Our top 10 places to stay in and around Sandakan
Position, pampering, pool and panorama
If you need a little pampering post-jungle, Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan on the waterfront is an excellent value four-star offering.
All your creature comforts will be met in this stylish and tasteful chain hotel.
Decor is sophisticated and minimalist with a dark neutral palette. Roomy light-flooded rooms with dazzling views provide luxurious beds and linens, a well-stocked minibar (only on request) and lotions and potions to indulge all your senses. Deluxe rooms offer sea views, but the outlook from all rooms is excellent. Bathrooms are clean and chic, but a tad small and for a tub, you’ll have to book a Club room.
The fabulous outdoor infinity swimming pool overlooking the harbour is as good a reason as any to check in; this is the only hotel with a pool in downtown Sandakan, however you’ll have to get up early to fight for a sun lounge. Friendly staff mentioned that non-guests can use the pool for 50 ringgit. You can take advantage of other four-star facilities including a fitness centre and buffet breakfast.
The bar offers two-for-one at happy hour (and you don’t have to be staying to indulge), as well as a great sunset viewing position. WiFi is free but not speedy though you can pay extra for faster service (although guests we spoke to said that was also slow). Excellent deals can be found online, such as three nights for two, which brings rates down to comparable with some average midrange offers in town. Staff are professional and friendly. Sabah Hotel Sandakan, one kilometre out of town, also has a swimming pool, but some rooms are a little dated.
Address: Harbour Square, Sandakan
T: (089) 244 888;
Web: http://www.fourpointssandakan.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 118º7'12.57" E, 5º50'18.06" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 120 to 250 ringgit
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Deluxe double room Sea view: 215 ringgit; executive club: 347 ringgit. | 181 ringgit | 181 ringgit |
Reviewed by
Sally Arnold
Sally spent twelve years leading tourists around Indonesia and Malaysia where she collected a lot of stuff. She once carried a 40kg rug overland across Java. Her house has been described as a cross between a museum and a library. Fuelled by coffee, she can often be found riding her bike or petting stray cats. Sally believes travel is the key to world peace.
Our top 10 places to stay in and around Sandakan
