We have 17 places to stay in and around Sandakan.
Sandakan is a great base for visiting many nearby attractions such as Sepilok, Turtle Island and the Kinabatangan River. A few points of interest around the town are close enough to walk to, or just a short taxi ride away. Accommodation is concentrated in the small grid of streets that make up the centre of town, but a handful of good value options can be found a little west of the centre, too. Unless you have a connecting long-distance bus, there’s no reason to stay near the bus station, which is eight kilometres out. If you’re visiting Sandakan just to see the orangutans, it’s best to overnight it at Sepilok.
Overnighting in Sepilok lets you maximise your time visiting all the wonderful nature sanctuaries. Most accommodation is walking distance to attractions and set in lovely jungle surrounds. Flashpacker options are a bit thin on the ground, but a good selection of budget dorms or fancier mid- to top-range lodgings are on offer.