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| Sandakan | ||
| State | Sabah | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 396.290 (2010) | |
| height | 10 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Sandakan(Yes how: سندقن, Chinese: 山 打 根), is in the northeast of the island Borneo in the Malaysian state Sabah. The state's second largest city is on the east coast. It can be reached relatively easily by flight or by road and is the starting point for visits to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and des Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
background
Sandakan was part of the Sulu Sultanate until around 1870, which also included parts of the Philippines. Until 1946 it was the capital of British North Borneo and lived from the flourishing trade through its port. After World War II it was Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu to the capital of the state.
Language:As the former capital of British North Borneo, English was the predominant language in Sandakan until the 1980s. At the same time, Chinese played an important role as the language of established traders. Although government efforts Bahasa Melayu Establishing it as a compulsory language, which has also pushed English back on the east coast, is generally still easy to communicate in English in Sandakan today.
getting there
The best way to get there is to fly on one of the inner-Malaysian routes. Other options are the bus and the car, but from Kota Kinabalu it is a longer tour - albeit a scenic one.
By plane
- 1 Sandakan Airport (IATA: SDK). Tel.: 60(0)89-667782, Fax: 60(0)89-667778.
is northwest of the city. The taxi to the airport costs approx. RM 25-30, the local bus RM 2. The bus stop is approx. 400 m from the airport behind the roundabout to the right of the premises.
Three companies currently fly to the airport:
- Malaysia Airlines - Kota Kinabalu Tue, Thu, Sat twice a day, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun 3 times a day; Kuala Lumpur 3 times a day
- AirAsia - Kota Kinabalu 2x daily (5x code sharing); Kuala Lumpur Every day
- MASWings - Kota Kinabalu 3 times a day; Kudat Mon Thu; Tawau Twice a day
By bus
Kota Kinabalu: The buses pass the junction to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. You can get off here and use one of the waiting taxis for the remaining 4 kilometers (MR 3-5). The buses start at the northern bus station 2 Inanam. From the center you can take a taxi (RM approx. 20) or the bus opposite the State Library (RM 1.50; 20 minutes). Various bus companies go to Sandakan (MR 33; travel time about 5 hours). The buses arrive in Sandakan on 3 Stesen Bus Ekspres in the Jalan Utara. The taxi ride to the city center is a maximum of 15 minutes (RM 15)
- Tung Ma Express. Mobile: 60 (0)19-8827334. 07:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:30, 14:00, 20:00.
- Sida Express. Mobile: 60 (0)12-81655241. 7:30, 9:30, 11:30, 14:00, 20:00.
- Bunga Raya Express. Mobile: 60 (0)19-8999142. 7:30, 9:30, 13:30, 20:00.
Semporna:: There are three daily bus connections with Semporna
In the street
If you are traveling with your own rented car, you need the A5 of Kota Kinabalu 5-6 hours. The south leads A5 above Lahad Datu until after Semporna and Tawau
By boat
mobility
- The taxi is the best choice for trips further into the city, as well as trips to Sepilok and the War Memorial. The price is almost always negotiable as odometers are rarely available. The following figures could serve as a rough guide: Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary (round trip): MR 40; Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary: MR180; Drive to the airport: MR 28.
- buses drive from the city to all places in the area, such as the airport or Sepilok, Buli Sim Sim etc.
- Those who just want to explore the city can do this well on foot take care of. The city, even more so, the center is not big and footpaths lead to all places.
Tourist Attractions
Mosques, churches and temples
- 1 Masjid Daerah Sandakan (Sandakan Mosque) (2.5 kilometers northeast of the city center).
- 2 Puu Jih Shih Temple. Chinese temple on top of a mountain with a beautiful view of Labuk Bay.
- 3 St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral. Tel.: 60(0)89-215860, 60 (0)89-274830, Email: [email protected]. The church is one of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah. Construction began in 1893 and took almost 30 years in total. Bricks from the nearby Buli-Sim-Sim prison and the white bricks on the windows and doors from Hong Kong. The main and transepts were inaugurated on September 30, 1906, but the western portal with the main entrance was not inaugurated until 1925. The building survived the Second World War unscathed. The stained glass window was donated by Australians on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the end of the war. The church is on the Sandakan Heritage Trail. Of course you can also take a taxi. Since there is no local public transport available in the vicinity, you should arrange a return trip straight away. You can also walk from the city center.
