Port information & tips for Sandakan
Sandakan is the gateway to Borneo's wild nature and welcomes travelers as a fascinating destination on Malaysia's picturesque east coast. The former capital of the region impresses with its authentic flair and a harmonious combination of colonial history and lush rainforest. Unmissable highlights include the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which offer deep insights into species conservation thanks to their accessibility, while the historic Agnes Keith House invites you on a journey through time. Cruise ships dock at the centrally located Sandakan Port, from where the vibrant city center with the Sandakan Central Market and the waterfront promenade is easily reachable in just a few minutes.
Sandakan, an important cruise port on the northeast coast of Sabah on the island of Borneo, is usually reached by guests from the DACH region as part of a fly & cruise journey. Given the long journey, an overnight stay before embarkation is recommended to start your adventure in a relaxed manner. The port is well connected to the local transport network and is located close to the city center.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Sandakan Airport (SDK), which is located approximately 10 to 17 kilometers from the port and city center. There are no direct long-haul flights from Europe; instead, travel is via major hubs in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Kota Kinabalu (BKI), with connecting flights to Sandakan.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Sandakan Airport (SDK), you can easily reach the cruise terminal or your hotel by taxi or ride-hailing services such as Grab. The journey time is approximately 19 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis usually cost between 25 and 40 Malaysian Ringgit, and it is advisable to pay the fare at the official airport counter to obtain a fixed price. Alternatively, numerous providers offer private transfers that you can book in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a stress-free start to your cruise in Sandakan, arriving the day before with an overnight stay in one of the local hotels is highly recommended. In Sandakan city center, you will find a selection of hotels, including the Elopura Hotel or the Sabah Hotel Sandakan, which are often located near the port and provide a good base for exploring the city. This allows you to recover from the long journey and board the ship well-rested.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Sandakan, an important cruise port on the northeast coast of Sabah on the island of Borneo, is usually reached by guests from the DACH region as part of a fly & cruise journey. Given the long journey, an overnight stay before embarkation is recommended to start your adventure in a relaxed manner. The port is well connected to the local transport network and is located close to the city center.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Sandakan Airport (SDK), which is located approximately 10 to 17 kilometers from the port and city center. There are no direct long-haul flights from Europe; instead, travel is via major hubs in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Kota Kinabalu (BKI), with connecting flights to Sandakan.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Sandakan Airport (SDK), you can easily reach the cruise terminal or your hotel by taxi or ride-hailing services such as Grab. The journey time is approximately 19 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis usually cost between 25 and 40 Malaysian Ringgit, and it is advisable to pay the fare at the official airport counter to obtain a fixed price. Alternatively, numerous providers offer private transfers that you can book in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a stress-free start to your cruise in Sandakan, arriving the day before with an overnight stay in one of the local hotels is highly recommended. In Sandakan city center, you will find a selection of hotels, including the Elopura Hotel or the Sabah Hotel Sandakan, which are often located near the port and provide a good base for exploring the city. This allows you to recover from the long journey and board the ship well-rested.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Sandakan offers an ideal starting point to explore the vibrant city and the impressive wildlife of Sabah. Thanks to the well-organized infrastructure at the terminal, you can reach the area's most important sights comfortably and easily.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Official taxis wait directly at the port exit and will take you to the city center at Harbour Square in about ten minutes. In addition, the use of the Grab app is widespread in Sandakan and offers a comfortable and attractively priced alternative for your individual excursions.
Bas Mini (Minibuses)
The characteristic minibuses run regularly on the main roads between the port area and the central marketplace. This transportation option is particularly inexpensive and, thanks to the high frequency, allows you an authentic insight into the daily life of the region.
Water Taxis (Bot Tambang)
Traditional Bot Tambang are available at the jetties in the city center for explorations of the famous water stilt villages or the offshore islands. These nimble water taxis are an essential part of local traffic and offer a charming perspective on the Sandakan coastline.
For an unforgettable stay in Sandakan, we recommend a combination of Borneo's unique wildlife and the cultural treasures directly on the picturesque coast.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
This world-famous sanctuary allows for fascinating encounters with Borneo's charismatic "people of the forest" in their natural habitat and, thanks to the short journey from the port, is a perfect destination for animal lovers.
Sandakan Waterfront & Central Market
This lively district right by the sea invites you to an authentic stroll through the bustling market and also offers an inviting promenade for culinary discoveries of local specialties with the best view of the bay.
Puu Jih Shih Temple
Perched high above the city, this magnificent Buddhist structure impresses with its colorful architecture and a spectacular panoramic view, which is ideal for unforgettable souvenir photos of the port and the surrounding area.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is easily accessible by taxi in about forty minutes and offers you an unforgettable encounter with the majestic orangutans in their natural environment. The extensive facility features safely constructed wooden paths directly through the tropical rainforest as well as an informative visitor center including an inviting café for refreshments. Ideally, reach the center by the first feeding time in the morning around 10:00 AM to experience the animals at their most active, and plan your return trip to the port for the early afternoon to ensure you reach your ship on time and stress-free.
The return journey to the port of Sandakan is straightforward thanks to the terminal's central location and can be easily integrated into your daily schedule.
Grab and Taxis
For the return trip from more distant destinations such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, it is best to use the Grab app or find taxis at the central stands directly in front of the Harbour Mall Sandakan. In addition, drivers are available at all times at the city's major hotels and the Sandakan Central Market to bring you safely and punctually to the port entrance.
On Foot Through the Center
The cruise terminal is located directly at Sandakan Harbour Square, allowing you to easily return on foot from the city center's sights or the Heritage Trail. The way is easy to find and leads you through lively shopping streets and along the waterfront directly to the ship's secured access area.
Organized Return Transfers
Tour buses from private excursions or organized cruise line tours usually stop directly at the port terminal, providing direct access to check-in. Thanks to the good connection to the main roads, you will reach your destination quickly and can relax and enjoy the view of Sandakan Bay until the very last minute.
