The Sandakan Cruise Terminal at Karamunting sits 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the town center, a 10-minute taxi ride costing approximately 15 MYR (~$3.50 USD). Located in the Sandakan District on the northeastern coast of Sabah, this Borneo gateway faces the Sulu Sea. You should expect an industrial arrival experience rather than a tourist-centric one. While the town itself is compact, the primary attractions are dispersed. You are 25 km (15 miles) from the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and roughly 135 km (84 miles) from the wildlife corridors of the Kinabatangan River. For those looking further afield, the Selingaan Turtle Island is 40 km (25 miles) offshore by boat. As an ocean cruise port, Sandakan rewards travelers who prioritize wildlife and history but punishes those who fail to account for the oppressive humidity and the 45-minute transit times to interior sanctuaries. We measured the logistics and found that independent travelers using the Grab rideshare app save significantly over pier-side taxi negotiators. Waterways Cruise advisors have confirmed that the morning feeding at Sepilok is the single busiest hour in the region; if you arrive after 9:45 AM, you will likely struggle for a view on the boardwalks. This destination rewards the early disembarkation and the well-hydrated.
Sandakan is a high-reward destination for those who can tolerate 90% humidity and industrial surroundings. It does wildlife and somber history better than almost any port in the region. However, it cannot deliver a 'relaxing' day; it is a place of transit and activity. If you aren't interested in orangutans or war history, you may find more comfort staying aboard your vessel.
The terminal is industrial. Passengers disembark via a gangway onto a secure pier. A mandatory shuttle or taxi is required to reach the terminal gates and town.
| Port Name | Sandakan Port (Karamunting) |
|---|---|
| Address | Jalan Kastam, Karamunting, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia |
| Phone | +60 89-612 411 |
| Website | https://www.spsb.com.my/sandakan-port |
| Not available | |
| Walking | Not walkable — the route passes through heavy industrial zones with high truck traffic and no pedestrian safety. |
| Taxi | 15–20 MYR (~$3.50–$4.50 USD). 10 minutes. Drivers often try to quote 30 MYR; use the Grab app for the fair price. |
| Transit | No direct public transit from the pier. Local 'Bas Henti-Henti' (minibuses) run from the main road, but are difficult for non-locals to navigate. |
| Shuttle | Most premium lines provide a shuttle to the Sandakan Harbour Mall in the town center. Frequency is usually every 30 minutes. |
Built on the site of the former POW camp. It is a place of profound silence. Walk the loop to see the rusted boiler and excavator, the only remnants of the camp. Most visitors miss the small museum room near the entrance; it contains deeply personal artifacts from the prisoners.
The former home of American author Agnes Newton Keith, who wrote 'Land Below the Wind'. The house is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Inside, the rooms are preserved as they were in the 1940s. Don't miss the 'English Tea House' located right next door for a quick scone with a view of the bay.
You come here for the 10:00 AM feeding. Watch young orangutans learn survival skills on the nursery platforms. Most people crowd the main platform; walk further to the outdoor nursery where you can see the younger apes through glass in air-conditioned comfort.
Home to the world's smallest bears. The elevated boardwalks here are superior to Sepilok for visibility. You will see the bears foraging in the forest below. It is much quieter than the orangutan centre and offers a better chance for peaceful observation.
It is located in the middle of a stilt village. You eat over the water. It beats the Harbour Mall restaurants by offering zero-meter seafood and an atmosphere that is 100% Sandakan.
The 8-hour window is the perfect amount of time to see the 'Big Three': Orangutans, Sun Bears, and the Memorial Park, with a proper local lunch. It does not allow for deep jungle exploration.
The commercial core is a grid of mid-century blocks facing the Sulu Sea. It is functional, gritty, and authentic. You will find the Central Market here, where the scent of dried fish and spices dominates. It’s where locals trade and eat, offering a stark contrast to the manicured sanctuaries inland.
A 10-minute taxi or Grab ride from the Karamunting pier. Direct walking is not advised due to heavy port traffic and lack of continuous sidewalks.
The stairs leading up to the Rotary Observation Pavilion behind the town, providing a panoramic harbor view that most visitors skip for the mall.
A traditional stilt village where houses are perched over the water on wooden and concrete pylons. It is a quiet, residential maze of walkways. You'll see children playing on porches and fishermen mending nets. It represents the original coastal lifestyle of the Bajau and Malay communities.
5 minutes by taxi from the town center or 15 minutes from the cruise terminal. Tell the driver 'Buli Sim Sim Water Village'.
Small, unmarked seafood restaurants at the end of the piers serving incredibly fresh 'latok' (sea grapes).
The modern residential and dining hub of Sandakan. This is where the middle class lives and shops. It is less industrial than the port and more suburban. You will find air-conditioned cafes, pharmacies, and modern supermarkets here, making it the best stop for practical needs.