Buildings
Memorials and monuments
- 4 Sandakan Memorial Park. Tel.: 60 (0)89-275400, 60 (0)89-217343, Fax: 60 (0)89-272112. The park is the victims of the Sandakan's death marches dedicated during the 2nd World War (between January and August 1945). It is located north of the city on the original site of the Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, now part of the suburb of Taman Rimba. A small museum in the center of the park offers a grim glimpse into the atrocities that took place back then, which resulted in the death of 2,400 Australian and British soldiers. This is certainly an important excursion for historically interested travelers. You can take the bus to the airport (RM 1.50). Departure is opposite the Naval Base. If you take a taxi, you should expect around RM 30. It is best to negotiate the return journey at the same time.Price: Admission: free.
Museums
- 5 Agnes Keith House and Museum. Agnes Newton Keith (July 4, 1901 - March 30, 1982) was a writer who lived here with her family and wrote autobiographical works. Two of her works (Land Below The Wind, 1939 and White Man Returns, 1951) were created in this house with the beautiful view of the bay. The house is in Newlands - the area of the former British colonial administration. The house was destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1946/1947. It is now a museum with interesting exhibits that offer an insight into the time of British North Borneo. The rooms are decorated with reproductions of colonial furniture. A gallery on the first floor tells the life of the remarkable woman, her books and her family. - The house is a 20 minute walk from the city center on the Sandakan Heritage Trail.Open: daily 9 am-5pm.Price: Admission: RM 15.00; Children under the age of 12 have free entry.
More Attractions
- 6 Buli Sim Sim - Worth seeing small village on stilts on the water 3 kilometers northeast of the city center behind the Sandakan Mosque
activities
- Go on a river cruise on the Kinabatangan. The 560 km long Kinabatangan, the longest river in the country, passes some of the most impressive ecosystems on earth in its course, especially before it flows into the sea. The lower Kinabatangan and areas of Sukau are known for the mangrove swamps and flood plains and are home to the most famous inhabitants of it, the proboscis monkeys. Upstream, you can pass interesting villages, where the river is still the main traffic connection. There are also opportunities to explore the natural environment, including elephants. The best way to experience this is through travel companies from Sandakan and even from Kota Kinabalu to travel from.
- Visit to the botanical garden near Sepilok. Here you can learn about palm oil and rainforests.
shop
Fancy some "salted fish"? Prawn crackers & dried prawns are tasty and available at the local market. Dried "Ikan Bilis" is also a locally produced product that can be bought at most stores and even at the airport.
Turtle eggs are available in the local market for a very affordable price. But possession of the eggs is illegal! If these are found by customs officers or wildlife officers, severe fines are imposed.
kitchen
Sandakan has good and fresh seafood.
- Restoran Ajmeer, at Mile 3 (Hing Lee) and Mile 4 (Bandar Prima). Specializing in South Indian foods and Malay style fried foods. They say they serve the best lamb briyani in Sabah. In addition, fish head curry, Dosai, Idli, Vadai and all Indian traditional dishes.
- Sandakan Curry House, next to Hotel Indah, Mile 4, Bandar Indah. Indian and local cuisine. Best fish head curry in town.
- Habeeb restaurant, on avenue 3 in town. Serve Indian and local dishes. The Roti Cobra should be tried here.
- Imperial Bay View, on the newly developed Harbor Square. Serve good Chinese food at reasonable prices.
- Ocean King Seafood Restaurant. The once famous Ocean King Seafood Restaurant in Pasir Putih was permanently closed following the raid in 2015. The stilt construction with its indoor and outdoor area is still there; As of spring 2016, however, nobody had been found who would like to reopen the restaurant. As an alternative, the restaurants in Kampung Buli Sim-Sim are recommended.
- Restaurant 2020, at Bandar Kim Fung, Mile 4. Does not serve halal Chinese cuisine but is more expensive than local standards.
- English Tea House, at Mile 1 from Jalan Utara. Nice ambiance, traditional English food.
- Steamboat, on Trig Hill. The portions of the seafood are very large and the price is very reasonable too.
- Tomato. A casual restaurant serving local and western cuisine. The menu is extensive and the prices are very reasonable. Popular with locals and centrally located in the city.
nightlife
A great place to spend the evening in Sandakan is the alfresco, BaLin roofgarden[1] on the 8th floor of the NAK hotel in town. With panoramic views of the coast and the entire expanse of the city, it is one of the best places to enjoy the sunset. Tropical designed, it has a mixed assortment of seating and chill-out corners. An innovative culinary experience.
accommodation
- Hotel London, Lot D1-D2, Block 10, Jalan Empa. Tel.: 60(0)89-216366, 60 (0)89-216371, Email: [email protected]. In the heart of the city for budget travelers. The rooms are clean and nice as it has been newly renovated, although some rooms have ventilation problems in the bathrooms after showering. Free wifi. A simple breakfast (toast and instant coffee) is served in the pleasant roof garden. Other facilities include tour arrangements, internet access corner, all rooms have satellite channels (DVD player on request) and the hotel has a backup generator in case of power failure.
