Sabah Hotel Sandakan Review: 4-Star Deluxe Stay

Sabah Hotel Sandakan, a 4-star deluxe property set amid tropical greenery, has been a fixture in Sandakan since 1991. Following a renovation in 2024, the hotel offers 117 rooms, an outdoor pool, and multiple dining options, making it a practical choice for travelers exploring the city or heading to Sepilok. This review draws on verified guest feedback and official property details to help you decide if it fits your itinerary.

Last checked: 2026-07-08

Property name: Sabah Hotel Sandakan · Star rating: 4-star deluxe · Location: Km 1, Jalan Utara, Sandakan · Key amenities: Outdoor pool, health club, 4 restaurants, free WiFi, free parking

How far is Sabah Hotel from Sandakan Airport?

The distance between Sandakan Airport and Sabah Hotel Sandakan is roughly 13 km. According to Booking.com and KAYAK, the hotel sits about 0.6–0.7 miles from the city centre, which puts the airport drive at around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

Transport options to Sabah Hotel

Most guests arriving by air take a taxi or ride-hailing service from Sandakan Airport to the hotel. The route passes through the city centre, so the trip is straightforward. Taxis and private cars are the primary options, and the hotel offers free self-parking for those driving. A taxi from the airport typically costs around 30–40 MYR, based on current regional rates.

What this means: The airport proximity makes Sabah Hotel Sandakan a convenient option for late arrivals or early departures, especially if you plan to rent a car for exploring Sepilok and the surrounding area.

How many stars are there in Sabah Hotel Sandakan?

The hotel markets itself as a 4-star deluxe property, a classification confirmed by the official website. This rating places it among the upper-tier accommodations in Sandakan, though it is not positioned as a luxury or 5-star property.

Star rating and category

The “deluxe” label suggests a higher standard of amenities and service compared to standard 4-star hotels. According to Expedia, the property includes an outdoor pool, children’s pool, sauna, steam room, and massage services, which align with the deluxe category. KAYAK also lists a spa and wellness centre, fitness centre, restaurant, bar/lounge, and 24-hour front desk, reinforcing the 4-star deluxe positioning.

Review highlights

On Tripadvisor, guests frequently mention the pool area, breakfast selection, free parking, and friendly staff. A Booking.com reviewer called the pool “beautiful and clean nice and big and a perfect for the hot weather.” However, multiple reviewers also note that some furnishings appear dated. A Window Seat Preferred review describes the hotel as “older but excellently maintained,” with a spacious room, separate bathtub and shower, and quiet nights.

The pattern: The 4-star deluxe rating is justified by the range of amenities and service quality, though the physical age of the property means some areas show wear despite the 2024 renovation.

Where is the best place to stay in Sandakan?

Sabah Hotel Sandakan is a strong contender for travellers who want a balance of comfort, amenities, and access to nature. Its location on Jalan Utara places it within a short drive of both the city centre and the road to Sepilok, making it a practical base for wildlife itineraries.

Why Sabah Hotel is a top choice

For first-time visitors to Sandakan, Sabah Hotel offers a reliable set of amenities: an outdoor pool to cool off after hot excursions, multiple dining options, and free parking. The Trip.com listing notes that the hotel was renovated in 2024, and Booking.com guests confirm that the pool and common areas feel well-maintained. One Booking.com guest wrote that they “loved everything especially the pool which was beautiful and clean.”

Business travellers also appreciate the 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and room service listed on KAYAK. The health club and spa provide evening relaxation options after work.

Alternatives in Sandakan

Hotel Sandakan, located closer to the city centre, has 105 rooms and 14 suites but fewer leisure amenities according to its Tripadvisor listing. It emphasises central location over pool and spa facilities. For travellers who prioritise wellness and family-friendly features, Sabah Hotel has a stronger amenity set. Expedia also lists luxury options in Sandakan, though Sabah Hotel sits in the mid-range band rather than the luxury tier.

