Spotting pygmy elephants, eating UFO tarts: Why Sandakan should be on your Sabah travel list
Not far from Singapore, this laid-back harbour town is the gateway to Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife – but stay awhile for its fascinating wartime history, fresh seafood and distinctive local eats.
Sandakan, a tranquil Malaysian port town, serves as a gateway to Borneo's incredible wildlife. This quiet harbour town is renowned for its historical significance as a major timber-export hub and its Chinese settlers, who gave it the nickname "Little Hong Kong." The Ormond Sandakan hotel, a four-star establishment in the city centre, offers a relaxed coastal vibe with panoramic ocean views and a rooftop infinity pool. The hotel is nestled near local markets, artsy streets, cafes, and a shopping mall.
The Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a two-hour drive away, is home to the island's "big five": pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills, orangutans, and saltwater crocodiles. River safaris in open boats provide opportunities to observe these creatures in their natural habitats. Pygmy elephants, found only on Borneo, are smaller than other Asian elephants, with adult males standing about 2.5 meters tall.
Spotting these elusive creatures is considered the ultimate safari achievement. The pygmy elephant's solitary male was seen bathing in the river, seemingly unconcerned by the numerous boats observing him. The sandakan experience also includes a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where visitors can observe orangutans in their natural habitat and learn about their rehabilitation process.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
