1. What are the main modes of transportation used in Sandakan?
Some of the main modes of transportation used in Sandakan are:1. Cars and Motorbikes: Private cars and motorbikes are the most common mode of transportation in Sandakan, with many residents owning their own vehicles. Road transport is the primary means of getting around the city and its outskirts.
2. Taxis: Taxis are a popular mode of transportation for short distances within the city. They are easily available and can be hailed on the street or through ride-hailing apps.
3. Buses: Public buses are a widely used mode of transportation for longer distances and connecting different parts of the city. There are also express buses that ply between Sandakan and other major cities in Sabah.
4. Ferries: Ferries operate between Sandakan and nearby islands such as Pulau Berhala, Lankayan Island, and Selingan Turtle Island. These ferries serve as a primary mode of transportation for tourists visiting these islands.
5. Trishaws: Trishaws, also known as pedicabs or cycle rickshaws, are a popular mode of transportation for short distances within the city center or for sightseeing tours.
6. Water taxis: Water taxis operate along the Kinabatangan River, providing a unique way to travel to different villages along the river.
7. Walking and cycling: The smaller size of Sandakan makes it possible to explore certain parts on foot or by bicycle. This is often a preferred option for tourists who want to experience the local culture at a slower pace.
2. How is the road system in Sandakan? Is it well-maintained?
The road system in Sandakan is generally decent and well-maintained. However, some areas may have potholes or minor damages due to heavy rain or construction work. Overall, most major roads and highways are in good condition and are regularly maintained by the local government.
3. Are there any public buses or trains that run to and from Sandakan?
Yes, there are public buses and trains that run to and from Sandakan.
4. Can you walk around the city easily, or is a car necessary for getting around?
Cars are not necessary for getting around the city, as Washington D.C. has a well-developed public transportation system. The city is also very pedestrian-friendly, with many sights within walking distance from each other. However, if you want to travel outside of the city or explore less touristy areas, a car may be more convenient.
5. Are there any major highways or expressways that connect Sandakan to other cities in Thailand?
No, Sandakan is not located in Thailand. It is a city in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. There are no major highways or expressways that connect Sandakan to other cities in Thailand. However, there are international flights from Sandakan to Bangkok, Thailand operated by AirAsia and Thai Airways.
6. How is the traffic situation in Sandakan? Is it heavily congested during peak hours?
The traffic situation in Sandakan is generally moderate, with less congestion compared to bigger cities in Malaysia. During peak hours, there may be some traffic jams in certain areas, but it is not as bad as other major cities. The traffic flow also depends on the time of day and the specific roads you are traveling on. Overall, Sandakan does not experience heavy congestion during peak hours.
7. Are taxis readily available for short distance travel within Sandakan?
Yes, taxis are available for short distance travel within Sandakan. They can be easily hailed on the street or found at taxi stands throughout the city. It is important to negotiate the fare with the driver before getting into the taxi, as they do not typically use meters for short distances.
8. Is there a specific area where tourists can rent scooters or motorbikes for exploring the city?
Yes, there are several rental companies in popular tourist areas where tourists can rent scooters or motorbikes for exploring the city. These include areas such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Westlake. Some popular rental companies include Flamingo Travel, Tigit Motorbikes, and Ciao Travel. It is important to make sure you have a valid driver’s license and insurance before renting a vehicle. Also, be aware of local traffic laws and wear a helmet at all times while riding a scooter or motorbike.
9. Are there ferries or boats that can take visitors to nearby islands from Sandakan?
Yes, there are several ferries and boats that can take visitors to nearby islands from Sandakan. Some of the popular options include:
1. Selingan Turtle Island – This island is known for its sea turtle conservation program and can be reached via a 1-hour boat ride from Sandakan.
2. Lankayan Island – Located approximately 90 km north of Sandakan, this island is known for its beautiful beaches and dive sites. Visitors can take a 1.5-hour boat ride from Sandakan to reach it.
3. Libaran Island – This small island is located about 30 minutes by boat from Sandakan and offers a serene beach experience.
