Sandakan
Sandakan
Uncover tales of German, Indian, and Arab traders, Dutch and Chinese planters, and local pearl divers
Uncover tales of German, Indian, and Arab traders, Dutch and Chinese planters, and local pearl divers
Sandakan is a bustling town located in the eastern part of Sabah, a state in Malaysia, and is a popular travel destination known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. It was once the administrative capital of British North Borneo and has a rich colonial heritage that is still evident in the architecture of its buildings and streets. The town is surrounded by lush tropical forests and is the gateway to some of the world's most magnificent wildlife parks and nature reserves, including the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, which are home to a wide variety of rare and endangered species. Sandakan is also renowned for its food, which is a delicious blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. The town is famous for its seafood, which is caught fresh from the nearby seas and cooked to perfection by local chefs. You can enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants, food stalls, or hawker centres in the town, where you can sample a wide range of dishes, from traditional Malay dishes to spicy Indian curries. Visitors to Sandakan can experience a fascinating mix of cultures, including Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Bornean tribes. The town is a melting pot of different beliefs, traditions, and customs, and this is reflected in the many festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year. From the spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations to the traditional Bornean harvest festival, there is always something exciting happening in Sandakan. For those interested in history and culture, Sandakan has plenty to offer. The town is home to several museums and galleries, including the Sandakan Heritage Museum, which showcases the town's rich colonial history and its important role in the region's history. There are also several historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Sandakan Memorial Park, which commemorate the town's past and serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by its people during the war. Nature lovers will be in their element in Sandakan. The surrounding rainforests are teeming with wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, elephants, and many other species. The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone interested in wildlife and is home to a variety of exotic animals, including the Bornean pygmy elephant and the Bornean clouded leopard. You can also visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can watch these fascinating primates being rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Sandakan is also a great destination for adventure and outdoor activities. Whether you prefer water-based activities like snorkelling, diving, and fishing, or more land-based pursuits such as trekking, bird-watching, and caving, there is something for everyone. The town is surrounded by stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to rolling hills and mountains, and there are many opportunities for exploring the area and experiencing its natural beauty. In conclusion, Sandakan is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and authentic travel experience. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and fascinating town. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, Sandakan is the perfect place to visit.
Can you imagine that you have an opportunity to be a history sleuth during your holidays in Sabah? Here’s a clue: Sandakan hides stories from all over the world tucked away in the nooks and crannies of its religious relics, inside the colorful colonial mansions that line the streets, and hanging heavy in the still, silent air of its cemeteries.
On a tour in Borneo Malaysia, uncover tales of German, Indian, and Arab traders, Dutch and Chinese planters, and local pearl divers. Discover how a myriad of cultural strains from around the world blend seamlessly to create a complex, colorful, and intriguing social quilt. Unfortunately, Sandakan was destroyed during WWII. But since then, this city has bounced back and is now resolutely marching towards the future of its dreams. The upcoming modern quarters of the city belie its rich historical heritage; you might have to dig deeper to reach Sandakan’s historical core. But you are a sleuth, right?
Although we are Nature’s beings, it is a pity that most of us have lost that divine connection. Blame it on our hectic lives, the grind of the rat race, or the multitude of roles that we are expect to excel in, but it is (sadly) true that to us “connection” means a like on Facebook or a retweet. A holiday to Borneo Malaysia blasts through the veils that we held and hailed as our reality and recreates that lost connection with Nature. A holiday in Sabah takes you close to members of the animal and avian kingdoms and lets you watch them in their natural habitat. These are priceless moments of closeness that bonds you eternally to Mother Nature.
Sabah, the Land Below the Wind, is sheltered from the wet-wet-wet monsoons and the devastating typhoons so characteristic of this region because of its strategic geographic location. There are no freezing winters here. These make Sabah an all-seasons destination.
The average temperature does not vary much throughout the year; the only noticeable difference in the weather is that you either have rains or you don’t. So don’t look up the weather reports when you plan a Borneo Malaysia holiday. You are going to be in Mother Nature’s sanctuary; go by the natural rhythms. If you want to go on a Sabah holiday for the wildlife, go when the turtles lay eggs or the orangutans are most likely to make an appearance.
Turtles lay eggs throughout the year. But you may want to plan a turtle-watching holiday to Sabah between July and October when the seas are calmer. This ensures you can also take part in and enjoy the variety of water sports safely even without the skills of a pro. This stretch of time also coincides with the conventional dry season in Sabah, which means you can be in the midst of Nature without getting drenched.
The conventional wet season in Sabah is from October to March. But you don’t need to shy away from a holiday to Borneo in Malaysia just because it is raining. Rains bathe a parched land and breathe new life into it. The forests seems more verdant and suddenly, there seems to be many more hues of greens in Nature. It is cooler and more comfortable now. The pitter-patter of the rains on the roof, its tap on the leaves of the trees, and the steady drumming on the window panes that lulls you into a trance. The sound sculpture of rain in the primeval forest landscapes of Sabah is a magical experience.
If you want to spot wildlife without the burden of ponchos and umbrellas, plan a Sabah holiday during the dry season. The temperatures do not reach scorching heights here, so it is comfortable being outdoors—exploring the virgin forests, cruising down the waterways, and diving to meet the denizens of the deep. July is also the festival season in Sabah. The streets are taken over by colorful processions, and the air is filled with laughter and lilting music.
You are guaranteed orangutan sightings at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre throughout the year. But the months from May to September brings these furry creatures out in droves. This is the fruiting season, and orangutans leave their dens on the high tree-tops and graze closer to the ground. The fruiting season also coincides with the dry season in Sabah. It is a great time to hike and explore the depths of the forests when the trails are heady with the scent of tropical fruits.