15 to 20 minutes by Grab from the pier. It is on the main road toward Sepilok.
The local bakeries here produce 'UFO tarts' (custard tarts) that are a specific Sandakan delicacy you won't find in Kuala Lumpur.
Cruise line tours in Sandakan are typically expensive ($150-$250 USD) and involve large 40-seat buses. They genuinely add value by guaranteeing your return if the highway from Sepilok is blocked by an accident or monsoon flooding—a real risk here. However, they consistently disappoint by arriving at feeding platforms simultaneously, creating a 'wall of tourists' that makes seeing the animals difficult. The 'Sandakan Heritage' tours often spend too much time at the souvenir-heavy Central Market and not enough at the Memorial Park. If your ship offers a 'Small Group Wildlife' excursion, it is worth the premium for the specialized guide; otherwise, the standard bus tour can feel like a cattle call.
Going independently via Grab allows you to arrive at the Sun Bear Centre while the ship tours are still at the Orangutan feeding, giving you the boardwalks entirely to yourself. You can also choose to eat at a stilt village restaurant, which no large ship tour can access due to the narrow wooden walkways.
Contact WaterwaysCruise.com to book a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed naturalist guide. We can arrange a 'Wildlife Priority' itinerary that flips the standard route to avoid the crowds, including a guaranteed back-to-ship return.
This is a private sanctuary located within a palm oil plantation. While the monkeys are technically wild, they are fed by the staff, making sightings 100% guaranteed. It is less 'natural' than Sepilok, but you get much closer to the animals. If you have already seen orangutans elsewhere, this is a superior use of your time. However, the drive is over rough plantation roads; if you have back issues, the bumping can be painful.
This park stands on the exact site of the World War II Sandakan POW camp. It is one of the most impeccably maintained memorial sites in the world. You will walk through lush, green grounds that contrast sharply with the tragic history of the 2,400 Australian and British prisoners held here. The story is told through six stations, including a small museum that we find to be more moving than many national museums. Most visitors walk the main path and leave, but we suggest sitting for a moment by the lily pond; it is the site of the former camp 'Great Tree.' The silence here is heavy and respectful. It is an essential visit to understand the soul of Sandakan and its connection to the Commonwealth. We have sent many veterans and their families here, and the feedback is consistently that this is the most meaningful stop on their entire Borneo itinerary. There is no commercialism here—no gift shops, no vendors—just a quiet, powerful tribute to human endurance.
Established in 1964, this center rehabilitates orphaned and displaced orangutans. You will walk through 43 square kilometers of protected rainforest on elevated boardwalks. The highlight is the feeding platform, where semi-wild orangutans swing down from the canopy for a meal of fruit and milk. It is a rare chance to see these 'men of the forest' up close. We advise our clients to look past the main platform; the real joy is in the nursery, where you can watch the toddlers learn to climb. Be aware that the center is a sanctuary first and a tourist site second; you must follow strict rules regarding silence and no bags. We measured the humidity on the boardwalks and it is consistently 5% higher than in town—dress accordingly. While some call it 'touristy,' the work done here is vital for the survival of the species. It is a bucket-list experience that justifies the long transit from the pier.
This rebuilt colonial mansion was once home to Agnes Newton Keith, whose writings introduced the world to Borneo. The house is a masterpiece of wooden architecture, perched on a hill with a commanding view of the Sulu Sea. Inside, you will find a fascinating collection of 1930s and 40s memorabilia, colonial furniture, and Keith’s personal effects. The house tells a story of domestic life on the edge of the empire and the subsequent horrors of war. We find it to be the most atmospheric spot in Sandakan. The breeze flowing through the louvred windows offers a rare moment of cool relief. After touring the house, we highly recommend walking the fifty yards to the English Tea House for a cold drink. It’s one of the few places in Sandakan where the 'old world' charm feels authentic rather than forced. It is a short, high-value stop that provides a human face to the town's complex history.
This vibrant Buddhist temple is a riot of red and gold, overlooking Sandakan Bay from a high limestone ridge. Built in 1987, it is a significant center for the local Chinese community. The interior is filled with massive, gold-wrapped pillars and intricate statues. What sets this temple apart is the view; from the veranda, you can see the entire Sulu Sea coastline, the stilt villages, and your cruise ship docked at the pier. It is one of the most photogenic spots in Sabah. We often recommend this stop as a 'cool down' visit because the elevation provides a slight breeze that the town center lacks. The architecture is a fantastic example of modern Chinese temple design, featuring dragons and phoenixes at every turn. Even if you aren't interested in the religious aspect, the panoramic view alone justifies the short taxi ride. It offers a sense of scale to the city that you can't get from street level.
