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Sandakan is located on the northeastern coast of Borneo, Malaysia, and serves as one of several gates to some of Southeast Asia's most spectacular wildlife and natural beauty.
Rich in history, beautiful jungles, and unique wildlife, this city should be a must-see for any explorer, nature lover, or anyone looking to see Borneo outside of the more touristy areas.
Sandakan City (Source: Gettyimages)
Sandakan is a place with a very interesting history, dating back to the late 19th century. In 1879, William B. Pryer, a British colonial officer, laid its foundations. Starting from its humble beginnings as a small trading post, this place soon developed as a key hub for the timber trade due to its strategic location and rich natural resources.
During the latter period of the 1800s to the early 1900s, this city became known as the "El Dorado of the East" due to its economic success, anchored on its timber industry. The port within this city was one of the busiest in those times, shipping out tropical hardwoods to other parts of the world.
History of Sandakan (Source: wiki)
But during World War II, the city's history shifted gears and became one of the significant battlefields. In 1942, the Japanese occupied the place, and the town was almost wholly destroyed in the Allied bombing campaign.
After the war, this city was rebuilt and today has grown into a peaceful and picturesque town, popular for its conservation endeavors and eco-tourism.
The best time to go to this city is during its dry season, which starts from March to October. During this period, the weather stays warm and humid, but with a lesser volume of rainfall. Thus, very suitable for outdoor explorations such as spotting wildlife, trekking, and river cruises.
The temperature ranges between 25°C to 32°C, which will keep the climate comfortable enough for traveling around the city and its nearby natural attractions.
Best time to visit (Source: expedia)
From November through to February, the wet season brings heavy rainfall, and many places are difficult to reach, particularly the jungle trekking routes and areas around rivers. This being the wet season, it is when the rainforest looks best and all the wildlife is more active in the early morning and the late afternoon.
The good time to see turtle hatchlings is between the months of July and October for Turtle Islands Park visitors. This is considered to be the peak nesting season, providing full opportunity to see this incredible sight of the baby turtles making their way to the sea.
By Air: By air, reaching this city is the most time-saving and convenient option. Sandakan Airport at SDK has good connectivity, with daily flights coming in and out from Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, as well as other key cities of Malaysia.
By Road: Or for the more leisurely route, take the road from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. Either rent a car or take a bus from Inanam Bus Terminal in Kota Kinabalu. Various bus operators operate daily journeys to this city.
By Sea: It is less frequent, but it is also possible to reach the city by sea. There are ferries and cargo ships connecting Sandakan with the southern Philippines, other parts of Borneo.
Of the many attractions that are popular in Sandakan, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is one of them. The center opened its doors in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans, especially with the intention of releasing them back into the wild.
Specially designed viewing platforms allow visitors to catch glimpses of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, especially during feeding. The center is another step toward the conservation of the endangered species in Borneo and offers a close look at one of the most iconic animals in the region.
Sepilok Orangutan (Source: borneoadventure)
Read more: Malaysia Off the beaten track
Other attractions that are a must-visit in Sepilok include the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, situated next to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This is a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary for the world's smallest bear species, known as the Bornean sun bear. The center provides educational tours through which visitors learn about the behavior and habitat of sun bears, and multiple ways of taking care of this vulnerable species.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (Source: ttrw)
The Kinabatangan River is one of the most biodiverse waterways in Malaysia, and it would be a crime to leave without witnessing a river cruise full of its rich wildlife. Inhabiting the river are animals such as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and bird species that include hornbills and kingfishers. An early morning or late afternoon river cruise will give the best sighting of the wild along the banks of the river.
Kinabatangan River Cruise (Source: borneoadventure)
The Turtle Islands National Park lies off the coast of Sandakan and is a sanctuary for two endangered species of turtles-the green and hawksbill turtles-which come ashore to lay their eggs. Visitors to the park are allowed to see the turtles laying eggs or, if the timing is right, newly hatched babies making their way to the ocean. Besides watching the turtles, diving and snorkeling are activities in which one can indulge to explore the coral reefs of the park.
Turtle Islands National Park (Source: sabahtourism)
A great spot, especially for those in love with nature and families, is a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre at Sepilok. The center has a canopy walkway from which stunning rainforest views can be observed. This is further a very good spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species recorded so far within the area. RDC has interactive educational displays of the unique flora and fauna of Borneo, thus making the stop both fun and informational for all ages.
Rainforest Discovery Centre (Source: Malaysiatravel)
Sandakan, the city for unique cultural and ecological experiences, encompasses everything from its rich history to its breathtaking natural beauty. For those looking to get off the beaten route and immerse themselves in a destination rich in animals and history, this city is an excellent place to start.
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