Step into Sandakan with Sheqin and Sandra: A 4-Day guide to Borneo’s hidden gem
What happens when a blind box decides your next holiday? That was the idea behind AirAsia MOVE’s Blind Box Challenge, which sent creators across Asean to a surprise destination. The challenge was designed to encourage travellers to step beyond the usual tourist trail and discover unexpected places through authentic creator-led journeys. Among them, @sandrahanayu and @sheqins found themselves heading to Sandakan, Malaysia.
And if you’re wondering what there is to do in Sandakan, consider this your unofficial guide by two first-time visitors who have already done the exploring for you, or watch this video to find out more!
Sheqin describes the combination of history and wildlife as one of the biggest highlights of the trip. “What I loved about Sandakan was how the trip gave us two very different experiences, getting to know its heritage and history, then seeing its incredible wildlife up close. It made me realise there’s so much more to Sandakan than I expected, and that’s what made the trip so memorable.” Sheqin shared.
Day 1 — Ease Into Sandakan
First rule of a holiday: don’t rush it.
After arriving in Sandakan and checking into Ormond Sandakan, Sheqin and Sandra kept their first day easy, taking time to explore the city at their own pace.
Start with a casual stroll around the hotel, with Harbour Mall Sandakan right next door. Snap a few photos at the iconic Sandakan sign, then wander around the nearby “Little Hong Kong” for a taste of the city’s local character. And, of course, do try some local favourites, including UFO tarts, a traditional pastry unique to Sandakan.
Round off the day with a Taste of Sandakan menu at RASA Restaurant, then call it an early night. With its convenient location, comfortable rooms, impressive views and well-rounded facilities, Ormond Sandakan makes an easy base for exploring the city without stretching the budget.
Day 2 - Your Sandakan heritage crash course
Time to swap coffee runs for a little history.
The first stop is Agnes Keith House, the restored colonial home of American author Agnes Newton Keith. The house offers a glimpse into pre-war Sandakan and the life behind Keith’s writings about Borneo.
Just next door, the English Tea House offers a chance to slow the pace with a pot of tea and light bites overlooking Sandakan Bay. It’s a relaxed way to take in the views before continuing the day.
Then, continue to St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, one of Sabah’s oldest churches, before ending the heritage trail at Sandakan Memorial Park.
The day takes you through different chapters of Sandakan’s past, from colonial-era stories to a more sombre reminder of the prisoners of war who lost their lives during the Sandakan Death Marches of World War II.
Day 3 — Orangutans, sun bears & a jungle sunset
Now for the wild side of Sandakan.
Start early and head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the morning feeding session at 10am. Seeing these rescued orangutans in a rehabilitation environment is one of those experiences that makes waking up early very worth it.
Next door, meet another one of Borneo’s most fascinating residents at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Take a walk along the elevated boardwalk and see the bears in their forest surroundings before heading towards the Kinabatangan River.
The final adventure of the day? A private river cruise.
As the boat cruises along the Kinabatangan River, keep your eyes peeled for the BIG 5! From proboscis monkeys and hornbills to pygmy elephants, orangutans and crocodiles. The rain had other plans during Sheqin and Sandra’s cruise, making wildlife sightings a little more challenging. They managed to spot two of the river’s wild residents, proof that when it comes to wildlife, you sometimes just have to let nature set the itinerary.
For Sandra, it was exactly the kind of getaway she would recommend for a quick escape with the people you love. “Fun fact! Did you know the sun bear is the mascot of Visit Malaysia 2026? They’re also the smallest bear in the world! Sandakan is such a great weekend getaway with friends or family. You get to enjoy both nature and culture with the peaceful environment and slow down from the hustle bustle of the city.” Sandra shared.
Day 4 — Bye, Sandakan and see you again!
And just like that, the blind box trip comes to an end.
The Blind Box Challenge started with a destination neither creator had chosen. But Sandakan turned out to be a reminder that some of the best trips can happen when you leave room for surprise.
For the latest updates, travellers are encouraged to follow @airasiamove on Instagram & TikTok. Guests can access the 'AskBo' virtual assistant via the AirAsia MOVE app for real-time support regarding bookings, schedule changes, and general travel enquiries.
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