|
Sandakan - Gateway to Borneo's Wildlife
Sandakan
was the former capital of British North Borneo from the years 1884-1946.
Sandakan was one of the largest towns in Sabah in the early years with
traders from Europe to Africa, from Arabia to China, from the Indies to
Java and from local Dusuns to the Japanese. After WWII the capital was transferred to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu). In the early years,
Sandakan served as a major port for early settlers to Sabah, and most Chinese came through this port.
With the many Chinese from Canton Sandakan was earned once the nick-name
of "Little
Hong Kong". With the different nationalities of early settlers and
traders, Sandakan was rich with early traces of foreign cultures. Places of interest in Sandakan include the
Puu Gih Jih Chinese Temple - a
majestic temple erected on top of a hill facing Sandakan Bay; St
Michael and All Angels Cathedral, erected in late 19th century andone
of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah. Other places of interest that can be
visited are the world famous Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary which is located
just 26 km from Sandakan. The Sandakan Crocodile Farm located on
the Labuk Road near the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary is also a major
attraction.
TRAVEL
TIPS
 To
get to Sandakan, it is recommended to take a flight from Kota Kinabalu. To
check the schedule of flights, please browse through the airlinks section
of this site for more info. Unless you engage the services of tour
operators, you will need to hire a taxi to your hotel. The standard fare
is RM 15. Getting around Sandakan is easy as
the downtown area is small and easily covered by foot. The popular
mode of transport will be taxi, which charges RM3-RM5 for a 5 km radius.
Always negotiate your fare in advance. If you enjoy seafood, Sandakan
offers some of the best seafood restaurants this side of the Sulu Sea. Sandakan
is also famous for its local Chinese delicacy Bak Kut Teh, pork
steamed in a broth of various herbs.
|
MEMBERS
TRAVELMART 