts both divers and non-divers alike to Lankayan.

14 dive sites including the Lankayan Wreck, all only minutes away from the island, offer magnificent displays of marine life ranging from giant groupers to tiny ribbon eels. Enormous whale sharks are regularly sighted between March and May, and the island is also a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles. You can watch as the baby turtles are released back into the sea.

The Langkayan Island Dive Resort has sixteen attractive wooden chalets with beach fronts and the common dining area extends to a sundeck jutting out to the beach.

Getting There - The transfer to Lankayan is by speedboat departing from the Sandakan Yacht Club and takes about an hour and a half.

Extra information:

Pulau Sipadan Resort & Tours Sdn Bhd (KPL 2536)

Telephone : +6088 238113

Turtle Island Park

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The Turtle Island Park (gazetted 1977) lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings. Selingan, the largest of the islands, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities. The other two islands are more for conservation activities.

As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an overnight stay would be the best plan to see the turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, but shining a light on them or using camera flashes should be avoided as either can be stressful on the creatures.

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Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and releasing of baby turtles into the sea.

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Getting There - The boat from the Sabah Parks jetty at Jalan Buli Sim Sim leaves at 9.30am and the ride to Selingan takes an hour.

Visiting Period - Throughout the year

Fees:
Non- Malaysian : Adult - RM10.00   Children - RM6.00
Malaysian          : Adult - RM   3.00  Children - RM1.00   Below 6 Year - Free

Night photography of turtle landing (unaided by flash) - RM10.00

Further Information:

Permission to visit the Park must be obtained from Sabah Parks and is currently co-ordinated by the sole agency of Crystal Quest, located at Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan.

For bookings and enquiries:

Crystal Quest Sdn. Bhd.

Sabah Park Jetty,

Jalan Buli Sim-Sim,

P. O Box 848,

90719, Sandakan, Sabah.

Tel : 6 089 212711    Fax : 6 089 212712

Email : cquest1996@gmail.com

Batu Tulug Cave

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Batu Tulug Cave located at Batu Putih village and 41km from the Kota Kinabatangan township. Agop Batu Tulug is a steep limestone cliff that stands 39 meters high and is part of the 20-25 million- year old Labang limestone formation. The word ‘agop' in the Orang Sungai language means cave. There are three main caves, agop suriba (lower) on the forest floor, lintaga (middle) and sawat (upper) betweeen 12-15m high.

Inside the middle and upper caves are more than a hundred carved wooden coffins dating back 200-250 years, watched over by bats and swallows. Batu Putih village can be viewed from here as well.

  

The coffins resemble different animals associated to the beliefs of the Orang Sungai but it has also been said that they are the coffins of the Chinese who once settled in the area as Chinese artifacts were found among the remains.

 A site Museum since 1996, it has facilities such as an information center, stairs leading to the caves, toilets and resting huts.

Getting There - The drive to Batu Tulug takes one and a half hours from Sandakan or 45 minutes from Lahad Datu. You may self-drive or go through a tour operator.

Opening Hours:
Daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm

Admission Fees:
MyKad holders :       RM  2.00 (Adults)
Others :                      RM15.00
Students in uniform, children below 12 years, disabled persons and senior citizens enter for free

Address:
Museum Batu Tulug,
WDT 197, 90200 Kota Kinabatangan,

Sabah.

Tel : 6 089 565145 (Ticket counter) /  6 089 551062 (Office)
Email : muzium.sabah@sabah.gov.my

Gomantong Cave

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Described by WWF as 'the best-managed edible birds' nest cave in the world', Gomantong Caves in the heartland of the Gomantong Rainforest Reserve have been the focus for birds' nests for centuries.

Since the 13th century, Chinese traders have come to Sandakan in search of birds' nests, a prized delicacy among the Chinese and found nearly 100 metres up on the ceilings of the Gomantong Caves. Harvesters put their lives on the line literally, climbing networks of rattan ladders and ropes to get to the nests. The risky nature of nest collecting has only helped made the commodity a pricey one.