4. Mantanani Islands – These islands are located off the coast of Kota Belud, which is about a 3-hour drive from Sandakan. Visitors can take speedboats or slow boats from Kota Belud to reach the islands.
5. Labuan Island – Located in East Malaysia, Labuan Island can also be reached by ferry from Sandakan. The journey takes around 8 hours.
Note: It is recommended to check with tour companies for available ferry schedules and prices as they may vary depending on the season.
10. How long does it take to travel from Sandakan to popular tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai or Bangkok by land transport?
It takes approximately 6-7 hours to travel from Sandakan to Chiang Mai by land transport, and approximately 24 hours to travel from Sandakan to Bangkok by land transport.
11. Are there any scenic routes for driving around Sandakan, such as along the coast or through mountains?
Yes, there are several scenic routes that you can take for driving around Sandakan. Here are some suggestions:
1. The Sandakan Bay Drive – This is a 20-kilometer coastal road that offers stunning views of the sea and nearby islands. You can also stop by at the various seafood restaurants along the way.
2. Sepilok Forest Trail – This is a 5-kilometer drive through the lush rainforest of Sepilok, where you can spot unique flora and fauna along the way.
3. Crocker Range Park – If you’re up for a longer drive, you can take the route to Crocker Range Park, which offers spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding valleys.
4. Kinabatangan River Road – This route takes you through scenic villages along the Kinabatangan River, where you can find diverse wildlife such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
5. Highway 22 – This drive will take you through breathtaking mountain landscapes as you make your way to Kampung Gaya for a traditional village experience.
6. Sandakan-Semporna Coastal Road – This coastal route runs between Sandakan and Semporna, passing through idyllic fishing villages and offering stunning views of the Celebes Sea.
Note: Some of these routes may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle due to rugged terrain. Always check local conditions before embarking on any drives outside of town.
12. What is the average cost of a taxi ride within the city? Are taxi drivers known to overcharge tourists?
The average cost of a taxi ride within the city is approximately $10-20, depending on distance and traffic. Generally, taxi drivers do not overcharge tourists but it is always recommended to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi and to make sure the meter is turned on. Some drivers may also try to take longer routes in order to increase the fare, so it’s best to have a general idea of the route beforehand. It’s also a good idea to carry smaller bills for payment as some drivers may claim not to have enough change for larger bills.
13. Are there any boat tours available in Sandakan for sightseeing or wildlife viewing on rivers or lakes?
Yes, there are several boat tour options available in Sandakan for sightseeing and wildlife viewing on rivers or lakes. Some popular choices include:1. Kinabatangan River Cruise: This is a guided boat tour that takes you along the Kinabatangan River, known for its rich variety of flora and fauna. It is one of the best places in Borneo to spot proboscis monkeys, orangutans, hornbills, and other wildlife.
2. Sepilok Wildlife River Cruise: This cruise takes you along the Lower Kinabatangan River to see wildlife and experience the local villages and communities living along the river.
3. Gomantong Caves Cruise: This boat tour takes you to explore the Gomantong Caves, home to some of Borneo’s most important bird nesting sites, as well as unique cave-dwelling creatures like bats and swiftlets.
4. Selingan Turtle Island Tour: This tour takes you by boat to Selingan Turtle Island, where you can witness endangered sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
5. Tambisan Island Day Trip: If you’re looking for a relaxing day out on a small island surrounded by pristine waters, this day trip is perfect for you. You can snorkel or scuba dive in nearby reefs and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the island.
Prices and availability may vary depending on the company or tour operator offering the boat tours. It’s best to research and book in advance to secure your spot on these popular tours.
14. Can you reach neighboring countries such as Malaysia or Myanmar from Sandakan via public transport?
Yes, you can reach neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Myanmar from Sandakan via public transport. There are various options available:
1. Malaysia – You can take a bus or private car to cross the border into Malaysia from Sandakan. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
2. Myanmar – There are no direct public transport options to reach Myanmar from Sandakan. However, you can take a flight from Sandakan Airport to Yangon International Airport in Myanmar. The flight duration is approximately 3-4 hours.