- Hotel Seafront, Block 43, Fourth Land, Leila Rd, Sandakan. Tel.: 60 (0)89 222 233. 5 minutes walk to the waterfront. This hotel offers modern, clean and comfortable rooms of the middle class. Internet is available in the foyer. Bookings can be made through the website. Note that the hotel is 4 floors and there is no elevator. From RM 59.00 single room, RM 69.00 double room.
- NAK Hotel, In the center behind HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank, Malaysian Airlines office, central market and bus station. Tel.: 60 (0)89 272988. The oldest family-run hotel in Sandakan since 1966. A mixture of past and present. Recently refurbished. Some rooms are themed and offer views of the sea. Others are not. Prices from RM 118.00 plus.
- PAT'S Bed and Breakfast Lodge, Mile 1½ North Road, between the bus station and the city. Tel.: 60 (0)19 5843895, 60 (0)16 8345488. Managing Director: Patricia Pascua. Family atmosphere, clean dorms with fans or air conditioning. From RM 29.00 per person. Cozy living room and nice balcony. Kitchen for your own use. Laundry service available.
- Sandakan Backpackers, On the harbor near Gentingmas Mall, near the KFC. Backpacker guest house with small dormitories from RM 25.00 and private rooms from RM 55.00. All with a view of the harbor. The laundry is expensive at RM 15.00 per kilo. The owner, Zaina, has set up a small travel agency.
- Tai Lee Hotel, Block A, Bandar Kim Fung, Mile 4, Sandakan. Tel.: 60 (0)89-210220. The room prices start at RM 53.00 to RM 75.00. There are three different room types to choose from. It is in the middle of Sandakan where buses and taxis are easily accessible. It is equipped with WIFI, A / C and two channels from Astro (including Astro Sports, and Wah Lai Toi).
- WinHo Lodge, Off Lebuh Dua, Town center, Sandakan. Comfortable beds and decent size rooms to suit all budgets including dorms. Double rooms come with A / C, free WiFi, bathroom and TV.
- Swiss-Inn Waterfrotn Sandakan, HS12, Sandakan Harbor Square, Sandakan. Tel.: 60(0)89 240 888, Fax: 60(0)89 214 888. Room prices start at RM 140.00. New hotel, located directly on the promenade. 138 trendy and compact rooms, all with A / C, free WiFi and LCD TV.
Learn
Work
security
health
Practical advice
trips
- Sepilok. In the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, orangutans rescued from plantations and also kept as pets are adapted to life in the jungle. The most popular are the twice-daily feeding times when the orangutans come out of the jungle.
- Turtle Islands National Park. The park includes three islands in the Sulu Sea, where you can see the work done to preserve and protect the turtles. You can only stay overnight on Selingan Island.
The best way to buy tickets for the speedboat crossing is directly from the tour operator on the coast of Sandakan. I forgot the exact location, it was about 7 minutes drive north from the "Four Points" hotel. If you book in a travel agency, you also pay for a guide who drives with you and also stays there overnight. If you book directly there, you get it cheaper without a guide. In my opinion, this is not needed.
The overnight stay on Turtle Island is compulsory! You arrive at noon by speedboat, then get an introduction in the restaurant and then have time to enjoy the island feeling until just before sunset, as the island is not very big. The rooms are kept very simple. The shower is unfortunately salty, but due to the size of the island and the number of guests, there is no other way to do it. In the evening it is then from dinner to wait in the restaurant until "Turtle Time". Then, in groups, you go to a large turtle, which you can watch in the dark with flashlights as they lay their eggs. At the end, the young animals hatched the day before are let into the water. According to the guide, eggs are laid every day of the year.
- Gomantong Caves. The cave is home to swallows, whose nests are collected and sold as a delicacy to China. During the harvest, people climb bamboo poles and ladders to the ceiling of the cave. The easiest way to get to the caves is by car from Sandakan, about 100 km away. It is difficult with public transport. The caves are on the route of some tour companies.
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. The trip to Labuk Bay is very rough and will take about half an hour from the main road, but it's worth it. They guarantee a sighting of the monkeys from a wooden balcony in the middle of the mangrove forest. If you are lucky you might even spot some silver lutungs or hornbills. It is definitely worth a visit and can be easily arranged through a day trip. Entrance fee 60 RM (March 2011). There is a bus at around 9am for 15 RM. Ask at the Tourist Information Office in Sandakan for more details.
literature
- : Three came home. Boston: Little Brown and Company, 1947. - Filmed in 1950 with Claudette Colbert, Patric Knowles, Florence Desmond and Sessue Hayakawa.
Web links
- http://www.mps.sabah.gov.my/ - Sandakan's official website