There are two cave complexes - Simud Hitam (Black Cave) soaring up to 90 metres high and the more accessible of the two, and Simud Putih (White Cave), where the more valuable nests are found. Simud Hitam is a five- minute walk from the registration centre. A well-maintained boardwalk gives you easy access to do some exploring or watch the skilled harvesters at work.

The resident creatures of the caves include swiftlets (from which the nests are collected) and bats among others. Outside, other birds such as serpent eagles, bat hawks and kingfishers can be seen. You might even spot an orangutan or two. You will need to make prior arrangements for exploring the more challenging Simud Putih which calls for more serious caving.

Facilities include a picnic area as well as the Gomantong Rainforest Chalet which can accommodate up to 30 people a night.

Getting There - A 1½ hour bus ride leaves from Sandakan to Sukau for the 95km trip. Fares are about RM17.00 each way. You can arrange your visit through local tour operators or the Forestry Department.

Visiting Hours - Daily from 8.00am till 6.00pm

Admission Fees:

	Adults	Below 18 years
MyKad Holders	RM  5.00	RM  2.00
Others	RM30.00	RM15.00
(There will be charges made on use of photographic equipment)

 
Further Information
Birds' nest collecting is done usually between February and August.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

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In the centre of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo's indigenous proboscis monkeys. This privately-owned sanctuary located within an oil palm estate gives you the chance to observe these animals up close and personal.

The remarkable males sport big dangling noses, reddish flat-top hairstyles, white tails and markings, and pot bellies. The females on the other hand, are much smaller and have up-turned noses.

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Take a night tour for a chance to see wild boars, flying squirrels, fireflies and crocodiles. The sanctuary also has a lodge with airconditioned twin or double rooms, family chalet and dormitaries for those who wish to stay overnight.

Tickets to Labuk Bay PMS (Click to enlarge)

Getting There - Travel along Jalan Labuk (heading towards Kota Kinabalu) and turn off at the SPS 3 junction at Mile 19 (adjacent to Consolidated Sabah Farms). From here, the sanctuary is a 15km further along the road.

A pamphlet from Labuk Bay PMS (Click to enlarge)

Further Information:
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Yet Hing Oil Palm Estate, Off Jalan Labuk
Sandakan, Sabah


Tel : 6 089 672133, 672177, 674880
Fax : 6 089 672136
E-mail : labukbay@proboscis.cc
Website : http://www.proboscis.cc

Sandakan Crocodile Farm

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The Sandakan Crocodile Farm is Malaysia's largest with over 3000 of the reptiles. The original stock came from wild crocodiles found along the Kinabatangan River. The animals are farmed for their skins to be turned into shoes and bags.

Besides offering visitors an up-close look at Sabah's biggest reptiles, the farm hosts several other attractions as well, including crocodile and snake shows. It also features a mini zoo with a 100kg Amazonian fish, and a children's park.

Getting There - The drive from Sandakan to the farm takes about 20-30 minutes  travel along Labuk Road to Mile 8.

Visiting Hours - Weekday show times (Crocodiles only) - 11.45am & 4.00pm

Sunday and Public Hols show times (Crocodiles and snakes) - 11.45am, 2.00pm & 4.00pm

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Admission Fees:

MyCard Holder (Malaysians)
Adults: RM7.00
Children below 12 years: RM4.00
Non-MyCard Holder
Adults: RM10.00
Children below 12 years: RM5.00

Address:
Sandakan Crocodile Farm,

P O Box 633, 90007

Mile 8, Jalan Labuk

Sandakan, Sabah.

Tel : 6 089 660666 (Farm) / 6 089 211391 , 6 089 217637 (Office)
Fax : 6 089 71448

Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)

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The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is the gateway to getting to know the uniqueness and importance of Borneo’s rainforests.

Situated 23 kilometres from Sandakan Town and not too far from the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, the RDC’s main highlights are its exhibition halls, the Plant Discovery Garden, the Kapili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, environmental education programmes and a small lake for boat rides.