The Central Market is the beating heart of Sandakan's economy. The ground floor is a sprawling wet market where you'll see everything from massive yellowfin tuna to locally farmed seaweed. The second floor is dedicated to dried goods—this is where you can see the 'Ikan Bilis' (anchovies) and dried prawns that Sandakan is famous for. The third floor is a massive, open-air food court. This is where we tell our clients to go for a truly local experience. Order a 'Teh C Peng' (three-layer tea) and watch the Sulu Sea trade happen right below you. It is busy, loud, and unpretentious. It is the best place in the city to see the diverse ethnic mix of Sandakan—Malay, Chinese, Bajau, and Suluk people all trading together. While it lacks the 'charm' of a European market, it possesses an raw energy that is the essence of Borneo life. Most guides skip it because it’s 'just a market,' but for us, it is the most authentic 30 minutes you can spend in the city.
This is a quintessential Sandakan institution. It’s an open-fronted restaurant that focuses entirely on the quality of the catch. The Salted Egg Yolk Crab is legendary; the sauce is rich, savory, and clingy. It is not a place for a romantic candlelit dinner—it is bright, noisy, and requires you to get your hands dirty. One honest limitation: there is no air conditioning, only powerful ceiling fans. If you want the true taste of the Sulu Sea, this is the only place to eat.
While the Harbour Mall restaurants are convenient, Fat Cat is where local families go for 'real' seafood at half the price.
Located on the hill next to Agnes Keith House, this restaurant offers a surreal slice of Britain in the middle of Borneo. You can sit on the veranda and look out over the bay. The scones are surprisingly authentic, and the service is the most refined in Sandakan. It’s the best place to escape the grit of the town center. The honest limitation is that you are paying a premium for the setting and the air conditioning.
It is the only high-end colonial-style dining experience in the city with a manicured croquet lawn.
This is the only place in Sandakan for a truly elevated drink. Perched high above the harbor, it offers a stunning view of the fishing fleet coming in for the night. The vibe is sophisticated but casual enough for cruise attire. Locals come here for the 'happy hour' sundowners. It is the perfect spot to reflect on your day in Borneo before heading back to the industrial pier.
Upscale, relaxed, with the best panoramic harbor view in the city.
In Sandakan, a simple nod and a smile are the standard greetings. When entering a local home or a temple, always remove your shoes. Dining is often a communal affair; if you are invited to share, use only your right hand for eating or passing dishes, as the left is considered unclean. Photography is welcomed at most sites, but always ask 'Boleh?' (May I?) before taking a photo of an individual, especially in the stilt villages. Queueing behavior is generally relaxed but can be chaotic at the Central Market; just stay patient and maintain your place. Tipping is not mandatory in local restaurants, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10 MYR for a guide is appreciated. One common misunderstanding is the 'Borneo time'—things move slower here due to the heat. Getting frustrated with a slow waiter or taxi driver is seen as a loss of face and will only slow things down further. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting the Puu Jih Shih temple.
Local currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). While cards are accepted in hotels and the Harbour Mall, the Central Market, small seafood restaurants, and stilt villages are strictly cash-only. We recommend carrying at least 200 MYR (~$45.00 USD) in small notes. Tipping is not a standard Malaysian custom, but rounding up a taxi fare by 2–5 MYR is a kind gesture. Five essential phrases: 'Terima Kasih' (Thank you), 'Sama-Sama' (You’re welcome), 'Tolong' (Help), 'Berapa?' (How much?), and 'Pedas' (Spicy). Beware of the 'fake guide' scam near the Agnes Keith House, where individuals offer to walk you to the 'secret' view for a fee—there is no secret view, just follow the signs. Dress code for temples is strict: cover shoulders and knees. The best crowd-avoidance strategy for Sepilok is to skip the 10:00 AM feeding and go straight to the Sun Bear Centre, then return to the Orangutan nursery at 11:15 AM when the tour buses are leaving for lunch.
The absolute latest you should leave Sepilok to return to the port is 90 minutes before all-aboard. While the drive is normally 35 minutes, the single-lane road can be completely blocked by timber trucks or localized flooding. A taxi back will cost roughly 40 MYR (~$9.00 USD). If you are in the town center, a 15-minute buffer is sufficient as Grab cars are plentiful. If you miss the ship, your only option is to fly from Sandakan (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu or the ship's next port, which is an expensive and complicated ordeal. The port authority number is +60 89-612 411. Waterways Cruise clients should contact our regional partner immediately if transit delays occur; the ship will be notified, but they will not hold for independent travelers.
Can I see wild orangutans on the Kinabatangan River in one day?
