This Sandakan travel cost guide will help you plan a realistic budget for your trip while still making the most of your time away. Our Sandakan trip cost calculator includes average costs from thousands of previous travelers, covering hotels, meals, attractions, entertainment, and local transportation. Sandakan is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and it would be a shame to miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Sandakan?
A typical traveler spends $82 (RM340) per day on a trip to Sandakan. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Sandakan based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $37 (RM153) on meals
- $37 (RM155) on local transportation
- $46 (RM189) on hotels
A one-week trip to Sandakan for two people costs, on average, $1,150 (RM4,760). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Sandakan expensive to visit?
In Sandakan, budget travelers spend $39 (RM154) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $86 (RM340) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $157 (RM624) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Sandakan.
Sandakan is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Sandakan can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Sandakan is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kuala Lumpur or Nanchang.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sandakan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sandakan?
The average Sandakan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sandakan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sandakan cost?
Sandakan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(RM42)
|
$23
(RM95)
|
$43
(RM176)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$17
(RM69)
|
$37
(RM155)
|
$68
(RM283)
|
|
Food2
|
$16
(RM67)
|
$37
(RM153)
|
$69
(RM283)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$4
(RM15)
|
$8
(RM34)
|
$16
(RM66)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(RM7-21)
|
$4-11
(RM16-47)
|
$7-22
(RM30-90)
|
Accommodation Budget in Sandakan
Sandakan has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $31 in the off-season and averages $58 during peak season. Overall, you can expect prices from $14 to $192. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sandakan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $46 (RM189). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (RM95) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sandakan include:
- Gloria Plaza Hotel Sandakan starting at $26
- Sepilok Forest Edge Resort starting at $67
- The Mark's Lodge starting at $25
- Sepilok Nature Resort starting at $93
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Sandakan
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $37 (RM155) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sandakan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sandakan is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$37
RM155
Sandakan Airport is connected directly to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and Kudat and AirAsia offers plenty of low-cost flights. To get into town from the airport, you can take a cab or walk to the main road past the roundabout and catch a local bus before nightfall, as they usually stop running between 5 and 7 p.m.
Kota Kinabalu also has a direct road to Sandakan which will take a 6-hour drive at a little over 200 miles. Drivers, beware of potholes and be sure to fill your tank at Ranau because it's the last gas station before you get to Sandakan, which is about 150 miles away.
You can also opt to take a bus from Kota Kinabalu to the Sandakan bus station on Jalan Utara, which is about 15 minutes away from downtown. Tung Ma Express, Sida Express, and Bunga Raya Express each serve this bus station between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Ferries run from Zamboanga in the Philippines on a weekly basis, but call ahead to confirm schedules.
Within the city, you can easily walk because it is so compact, but to take a daytrip to the other points of interest, hire a motorbike or a taxi. Note that meters aren't common, so be sure to negotiate prices before getting into the cab. Otherwise, you may also opt to take a bus or van to get to nearby stops like Sepilok or the Buli Sim Sim Water Village.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok for $38 details
- Private 1-Way Transfer Sandakan to/from Kinabatangan River for $123 details
- Private One Way Transfer from Sandakan to Semporna for $240 details
How much does it cost to go to Sandakan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Sandakan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Sandakan
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Sandakan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sandakan is $37 (RM153) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$37
RM153
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sandakan is around $38 (RM153) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $71. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sandakan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $15
- Dinner: $12 to $27
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Malaysian food, at its best, offers a variety of culture for any palate,including Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western cuisines and Sandakan is no exception.
Don't leave without enjoying the fresh seafood offered on the waterfront as you take in views of the ocean at Restoran Seafood Sim-Sim 88.
Head to the Sandakan Central Market for even cheaper eats. Malaysian cuisine on the first floor and Chinese food on the third. Try the Original Homemade Kueh Teow with Deep-fried Pork, served dry or in soup on the third floor.
Bridge No. 7 is a traditional coffee shop in the Buli Sim Sim Water Village, which specializes in prawn balls, thousand-year-egg dumplings which are also stuffed with pork and fish paste, and a variety of noodles, including fish head noodles and curry noodles.