Alternatively, you can also travel to Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur and take a train or flight to Singapore, which shares a land border with Myanmar, and then enter Myanmar via that route.
15. Is it safe to drive a car in Sandakan, especially for foreign visitors not familiar with Thai traffic laws and customs?
It is generally safe to drive a car in Sandakan, however, foreign visitors who are not familiar with the local traffic laws and customs should exercise caution. The roads can be narrow and congested in some areas. It is important to follow all traffic laws and be aware of your surroundings while driving. It is also recommended to rent a car from a reputable company and ensure it is properly insured.
16. Do the local people mainly use bicycles for short distance travel within the city, like many other Thai cities and towns?
Yes, many local people in Chiang Mai use bicycles for short distance travel within the city. This is due to the city’s relatively small size and bike-friendly infrastructure, as well as the environmentally friendly and affordable nature of bicycles. Additionally, riding a bike allows locals to avoid traffic congestion and save money on transportation costs.
17. Is parking readily available in central areas of Sandakan, and what are the prices like for day parking vs overnight parking?
Parking in central areas of Sandakan is generally readily available, although it may be more difficult to find a space during peak hours or events. Parking prices vary depending on the location and type of parking.
Day parking rates typically range from RM1 to RM2 per hour for street parking, while overnight parking rates typically range from RM8 to RM15 per day for open-air car parks. Some malls and commercial buildings may offer free or discounted parking with a minimum purchase or validation.
It is recommended to check the signage at the parking lot for specific rates and rules before leaving your vehicle.
18. Are there any scenic train journeys that depart from/arrive at Sandakan station, such as through rural countryside or forests around Thailand’s northern region?
Unfortunately, there are no scenic train journeys that depart from/arrive at Sandakan station. The only train journey available in Sandakan is the North Borneo Railway, which runs within the local city area and does not pass through rural countryside or forests in Thailand’s northern region.
19. Do any companies offer guided tours around Sandakan, such as for cultural or historical sites in the city?
Yes, there are several companies in Sandakan that offer guided tours for cultural and historical sites. Some popular options include:
1. Amazing Borneo Tours: This company offers a variety of guided day tours, including a Sandakan Heritage Walk that takes visitors to historic sites such as the Agnes Keith House and St. Michael’s Cathedral.
2. Borneo Sandakan Tours & Travel: This company offers a range of sightseeing tours in Sandakan, including a Cultural Tour that includes visits to temples, museums, and traditional villages.
3. Diverse Borneo Adventure: This company specializes in eco-tourism and offers guided tours to cultural and historical sites like the Puu Jih Shih Temple, Australian War Memorial Park, and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
4. Sabah Tropical Adventure & Tours: This company offers half-day or full-day city tours in Sandakan that can be customized to include stops at cultural and historical landmarks along with other popular attractions.
5. Borneo Dream Travel & Tours: In addition to adventure packages, this company also offers guided city tours of Sandakan that include visits to important historical sites such as the Japanese Cemetery and the English Tea House.
20. Are there any famous landmarks or points of interest that can be navigated to using a GPS, such as temples or museums in and around Sandakan?
Yes, there are several famous landmarks and points of interest that can be navigated to using a GPS in Sandakan, including:
1. Sandakan Memorial Park – a war memorial park commemorating the prisoners of war who died during the Sandakan Death Marches in World War II.
2. Agnes Keith House – a historic house turned museum, once home to American author Agnes Newton Keith.
3. Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple – a Chinese temple perched on a hill offering scenic views of Sandakan town.
4. Sam Sing Kung Temple – a Taoist temple built in 1887 and one of the oldest buildings in Sandakan.
5. Gomantong Caves – large limestone caves that are home to thousands of swiftlets and bats.
6. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – a sanctuary for orphaned or injured orangutans.
7. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary – a conservation area for proboscis monkeys, also known as long-nosed monkeys.
8. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre – a center dedicated to saving the world’s smallest bear species, the Bornean sun bear.
Note: Please check local regulations and guidelines when visiting these places, as some may require advanced booking or have certain restrictions due to health and safety measures.