The Malaysian city of Sandakan is an unknown destination in comparison to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. However, it’s slowly edging out of the capital’s shadow, gradually revealing its beauty to visitors. Sandakan is certainly an endowed city, blessed with stunning beaches along its coast and an exquisite landscape that’s marked by rainforests. Some of the most popular attractions here include the fascinating Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center where you’ll get to interact with these captivating primates. Sandakan also boasts the Turtle Islands National Park, a place where you’ll get to see and learn about the different species of turtles. Planning a trip? Check out our list of the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Sandakan, Malaysia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 06, 2024.
1. Spacious top-floor condo with lush views (from USD 50)
This place to stay in Sandakan, Malaysia, is a comfortable and spacious family condo offering stunning natural views from its top-floor location. Equipped with unlimited internet access and a TV, this tranquil abode ensures connectivity and entertainment. The quiet environment with all the modern luxuries at hand makes for a peaceful retreat. The fully equipped modern kitchen will cater to all your food cravings.
You can enjoy the convenience of the two provided parking lots and a small playground on the premises. Additionally, the gym and swimming pool offer a chance to unwind fully and replenish your mind, body, and soul.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good wi-fi and tv box were entertaining for the kidswe feel comfortable and can sleep very wellCleanliness:
extremely clean and comfortableplace is clean beds are comfortable with clean sheetsthe place was so clean and convenientclean & comfortable place to stayhouse is clean as wellHost:
thank you to the responsive hostfriendly and helpful hosthost is very helpful and responsivethe host are very friendly and nicethien is a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
location is superb with only 5mins drive away to food eateriesgood and easy accessible locationgood location too thank youlocation is good with many restaurants nearby(driving about 4 to 5 minutes)the place is only a few mins away from a good restaurants and other places
2. Spacious minimalist home (from USD 54)
This long-term rental in Sandakan, Malaysia, is built around the ‘less is more’ concept with minimalist designs. Yet, you’ll find the home has all the modern luxuries one could ask for. The indoor kitchen is equipped with basic essentials allowing you to prepare simple meals. The spacious living room is furnished with a comfortable sofa and a TV for entertainment with access to the internet.
When you feel the need to enjoy the sun, head over to the patio and sit with a book and a cup of coffee as you soak in the peaceful views surrounding the complex.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the balcony was lovely - plenty of space and it was overlooking the pool and other apartmentsbeautiful spacious apartment with great poolCleanliness:
the unit is clean and newthe unit is clean and tidyvery clean modern and a lot of spacetiffany’s place was spacious very clean and had everything we needed as a familyclean easy to check in had everything we neededHost:
friendly and helpful hostgreat host and nice placetiffany is a great hostgreat experience and fast response from hostvery helpful and responsive hostRead more reviewsLocation:
location was ideal with restaurants cafés and a supermarket very close bypool and play park were ideal for my two year oldlocation is great and surround with lotsa eateries dessert as well as mcdonaldsgreat location for food & amenities
3. Sandakan backpackers' hostel (from USD 17)
Are you traveling on a tight budget? Spare some cash and stay in this cheap Airbnb accommodation in Sandakan, Malaysia, where there’s a double room for rent. This is a very central location, conveniently close to public transport which will connect to the main attractions in the city. The double room is a cozy private space that has large windows which overlook the street. You also have access to shared spaces like the lounge area, the kitchen and the rooftop terrace where there’s a breathtaking ocean view.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
spacious rooms with good quality wifiwe had a private double room which was spacious with good air conthis guesthouse is a nice place in the centre of sandakan with rooms at seasightit is clean with good air conditioningCleanliness:
there is a shared bathroom but it’s nice and cleanthe hostel is basic but clean and decent for one nighteverything was clean and staff was helpfulHost:
the staff were very helpful and friendlyfriendly place with grate stafffriendliest staff about so helpful and accommodatingthe front desk staff was so helpful with booking tours and providing local recommendationsstaff were super friendly as wellRead more reviewsLocation:
the hostel is located right in the seacoast nice locationa good place to choseit's a good hostel with a nice locationwe had a great stay location is right in the centrethe location is super you have everything you need just around the corner
4. Sandakan Hill Terrace (from USD 72)
For those planning a large group vacation, consider this delightful four-bedroom house. It can host up to 12 guests and has five queen-size beds as well as another two single beds to offer a wonderful night’s sleep to those staying here. Amenities here are similar to those you have at home, perhaps even better. There’s a spacious, well-furnished living room in which you’ll be able to enjoy watching the television. A fully equipped kitchen is also available and after preparing a meal, enjoy it in the dining area. Also available are air conditioning and laundry facilities.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