For a quick bite or even an easy food crawl, stop by the food court in Pasar Kim Fung, which has a variety of vendors coming and going throughout the day. Popular offerings include dim sum, potstickers, chicken rice, and tofu pudding.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Having a water bottle can help you save on drinks and do your part for the environment.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Sandakan, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan for $64 details
- Sandakan Mangrove Fireflies Dinners Tastings and Cruise for $70 details
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner for $193 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sandakan
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sandakan typically cost an average of $8.29 (RM34) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$8.29
RM34
Within the city, check out Agnes Keith's House. Keith was an American author who lived and wrote three autobiographies of her life in Sandakan in the 1930s.
History buffs may be interested to visit Sandakan Memorial park, which commemorates the many Australian and British prisoners who died at the former site of the World War II prisoner-of-war camp.
Meanwhile, if you want to go off the beaten tourist track, head down to the waterfront for the daily fish market, at the end of the enormous Sandakan Central Market. This is the largest in Sabah and draws in hundreds of locals to buy fresh seafood. If you see turtle eggs for sale, do note that even though they are legal in the rest of the country, they are prohibited to sell in Sabah.
While Sandakan has a few offerings in town for tourists, daytrips to nearby sites will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip.
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehab Center, just 14 miles east of the city, if one of Sabah's biggest attractions. One of the four in the world, this center cares for abandoned and injured orangutans with the goal to reintroduce them to their natural habitat after equipping them with skills to fend for themselves.
Turtle Island National Park, about 25 miles north of Sandakan, is made up of three small islands: Selingan, Bakungan Kecil, and Gulisan. Visit between July and October for a chance to see turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Divers will want to head to Pulau Lankayan, just a 90-minute boat ride from the city. This island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, making for an ideal and uncrowded diving destination. Visit during April and May to see black-tip sharks.
Sungai Kinabatangan is the largest river in Sabah, at 348 miles long. It's no surprise that is also the largest habitat for wildlife in the country. Much of the region was established as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a river boat trip to spot wildlife such as Proboscis Monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and Macaques.
Check out the Gomantong Caves, the largest limestone caves in Sabah and home to a large population of bats and swiftlets. This is also a site where locals harvest swiftlets' nests to make the much sought-after Chinese delicacy, Bird's-nest Soup.
The Tabin Wildlife Reserve, about 137 miles Southeast of Sandakan, protects endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, Borneo Pygmy Elephants, giant flying squirrels, orangutans, and hornbills.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sandakan. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Gomantong Cave Echoes and Kinabatangan Cruise for $154 details
- Sepilok Orang Utan, Sun Bear & Sandakan Nature City Tour + Lunch for $285 details
- 6 Must-see Local Spots Private Tour with Lunch for $63 details
Nightlife Budget in Sandakan
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $7.60 (RM31) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sandakan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.60
RM31
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
Travel cost data last updated: May 5, 2026
Traveling in Sandakan
Sandakan, Malaysia
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
Today, the modern town of Sandakan has been rebuilt on the reclaimed land and its economy is now based on cocoa and palm oil. Unfortunately, the mass deforestation for palm oil is causing many problems to the environment and wildlife.
Most travelers do not visit Sandakan for the city itself, but rather, for the nearby natural areas, such as wildlife preservation centers, caves, and rivers.
If you're going to visit Sandakan, weather will be generally consistent throughout the year with average temperatures in the 80s, but be aware that rainfall changes drastically with wet season from November to February. The wettest month is December and the driest in April. Regardless of the time of year, Sandakan is humid year round, so pack light, breathable fabrics and don't forget the sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Traveling alone to Kuala Lumpur or Penang?
Looking for a party in Singapore or Bali?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Sandakan. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Sandakan on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $39 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Sandakan offers plenty of hostels, including Tanini Sepilok. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Visitors to Sandakan typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $86 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Sandakan. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Sepilok Nature Resort is a great choice for kids, and Sepilok Forest Edge Resort is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Sandakan hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $157 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
