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Introducing Sandakan
Sandakan is a busy commercial centre at the entrance to a beautiful, island-studded bay. Most activity centres on the docks and wharves that sprawl along the waterfront. Barges, ferries and motorboats of every description buzz around, unloading fish and other produce, and taking away rattan, timber, rubber, copra, palm oil and bird’s nests. West of town, passenger ferries shuttle back and forth to Zamboanga in the Philippines. In the bay, container vessels ride at anchor awaiting their turn to unload.
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Sandakan has character and even a certain downmarket charm, though once the shop shutters come down at night the centre can feel disconcertingly deserted. The real attractions lie outside town, but there’s excellent seafood to enjoy and beautiful views from the hills at sunset.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
