Keningau

Keningau is a town in the interior highlands of Sabah, on the road between Kota Kinabalu and Tenom. It is an agricultural centre surrounded by hills and rice paddies.

By Plane

Sandakan Airport (SDK) — 15 km from town. Direct flights from KL (2.5 hr) and KK (45 min).

By Train

No train service to Sandakan.

By Car / Road

Sandakan is 390 km east of KK via the Pan Borneo Highway (6–7 hr drive).

Grab is available. Taxis at the airport and town centre. A car is useful for exploring Sepilok and the Kinabatangan.

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre — the world-famous orangutan sanctuary; feeding sessions at 10 AM and 3 PM (RM 30)

• Kinabatangan River — wildlife river cruises; proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills; 2 hr drive from Sandakan

• Rainforest Discovery Centre (Sepilok) — canopy walkway and nature trails (RM 15)

• Turtle Islands Park — three islands 40 km north; turtle nesting season (RM 30 park fee)

• Sandakan Heritage Museum — WWII history and Sandakan's colonial past

• Sandakan War Memorial — commemorates the Sandakan Death Marches of WWII

• St. Michael's Church — the oldest stone church in Sabah

• Visit Sepilok Orangutan Centre — the #1 activity

• Kinabatangan River safari — overnight river cruises (RM 200–400)

• Turtle Islands night patrol — watch turtles lay eggs (May–September)

• Sandakan Heritage Walk — explore the old town

• Crocker Range walk — for nature lovers

• Sim Sim Seafood — waterfront seafood restaurant, famous for sang har mee and butter prawns; RM 12–25
• Sandakan Central Market — nasi lemak, mee goreng, local kuih; RM 3–7
• Café Ken (Sepilok) — simple Malaysian food; RM 5–10
• Pasar Malam Sandakan (Tuesday) — local snacks

• Teh tarik (RM 2)
• Fresh coconut water (RM 2–3)
• Local coffee (RM 2)

• Budget: Sepilok B&B (RM 40–70/night); Sandakan Backpacker (RM 30–50/dorm)
• Mid-range: Sepilok Jungle Resort (RM 80–150/night); Hotel Sandakan (RM 60–100/night)
• Upscale: Sabah Hotel (RM 200–350/night, heritage hotel with pool); Four Points by Sheraton (RM 150–250/night)

• Sandakan Central Market — fresh produce, dried seafood, and local snacks
• Sepilok gift shop — orangutan-themed souvenirs
• Sandakan Harbour Mall — modern shopping

• Sepilok (30 min drive)
• Kinabatangan River (2 hr drive)
• Turtle Islands Park (1 hr by speedboat)
• Sukau (2 hr drive) — Kinabatangan wildlife
• Kota Kinabalu (6 hr drive or 45 min flight)