Sandakan / 7 photo spots
7 Instagram spots around Sandakan
These spots are on the mainland around Sandakan and inland Sepilok. Check current travel advice before your trip. Australia advises heightened caution along the mainland shoreline from Terusan to Tawau, and the UK advises against all but essential travel to offshore islands and dive sites from Sandakan to Tawau. At the forest centres, ask about camera fees and permissions for your equipment or planned commercial work.
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Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Rainforest Discovery Centre Skywalk Sepilok
The elevated skywalk looks into the rainforest canopy. From the visitor walkway, frame layers of trees rather than relying on wildlife appearing. Entry is paid and access can change.
Search Google MapsPlant Discovery Garden Sepilok
In the Rainforest Discovery Centre’s plant garden, use the visitor paths to explore the foliage. Choose a plant detail against the surrounding green and stay on open paths. Entry is paid.
Search Google MapsRainforest Discovery Centre Lake Sepilok
The lake at the Rainforest Discovery Centre offers a quieter forest composition. From an open visitor path, include the wooded shore and its reflection when the water is calm. Entry is paid.
Search Google MapsSepilok Giant Rainforest Discovery Centre
The Sepilok Giant is a large tree reached from the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Ask at the entrance whether its trail is open and what access is needed, then photograph it from the permitted path. Entry is paid.
Search Google MapsSepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
From the paid centre’s visitor platform, you may see orangutans against the forest. Sightings are not guaranteed. Stay on the walkway, keep at least ten metres away and do not touch them, use flash or take animal selfies. Check camera fees at the entrance.
Search Google MapsBornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
The paid centre has observation platforms overlooking forest enclosures. If bears are visible, frame them with their habitat and stay quiet. Ask about camera fees, including charges for lenses of 500 mm or longer, and do not use flash.
Search Google MapsSandakan Memorial Park
This inland memorial marks a former prisoner of war camp. Walk the public grounds and, if photography is permitted, frame the commemorative pavilion quietly. Respect ceremonies and the site’s history.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Sabah Tourism Board, Rainforest Discovery Centre
- Sabah Forestry Department, forest reserve access
- Sabah Tourism Board, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
- Orangutan Appeal UK, Sepilok visitor guidance
- Sabah Tourism Board, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, visitor booklet
- Sabah Tourism Board, Sandakan Memorial Park
- Australian Government, Malaysia travel advice
- UK Government, regional risks in Malaysia