Top 4 kids-friendly things to do in Sandakan

1. Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise — 3 days, 2 nights

Three days and two nights on the Kinabatangan River, with guided wildlife cruises, treks, and a homestay experience with local meals.

2. Half-day private city tour of Sandakan

Four hours of sightseeing with a private guide — visit the Australian War Memorial, Sandakan Central Market, and Agnes Keith House, plus enjoy a local lunch.

“The half-day city tour is essential for anyone visiting Sandakan for the first time. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s highlights and helps you navigate its layout. Our guide Siti and driver Ahmad were outstanding; both spoke excellent English and were friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining. We had engaging conversations, and I particularly appreciated that they didn’t rush us at any of the stops, allowing us to linger longer at certain sites if we wished. This flexibility is a great advantage of a private tour. For instance, we visited Sandakan Memorial Park the morning before ANZAC Day, which is significant for Australians as it is a day of remembrance. At the time of our visit, there was a rehearsal for the Dawn Service, and Siti kindly let us stay for that. Since ANZAC Day was the main reason for our trip to Sandakan, this tour and our time at the Memorial Park were perfectly timed and a major highlight of our journey. It was worth every penny.”— Jennifer_T

3. Mangrove tour and fireflies cruise with dinner from Sandakan

Evening boat trip through mangroves, dinner included — see fireflies and visit a local village for a glimpse of daily life.

“The mangrove cruise was amazing. We spotted a crocodile and numerous fireflies, making the experience truly incredible. A special thanks to our travel manager, Abdul, for his guidance.”— Climber13305648635

4. Full-day tour of Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Centre

Full-day tour from Sandakan — visit Sepilok Orang Utan, the Bornean Sun Bear facility, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre with family or friends.

“An excellent personalized tour. The experience was informative, unique, and enjoyable. I am very grateful to our guide and driver.”— Peter_R