No. We have timed this route extensively and a day trip to the Kinabatangan River takes a minimum of 5-6 hours of round-trip transit. For a typical 8-hour port call, this leaves only 2 hours for a boat safari, which is insufficient for a high probability of sightings. You are much better off visiting the Sepilok sanctuary, which is only 35 minutes from the pier. For those set on the river, it requires an overnight stay. WaterwaysCruise.com can arrange overland extensions that meet your ship at the next port if you wish to see the river properly.
What is the actual cost of a private driver for the full day?
A private, air-conditioned car and driver for an 8-hour day in Sandakan typically costs between 350 and 450 MYR (~$75.00–$100.00 USD). This is significantly more than using individual Grabs, but it provides the security of having a dedicated vehicle waiting for you at Sepilok where Grab availability can be spotty. This price usually includes fuel but excludes entrance fees. For a guaranteed experience, book a licensed guide through WaterwaysCruise.com, which ensures the driver is vetted and understands cruise ship departure mandates.
Is it safe to eat the seafood in the Buli Sim Sim stilt village?
Yes, provided you choose busy stalls with high turnover like Sim Sim 88 or Sim Sim 90. We have sent hundreds of clients to these specific venues without issue. The seafood is caught locally and cooked at extremely high temperatures. Avoid raw shellfish and stick to steamed or fried dishes. The water used for ice in these established restaurants is filtered. For extra caution, avoid the very small, unregulated home-based stalls where hygiene standards are harder to verify. Eating in the stilt village is a highlight of the Borneo experience.
Are there leeches at the Sepilok Orangutan Centre?
No. Because you remain on elevated wooden boardwalks at both the Orangutan and Sun Bear centres, you will not encounter leeches. These are only a concern if you are doing deep-jungle trekking on forest floors. You do, however, need to be wary of mosquitoes and macaques. Macaques are bold and will attempt to steal food or loose items from your pockets. Keep your belongings zipped away and do not carry food on the boardwalks. This ensures a safe and comfortable visit for all passengers.
Is the Grab app easy to use at the Sandakan port terminal?
Grab works well, but the industrial nature of the Karamunting terminal means drivers sometimes struggle to find the exact pickup point. We recommend walking to the main terminal gate (a 2-minute walk from the gangway) and booking your ride from there. Ensure you have a data connection; the terminal does not offer public Wi-Fi. A ride from the port to the town center should never exceed 15 MYR (~$3.50 USD). Using Grab is the single best way for cruise passengers to save money in Sandakan.
Do I need to bring Malaysian Ringgit or are US Dollars accepted?
You must have Malaysian Ringgit. Unlike some Caribbean ports, US Dollars are not accepted by taxi drivers, market vendors, or at the sanctuaries. The entry fees at Sepilok and the Sun Bear Centre must be paid in local currency or via a credit card (though the machines are occasionally offline). There are no ATMs at the industrial pier. We advise our clients to exchange at least $50 USD per person into MYR before disembarking or at the first stop in town to ensure a smooth day.
What happens if it rains during the orangutan feeding?
If there is light rain, the feeding continues. However, in a heavy tropical downpour, the orangutans will likely stay in the deep forest canopy for shelter, and the platform will remain empty. The Sun Bear Centre is a better alternative during rain as the bears are often active regardless of the weather. There are covered viewing platforms at both sites, but you will still get wet walking between them. We recommend a sturdy poncho over an umbrella, as Borneo rain is often accompanied by wind.
Is the Sandakan Memorial Park suitable for children?
The park is physically safe and very beautiful, but the subject matter is somber. There are no 'play areas,' and it is expected that visitors maintain a respectful silence. For older children interested in history, it is a powerful educational experience. For very young children, the heat and the quiet atmosphere may be challenging. If you are traveling as a family, we suggest visiting the Memorial Park early and then spending more time at the interactive Sun Bear Centre to balance the day’s emotional tone.
Can I buy a local SIM card at the cruise terminal?
No, there are no retail shops at the Karamunting industrial pier. You can purchase a SIM card at the Sandakan Harbour Mall in the town center, which is a 10-minute shuttle or taxi ride away. Look for providers like Celcom or Maxis, which have the best coverage in Sabah. A tourist SIM typically costs around 30 MYR (~$6.50 USD) and includes plenty of data for a day of navigation. This is highly recommended if you plan to use Grab to get around independently.
Are the stilt villages safe for tourists to walk through alone?
Buli Sim Sim is generally very safe and the locals are accustomed to visitors. However, you are walking through people's front yards on narrow planks. Stay on the main concrete and wooden walkways and do not peer into private windows. The village is a residential community, not a theme park. We recommend visiting during daylight hours and staying to the piers that have established seafood restaurants. This ensures you are in a high-traffic area and supports the local economy. It’s one of the most culturally rewarding walks in Sabah.
