A coastal city with a marina, buildings, and a well-maintained park.

Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Sandakan from AU$22

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Our top choices for Sandakan cheap hotels

Ormond Sandakan

Ormond Sandakan
4.0 star property
Sandakan
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (20 reviews)
"This hotel is great for the area and the security is excellent so it felt very safe."
United Kingdom
Shannon
The price is AU$120
includes taxes & fees
29 July - 30 July
Ormond Sandakan

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (91 reviews)
"The room, bedding and toiletries were clean. The staff was courteous. Food provided was good. WiFi access was restricted to the common area."
United Kingdom
Rajesh
The price is AU$27
includes taxes & fees
9 Aug - 10 Aug
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

Hotel Meliden

Hotel Meliden
2.0 star property
Sandakan
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (9 reviews)
"Clean room, easy access for budget travel"
United States
Shoab
The price is AU$47
includes taxes & fees
26 July - 27 July
Hotel Meliden

Sepilok Jungle Resort

Sepilok Jungle Resort
2.5 star property
Sandakan
7.6 out of 10, Good, (238 reviews)
"Excellent location to the Orangatangs and the Sunbear viewings. Easy walking to the Rainforest Discovery center. Lots of wildlife . Very scenic jungle property"
United States
Linda
The price is AU$63
includes taxes & fees
23 July - 24 July
Sepilok Jungle Resort

Hotel Lutana

Hotel Lutana
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (3 reviews)
"Good price. Friendly staff"
Canada
Apollonia
The price is AU$22
includes taxes & fees
24 July - 25 July
Hotel Lutana

Sandakan Backpackers Hostel

Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
2.0 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (10 reviews)
"Great budget hotel, with friendly staff and a comfy bed. Help yourself breakfast was a bonus. "
United Kingdom
Kelly-ann
The price is AU$50
includes taxes & fees
19 July - 20 July
Sandakan Backpackers Hostel

The Pavilion Hotel

The Pavilion Hotel
3.0 star property
Sandakan
7.2 out of 10, Good, (78 reviews)
"Love t room. Comfortable & clean"
Malaysia
Felicia
The price is AU$55
includes taxes & fees
21 July - 22 July
The Pavilion Hotel

Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)

Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (80 reviews)
"Clean room, extremely helpful staff, good location in walking distance to the orangutan nursery and the rain forest discovery centre. Excellent food at the restaurant."
Malaysia
Danielle
The price is AU$121
includes taxes & fees
21 July - 22 July
Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)

Livingston Hotel

Livingston Hotel
3.5 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (165 reviews)
"Room was clean and spacious, a short grab ride from town. Staff were friendly, breakfast was good."
United Kingdom
Lucy
The price is AU$102
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Livingston Hotel

The Elopura Hotel

The Elopura Hotel
3.0 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (65 reviews)
"Centrally located and competitively priced."
United States
Jeremiah
The price is AU$72
includes taxes & fees
17 Aug - 18 Aug
The Elopura Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Find out more about Sandakan

Discover cheap things to do in Sandakan

In Sandakan, Sabah, budget-conscious travellers can immerse themselves in a wealth of affordable experiences without sacrificing quality. Start your adventure at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where entry fees are minimal, and you can witness the world's smallest bears in a natural setting while supporting conservation efforts. Next, explore the stunning Rainforest Discovery Centre, which offers free access to beautiful trails and an exhilarating canopy walk that showcases the rich biodiversity of Borneo's rainforest. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic Agnes Keith House, where you can step back in time to experience life during the British historic period; entry is inexpensive and includes a lovely garden to stroll through. For a taste of local culture, the Sandakan Central Market is a must-visit, brimming with affordable street food and fresh produce, allowing you to savour authentic dishes without breaking the bank. Finally, the beautiful Sandakan Harbour is perfect for a leisurely stroll, where you can enjoy the sunset with a backdrop of the bustling port. For accommodation, consider staying in the lively Kampung Buli Sim-Sim area, where charming guesthouses and budget hotels offer a delightful experience with attentive service. Here, you can easily explore local eateries and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal base for your Sandakan adventures.

Find the best cheap hotels in Sandakan

Exploring Sandakan on a budget doesn't mean compromising on comfort. Here are some excellent hotel options that provide great value without sacrificing quality.

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat is an excellent option for budget travellers, with a solid review rating of 8.6. This retreat features complimentary WiFi and self-parking, ensuring a comfortable and economical stay. Guests can start their day with a free daily breakfast, making it a convenient choice for those on the go.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and access to a beautiful garden. Each room comes with a terrace or balcony, allowing travelers to enjoy the lush surroundings. The retreat also offers cribs at no additional charge, catering to families looking for budget-friendly accommodation. With its welcoming atmosphere and value-driven offerings, Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat is a top choice for those exploring Sandakan on a budget.
  • Nearby attractions: Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre - 5.5 km, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - 5.5 km, Rainforest Discovery Centre - 5 km

Sepilok Jungle Resort

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: For those seeking budget-friendly accommodation, Sepilok Jungle Resort offers a solid value with a review rating of 7.6. Guests can enjoy free WiFi and self-parking, making it easy to stay connected and travel around without additional costs. The outdoor pool is a highlight, providing a refreshing escape from the tropical heat.
  • Other amenities: This resort also features a garden, daily housekeeping, and a restaurant with garden views. Families will appreciate the option of rollaway beds at no extra charge. The resort offers various recreational facilities, including sun loungers by the pool, ensuring a pleasant stay for all travelers. With its focus on affordability and comfort, Sepilok Jungle Resort is a great pick for budget travellers.
  • Nearby attractions: Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre - 0.2 km, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - 0.3 km, Rainforest Discovery Centre - 1.5 km

Top Sandakan Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is Sandakan like for travellers on a budget?
Sandakan offers cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, making it a budget-friendly holiday choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Sandakan Harbour Mall, Sandakan Rainforest Park and Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Sandakan?
Based on our traveller reviews, Sandakan Backpackers Hostel is a top choice for a less expensive stay.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Sandakan?
Weather is probably a major factor when you plan your trip to Sandakan, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually May and June, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 26°C. The snowiest months in Sandakan are April, May, August and July, with each month seeing an average of 211 cm of snowfall.
What is there to see and do in Sandakan?
Sandakan is known for its rainforest and wildlife, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then make time for sights and activities that cost very little. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like Agnes Keith House, or enjoy the outdoors at Sandakan Rainforest Park and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
How can I get to Sandakan and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Sandakan can help keep you on budget. The closest airport is 5.5 mi (8.9 km) from the centre in Sandakan (SDK). Sandakan may not have many public transport choices so a car rental could be an economical alternative to see the area.

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