The RDC also gives visitors a chance to get intimate with nature through its Nature Experience programme which includes a guided walk to the Plant Discovery Garden, Rainforest Walk and indoor/outdoor activities.

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As of 2009, RDC has also become the official venue for the annual Borneo Bird Festival which attracts the participation of birding enthusiasts from all over the world.

The centre is open 7 days a week, including public holidays, from 8.00am-5.00pm

Getting There - The RDC is reachable by bus and taxi. From the Sandakan town centre bus station take bus number 14 to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, bus fare is RM4.00 per way. By taxi, the fare is RM35 per taxi per way. The journey will take about 45 minutes.

If you are driving, the RDC is 30 minutes away from the airport.

Admission Fees:

Malaysians:               RM  2.00 per child; RM5.00 per adult

Internationals:            RM10.00 per adult/child

* All prices are estimated and subject to change

Contact Person: Miss Cecilia

Phone:  +60 89 533 780 / 533 781

Fax:      +60 89 535 201

Email:   rdcsepilok@yahoo.com

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

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The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utan. Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Centre under the administration of the Wildlife Department of Sabah attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area.

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Getting There - If you are not on any tour, public buses and taxis are available from Sandakan town. The mini bus number 14 (Sepilok) depart from sandakan town from 9.00 am onwards. Fares are RM4.00 one way, that takes about 45 munites. You can hire a taxi for a return trip for about RM100.00 negotiable. The distance between town and the Centre is approximately 23km.

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Opening Hours:

Security Gate: Daily from 8.00am till 5.00pm

Reception & Ticketing Counter: Daily from 9.00am till 11.00am and 2.00pm till 3.30pm

Exhibition Hall: Daily (except Fridays) from 9.00am till 4.30pm

Centre: Daily from 9.00am till 12.00pm and 2.00pm till 4.00pm Fridays 9.00am till 11.00am, 2.00pm till 4.00pm 

Sepilok OURC Tickets (Click to enlarge)

Admission Rates:    Adult   Below             18 years old

MyKad Holders         RM5.00                      RM2.00

Others                      RM30.00                    RM15.00

Use of cameras, camcorders, camera phones etc will be charged RM10.00

Address:

Mile 14, Jalan Labuk,

WDT200, 90009 Sandakan,

Sabah, Malaysia.

Tel : +6089-531180

Fax : 6089-531189

Email : soutan@po.jaring.my

Agnes Keith House

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If you should ever stroll along the stretch of Jalan Istana in Sandakan, the much-talked about Agnes Keith House is hard to miss. With its sprawling green lawns and colonial-style wooden walls, the residence has since been restored by the Sabah Museum, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities.

This British colonial government quarters, called Newlands, was once occupied by famous American writer, Agnes Newton Keith, who penned “Land Below The Wind” in 1939. Two books followed her first success, namely Three Came Home (1946) and White Man Returns (1951). With the exception of the second book, Land Below the Wind and White Man Returns were written in the house on the hill where she had the best views of Sandakan Bay at the front and the Sulu Sea at the back.

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Newlands was rebuilt some time in 1946/47 and was the first government permanent timber dwelling to be built after the Second World War. It was built upon the ruined foundations of the original house that was destroyed during the war.

The house became home to Agnes and her family, Henry (also referred to as Harry) George Keith, who was the Conservator of Forests and their son, George. When the Keiths left Sabah in 1952, the house was occupied by subsequent Conservators of Forests, forestry officers, volunteers and other staff. Though the Keiths never retuned to Sabah, the house was always referred to as Agnes Keith's House by visitors who never stopped coming to see it.

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Today the house has been restored and turned into a heritage house, providing interesting insights to life during British North Borneo. It is furnished with a reproduction of colonial furniture and antiques. A gallery on the first floor tells the story of this remarkable woman, her books and her family. A Keith time-line starts in 1873 and ends in 2004 tracing the past to the present Keiths.

Getting There - The Agnes Keith House is part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail . From Sandakan town, it is a 20-minute walk. You can also take a taxi.

Opening hours - Seven days a week (Monday - Sunday), from 9am to 5pm