Things to do in Sandakan
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Agnes Keith House
On the hill above town, overlooking Teluk Sandakan and the scruffy port itself, is Agnes Keith House, an old two-storey wooden villa now renovated as a museum. Keith was an American author who came to Sandakan in the 1930s with her husband, the Conservator of Forests, and ended up writing several books about her experiences, including the famous Land Below the Wind. The Keiths’ villa was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt identically upon their return in 1946. The house fell into disrepair during the 1990s, but Sabah Museum restored it as a faithful recreation of Keith’s original abode.
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Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant
During a visit to Sandakan, you’ll see scores of tour groups passing through, but we guarantee that none of them will stop at this rickety spot hidden amongst a chaotic tangle of driftwood. Located in the heart of a stilt village, Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant is a dockside fishery, where the daily catch is unloaded and sorted. A cluster of red plastic patio furniture huddles in the corner – just grab a seat and point to your prey! Sim Sim is located outside the city centre – ask a cab to drop you off at ‘Sim Sim Bridge 8’.
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Harbour Bistro & Cafe
Sandakan's downtown revival plans include ramping up nightlife. Currently, there are a couple of beer bars along Lebuh Tiga and a few joints off Jln Elopura. The Harbour Sq development is creating a fresh centre for evening activities. Harbour Bistro & Cafe offers alfresco dining, coffee and drinks, with an air-conditioned upper-level lodge, open after dark to the wee hours.
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English Tea House & Restaurant
Soak up the recherché colonial atmosphere and elegant food at this exquisitely restored restaurant on the grounds of the historic Agnes Keith House. The manicured gardens are a particular joy, with wicker furniture and a small croquet lawn overlooking the bay, perfect for afternoon tea (RM17.25), a round of sunset Pimms, or perhaps some snobbish guffawing.
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New Market
Although atmosphere is a bit lacking, New Market is a great place for cheap breakfast or lunch. Raw food at ground level includes the only unadulterated ground coffee in town. Upstairs find strictly halal food stalls, with a mix of Chinese and Malay up another level. Try the on-site Imperial Seafood Restaurant (halal).
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Sandakan Memorial Park
Now just a quiet patch of woods, Sandakan Memorial Park was the site of a Japanese POW camp and starting point for the infamous ‘death marches’ to Ranau. Of the 1800 Australian and 600 British troops imprisoned here, the only survivors by July 1945 were six Australian escapees.
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St Michael’s & All Angels Church
The 19th-century St Michael’s & All Angels Church is one of the few stone buildings in Malaysian Borneo. Prison labourers lugged the stones across the jungle during the church’s construction – perhaps not the best example of Christian charity!
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Hawaii Restaurant
There's nothing Hawaiian about this simple City View Hotel lobby restaurant except its enduring popularity. It packs in Western tourists for its value menu featuring huge Malay and Chinese dishes, while Asians gravitate towards its pricey steaks and chops.
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Fat Cat V
Forget I to IV, for once the sequel is just as good as the originals. The corpulent kitty proclaims itself a ‘Restaurant for Everyone’, and the broad menu of Malay, Chinese and fast food, plus juices, shakes and floats, helps justify its popularity.
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Bawang Merah
This Malay fast-food joint's tables along the new waterfront promenade are packed. Most of the diners have their backs to the bay, focused on the big-screen TV showing football matches or soap operas, but for Sandakan it's still café society.
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King Cheong
The clatter of dim-sum carts and chatter of local merchant diners make it seem like Hong Kong. Menus on the wall are in Chinese, but feel free to point at what you see on other plates, and check the daily specials steaming in the back.
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SI Tours
This full-service agency opened Abai Jungle Lodge in December 2006 as a base for Kinabatangan tours. Also has an airport branch.
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Ban Chuan Lee
Ban Chuan Lee in the big wooden house near the prawn statue is a sophisticated alternative to the touristy Ocean King.
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Kedai Ang Bang Guan
Just east of downtown, next to Sandakan’s main mosque, Ang Bang Guan is a tasteful and tasty take on Chinese seafood.
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Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure
Midpriced tour specialist. Owners of Sepilok Jungle Resort and Bilit Adventure Lodge on Sungai Kinabatangan.
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Wildlife Expeditions
Tour menu includes its Sukau River Lodge on the Kinabatangan. Has a Kota Kinabalu office.
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Ocean King Seafood Restaurant
Even tourist business types say Ocean King Seafood Restaurant has gotten too touristy.
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Discovery Tours
Popular operator servicing the majority of Sabah’s major attractions.
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Sabah Holidays
Tours, rental cars and minivans, with a branch in kota kinabalu.
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