City in Sabah, Malaysia
Sandakan
Sabah's gateway to Sepilok orangutans, the Kinabatangan river and Turtle Islands. Cheap and friendly with wartime history; the town is quiet and public transport is basic.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$783–1,180Comfortable, one person · RM3,200–4,800Details
- Value for money91/100Better value than 90% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–AugWarmest: May, 29°CDetails
- Internet179 MbpsFixed broadband, Malaysia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but not trusted; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$10–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in hotels, malls and larger lodges; cash for markets, taxis, buses and small restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Sandakan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sandakan town centre | Waterfront, markets, budget hotels and seafood |
| Sepilok | Close to the orangutan centre and forest lodges |
| Taman Tshun Ngen and Bandar Indah | Residential stays, malls and local restaurants |
Apps that work in Sandakan
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Few drivers; use taxis if no cars appear |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Touch 'n Go: Card for trains, buses and tolls
- Taxis: Taxis use fixed fares and often refuse meters; agree before getting in. Lodges arrange pickup for river tours.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Malaysia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in hotels, malls and larger lodges; cash for markets, taxis, buses and small restaurants.
- Currency: Ringgit (MYR). US$1 ≈ RM4.08 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many bank ATMs add no local fee for foreign cards; your own bank's fees still apply. Decline currency conversion offers.
- Tipping: Not expected; many restaurants add a 10% service charge plus SST. Round up or leave small change for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay widely accepted; DuitNow QR works with linked apps like Alipay+ and some Asian banking apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arrival; Singaporeans are exempt. Fake MDAC sites charge fees.
- Passports need six months' validity; officers can ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds.
- Sabah and Sarawak run their own immigration control, so you are checked again flying in from the peninsula.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 994 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Malaysia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.