The trade-off: Sabah Hotel gives you more on-site leisure facilities at the cost of a slightly longer walk to the city centre. Hotel Sandakan is more central but has fewer amenities to fill downtime.

Is there anything to do in Sandakan?

Sandakan is primarily a gateway to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River wildlife cruises. Sabah Hotel Sandakan sits about 25 minutes from Sepilok by car, making it a convenient overnight base for visitors who want to avoid rushing back to the city after a day at the sanctuary.

Nearby attractions near Sabah Hotel

The Sandakan Rainforest Park is a short drive from the hotel, and the Sandakan waterfront area offers restaurants and markets. The hotel’s own pool and spa provide a low-effort alternative for days when you prefer to stay on-site. A Booking.com reviewer noted that the pool was “nice and big and a perfect for the hot weather,” which aligns with the regional climate.

Recommended days to visit

For a typical Sandakan itinerary that includes Sepilok, a city market visit, and a river cruise, most travellers allocate 3–4 days. Sabah Hotel works well as a consistent base for this duration, with the pool and restaurant options providing variety after full days out.

What to watch: If your itinerary is heavily focused on wildlife tours starting early, factor in the 15–25 minute drive from the hotel to Sepilok. Some guests on Tripadvisor mentioned that they wished they had stayed closer to the sanctuary for earlier starts.

What is the best time of year to visit Sandakan?

Sandakan has a tropical rainforest climate with relatively consistent temperatures year-round, averaging 27–32°C. The drier months from March to October are generally considered the best window for wildlife viewing and outdoor excursions.

Weather and festivals

According to regional travel guides, the northeast monsoon from November to February brings higher rainfall, which can affect river cruises and trekking. The Sabah Festival in July and the Sandakan Festival in August are cultural highlights that draw additional visitors. During these periods, booking Sabah Hotel Sandakan in advance is advisable.

The hotel’s pool and wellness facilities become particularly appealing during the wetter months, when outdoor activities are more limited. A Tripadvisor reviewer described the pool area as “really nice and relaxing,” and the sauna and steam room offer a rain-friendly alternative.

The bottom line: For the best balance of weather and availability, plan your stay between March and October. The hotel’s amenities make it a comfortable option even during wetter periods, but wildlife experiences are more reliable in the drier months.

Best for segments

Based on review patterns and amenity data, Sabah Hotel Sandakan suits these traveller types:

• Couples: The pool, spa, and quiet room environment (noted in Window Seat Preferred review) make it a solid choice for a relaxed stay. The buffet breakfast and on-site dining reduce the need to go out each evening.
• Families: The children’s pool, spacious rooms, and free parking are practical for families. The proximity to Sepilok and the Rainforest Park adds educational value. Booking.com guests frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere.
• Business travellers: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, room service, and a fitness centre cover the basics. The hotel’s location on Jalan Utara provides easy access to the city centre and government offices.

Pricing band

Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest booked room price in the last two weeks was £54 and the most expensive was £60, with an average weeknight rate of £62 and a weekend rate of £79. These figures place Sabah Hotel Sandakan in the mid-range segment for Sandakan. The pricing is consistent with a 4-star deluxe property in a secondary Malaysian city. Booking directly through the official site may offer additional perks, though OTA rates are competitive.

Alternatives in Sandakan

If Sabah Hotel Sandakan does not meet your needs, these options offer different trade-offs:

• Hotel Sandakan: Located closer to the city centre with 105 rooms and 14 suites. According to its Tripadvisor listing, it has fewer leisure amenities than Sabah Hotel but emphasises central location and convenience. A better choice if you prioritise walkability over pool time.
• Luxury options in Sandakan: Expedia lists several higher-end properties in the area. These typically offer more premium rooms and dining, but at a higher price point than Sabah Hotel’s £54–£79 range.
• Budget guesthouses near Sepilok: For travellers who want to be closer to the orangutan centre, Sepilok has a handful of guesthouses and eco-lodges that trade central amenities for wildlife proximity.