Sandakan, Sabah Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Sandakan, Sabah Shore Excursions
Sandakan, Sabah
Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 270.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour
Duration: 7 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 125.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 220.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 64.11
Sandakan, Sabah
Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 151.32
Sandakan, Sabah
2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 290.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Day Trip Sepilok Orang Utan & Proboscis Monkey (Flight Excluded)
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 176.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Full Day Orang Utan Sepilok, Proboscis Monkey, Sunbear, RDC
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 215.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 60.00
Sandakan, Sabah
3 Days 2 Nights Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp With Gomantong cave
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 338.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 190.79
Sandakan, Sabah
Kiulu White River Rafting
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 50.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded)
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 118.80
Sandakan, Sabah
2-Night Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge Hiking and Wildlife Adventure
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 1817.44
Sandakan, Sabah
Sandakan 3 Day Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey and Cruises
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 206.55
Sandakan, Sabah
Sepilok Orang Utan, Sun Bear & Sandakan Nature City Tour + Lunch
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 298.80
Sandakan, Sabah
3D2N Kinabatangan River Cruise
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 415.96
Sandakan, Sabah
Sepilok Orangutan , SunBear, Proboscis Monkey from Sandakan City
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 206.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Day Trip Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear (Flight Excluded)
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 121.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 28.01
Sandakan, Sabah
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 70.00
Sandakan, Sabah
Deramakot Forest Safari Tour 3D2N
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 945.00
Sandakan, Sabah
3-Day Adventure in Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 882.44
Sandakan, Sabah
Sandakan: 2D1N Turtle Island Sanctuary with Transfer & Meals
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 486.22
Sandakan, Sabah
Kinabatangan River 2-Day Minibus and Boat Sharing Tour
Duration: 48 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 349.40
Related destinations to Sandakan, Sabah
What should a first-time cruise visitor know about shore excursions in Sandakan?
Arriving in Sandakan on a cruise can feel gently disorienting because the town's rhythm is slower and greener than bigger ports. The seafront town is framed by mangroves and rainforest and offers options suitable for short port calls and longer stays. Many visitors find that a structured option helps them see highlights without risking missed departures. Many visitors consider Sandakan shore excursions that balance travel time, wildlife viewing and cultural stops; check estimated transfer times and permit requirements to match what you want to experience.
Which top attractions are commonly included on Sandakan excursions?
Highlights around Sandakan include wildlife reserves, heritage sites and coastal scenery that fit short visits or full days. Popular destinations are the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the Rainforest Discovery Centre, and the wartime Sandakan Memorial Park that explains local history. Boat trips can reveal mangroves and riverine wildlife while town walks show colonial architecture, markets and temples. Many passengers book Sandakan tours that combine two or three of these stops into a single outing. If time is limited, prioritise one wildlife sanctuary plus a cultural stop to avoid rushed transfers.
Should I choose a half-day or a full-day excursion?
Deciding between a half-day and a full-day option depends on interests and berth time. Half-day outings typically concentrate on one nearby highlight such as Sepilok, a river cruise or town sightseeing, and are best for short port calls with limited transfers. When comparing operators, read descriptions of Sandakan shore excursions to confirm return windows and included transport. Full-day plans allow farther excursions, more relaxed wildlife viewing and a paced combination of nature and culture. Allow comfortable buffer time to return to your ship and factor in road conditions.
What cultural and historical experiences are available in Sandakan?
Historic layers in Sandakan tell stories of colonial trade, wartime events and local communities, offering a compact cultural programme within walking distance of the port. Sites such as the Sandakan Memorial Park and local museums explain the Second World War history with interpretation panels and respectful memorials. A town walk will reveal Chinese temples, colonial-era façades and the lively harbour market. Many visitors choose Sandakan tours that include a knowledgeable guide to explain local customs and history. Check opening hours for museums and be mindful of respectful behaviour at memorial sites.
Where can I see wildlife and scenic nature near Sandakan?
Wildlife and lush scenery define many excursions from Sandakan, where lowland rainforest, mangroves and rivers support distinctive Bornean species. River cruises give access to proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards and a variety of birdlife, while designated rehabilitation centres offer close but regulated views of orangutans and sun bears. If photographing wildlife matters, allow extra time for golden-hour lighting and bring binoculars. Check whether Sandakan shore excursions include park entrance fees and what welfare standards are applied at animal-focused sites before visiting to ensure your experience supports conservation-friendly practices.
What food and local cuisine should I expect on a visit to Sandakan?
Tasting local food is a practical way to understand regional culture in Sandakan, where seafood, Sabah specialities and Chinese-influenced dishes dominate market and street food options. Popular bites include fresh fish and prawn dishes, as well as kuih and tropical fruits sold at waterfront stalls. Street vendors may not accept cards, so carry small change and ask about spiciness and ingredients if you have dietary restrictions. Many visitors combine culinary stops with walking sections; some Sandakan tours explicitly include a market visit and a tasting component for easier planning.
What level of physical activity should I expect on excursions?
Activity levels on excursions range from gentle town walks to full-day treks and boat trips, so choose based on mobility, stamina and comfort with humidity. Short harbour strolls or visits to nearby rehabilitation centres are low-impact, while canopy walks, longer rainforest hikes or river cruises with multiple landings require steadier fitness and stable footwear. Wear breathable clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent, and carry water. When booking, consult descriptions that list walking distances and terrain; clear expectations about physical demands help you select the right Sandakan shore excursions without overreaching.
How accessible are Sandakan excursions for travellers with mobility needs?
Accessibility varies between sites, so planning helps travellers with mobility needs and those requiring special assistance. Port areas and town centres are generally flat and paved, but many conservation centres and boat landings involve steps, uneven paths or small launches. Contact providers in advance to check wheelchair access, toilet facilities and vehicle access for mobility aids. Some Sandakan tours can supply adapted transport or tailor itineraries; request detailed accessibility information and confirm any extra time needed for transfers to ensure a comfortable, feasible visit.
When is the best time of year to visit Sandakan for excursions?
Climate and seasonal patterns influence wildlife sightings and comfort levels in Sandakan, with equatorial humidity and occasional heavy rain throughout the year. Wildlife activity can peak around drier months when animals congregate at water sources, but rain often brings lush vegetation and dramatic river conditions. For coastal and river activities, check tidal schedules and recent weather reports. If avoiding muddy trails or boat cancellations is a priority, read descriptions of Sandakan shore excursions for suggested months and contingency plans, and allow flexibility in your daily schedule when rain is forecast.
Are guided excursions better than independent exploration in Sandakan?
Choosing between guided and independent options depends on navigation skills, time and interpretation preferences; both approaches have trade-offs. Guided outings provide logistics, local knowledge and often easier access to protected sites, while independent exploration offers flexibility and a potentially slower pace. Consider local regulations — some wildlife centres require guided visits or pre-booked slots. Evaluate transport reliability, language needs and how much background information you want. Many passengers who prefer self-direction still consult local maps and schedules, whereas others choose Sandakan tours for convenience and deeper context.