new clean and comfortable house for family/familiesapartment was perfect for big group clean tidy and comfortable beds well equipped kitchenoverall are great and cleanthe house is kept very clean and easy access to every where in sandakanthe house is clean cozy and well equipped very suitable for family trip or group travellingHost:
the host was nice and helpfulnice place & helpful ownerfriendly host and a very helpful helperthank you quinn and staff for the amazing staythe host is nice and friendly giving us flexible time to check inRead more reviewsLocation:
good place to stay for a large familyquite good location can have a big space up to 12 personsenjoyed the cozy environment strategic location accessible to most of the famous eateriesit’s great to stay at this place for those who travel with a big familya great place to stay
5. Gloria Plaza Hotel (from USD 31)
Stay in a serviced apartment found in the Gloria Plaza Hotel. This rental is located very close to Sandakan center, within a short walking distance of the town’s restaurants, shopping outlets, and bars. This lovely rental has a stunning interior that’s quite welcoming. There’s a cozy living area, adorned with elegant furniture. The bedroom is also quite spacious and inside, there’s a queen-size bed and a flat-screen television. If you’re traveling with a loved one or even alone, this is the perfect vacation rental for you.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very nice and clean placewe spent a really good days here nice and helpful people and really good and clean roomRead more reviewsHost:
nice accomodation with great service people on reception very nice and helpfulgreat host extremely helpful and freindly and that also applies to the small team that works with her
6. Sri Utama Condominium (from USD 53)
This is a luxurious condo for rent in Sandakan, Malaysia, known as Sri Utama. A stunning accommodation, it’s located in a high-rise building that enjoys a 24-hour security. Enjoy the five-star facilities in this sleek apartment. Inside, you’ll be taken aback by the elegance from the moment you walk into the condo. The living room is a chic space that boasts a large window with a lovely view. There’s also a dining area in which a six-seater dining table stands. For those who love cooking, a fully equipped kitchen is available. And with three bedrooms, six guests can stay here.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the a/c is working greatthe pool is large and beautiful to enjoy one’s warm afternoon swimsCleanliness:
house cleanliness is very goodit is clean comfortable and nicely furnishedthe house was sparkling clean and mrthe apartment was extremely clean and comfortablehowever cleanliness is yet to be improvedHost:
house owner gave us a great hospitalitythank you for hostingstephen is a great hostnice friendly and responsive hostvery nice apartment and helpful host also nice pool & gym facilitiesRead more reviewsLocation:
good location but no worth for moneylocation is ideal in areas where there are nice restaurants and cafes aroundsome of the best in sandakan are in walking distance from the apartmentsuch a nice and comfortable place to stay strategic locationthe check-in was great and the location was perfect
7. Private room in a condo (from USD 28)
Experience the characteristic Malaysian hospitality by staying with a local. This private room offers just that, a chance to interact and make new friends. A private room, you still get your own solitude if want to. The room is stunning and offers a magnificent view of the street. It has a large wall-to-ceiling window that floods the space with light, creating an aura of liveliness. There’s a queen-size bed inside, offering lots of comfort. Other than this, the apartment’s living and dining areas are also open to you as well as the kitchen. You also get to enjoy using the infinity pool found on the premises.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
fast and helpful communication very clean and modern facilities close to restaurents and shopswe super enjoy there he gives us very high service room is clean higher recommend youhis apartment is large modern and immaculately cleanHost:
the host was very helpful and kindhost very kind and friendlybrandon was a great host who replies very quicklysuch a great place to stay and such a great hostfriendly and very comfy space definitely will recommend this to my friendsRead more reviewsLocation:
good location to stay in sandakanthe location is also a plus situated perfectly in between sandakan town and the main rainforest attractionsgreat value near local shops and restaurantsoverall it’s a good apartment slightly overpriced for the location but the pool helpsa great place with reasonable price
8. Seventh Vacation Getaway
Sandakan’s Seventh Vacation Getaway is a three-bedroom condo which is appropriate for seven guests. If you’re planning a group vacation, this is a perfect choice. While here, you’ll have access to an array of facilities including a swimming pool, a gym, and a playground on the premises. Inside the condo, you’ll be welcomed by a very homey appeal that will immediately put you at ease. The apartment is well furnished, boasting a stunning and cozy living room, a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. By staying here, you’ll be within a five-minute drive from the airport and a short walk to attractions like the Crocodile Farm and Sandakan Memorial Park.
Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
15.11 km (9.4 mi) from Pusat Pemuliharaan Orang Utan SepilokAccommodates: 7
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi could be better but everything else was perfectthe apartment is clean and well furnished with all amenities provided including cooking utensilslarge apartment lovely view transport needed local restaurant short walk recommend bismi curry house opposite mcdonald'snot too far from town beds are firm but jocelyn provided an extra mattress for more comfortthere were five of us (four adults) but the apartment felt spacious and comfortableCleanliness:
good clean and value for moneybedding is clean and odor freethe place was clean and comfortableapartment is clean spacious n nicely decoratedunit itself and also condo facilities and surrounding are clean and very well maintainedHost:
the staff is nice and friendly toohost was very helpful and accommodatingthank you again jocelyn to you and your lovely staff for your amazing hospitalitythe owner jocelyn is very helpful and resourcefuljocelyn was such a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
good location good facilitygreat location with supermarket and fabulous restaurants within walking distancethe location is great as there are supermarket and restaurants nearbylocated in lovely area just outside sandakan town in walking distance to good choice of restaurants and barsher unit location is great lots of restaurants nearby plus a giant supermarket and banks
9. Sandakan getaway
Disappear to this lovely home in Sandakan, a cozy three-bedroom apartment. This fancy home away from home will receive you with warmth and geniality, ushering you into its elegant living room that’s furnished with chic couches. There’s also a flat-screen television here, a sure sign that you’ll never get bored. While here, you can opt to cook your own meals as there’s a fully-equipped kitchen. However, you can also decide to try out the array of local cuisines served in the nearby restaurants.
Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
15.14 km (9.5 mi) from Pusat Pemuliharaan Orang Utan SepilokTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cool air conditioner installed in all roomsthe condo has all the amenities we required and modern too all rooms were clean with comfortable bedsoverall our stay was ok thanks to comfortable beds but i would recommend for adults onlyCleanliness:
superb place very clean placevery new and clean in a quiet neighbourhoodlovely house clean & neatthe pool is clean & recommended place to staythe apartment was spacious and clean and the bed very comfortableHost:
the host was very nice and accommodatingnice host and very comfortable placevery nice place and staff (william)must visit again next trip host very coolthe staff communicated well the space accommodated 6 well and we were never in need of anythingRead more reviewsLocation:
great place for a family trip to sandakanthis is a great place to stay just ten minutes from the airportthe location is fantastic and we can find lots of good food in just a short drivewould recommend this place `to othersa good place to stay
10. Private room
This rental is one that’s ideal for those who are visiting Sandakan alone. However, if you’re a couple on vacation and need an affordable place to stay, this is a good choice. Get to interact with your hosts and allow them to induct you into the Malaysian culture. The beauty of staying here is that you’ll have new friends at the end of your trip. Spend your nights in the air-conditioned room which has a single bed. An extra mattress can be provided if you’re two. There’s also access to the apartment’s kitchen and living room, and guests will enjoy the free WiFi access.
11.44 km (7.2 mi) from Pusat Pemuliharaan Orang Utan Sepilok
11. Sandakan comfy home
This rental is another one that’s perfect for a large group. It’s a condo that can host a maximum of 10 guests. There are three bedrooms with each one decked with queen-size beds. Staying here places you in a central location, within easy reach of the airport, which is just six minutes away. You’ll also have an easy access to the Crocodile Farm and the Orang-utan Rehabilitation Center. This is a typical home that’s adorned with elegant furniture and very homey facilities. And right outside, on the building’s premises, there are a gym and a swimming pool which you are free to use.
12.21 km (7.6 mi) from Pusat Pemuliharaan Orang Utan SepilokSuperhost
Accommodates: 10
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great location and we loved the view of the pool and the cityCleanliness:
clean and comfortable homestayhouse is clean and comfortthe surroundings are also perfectly cleaneverything was sparkling clean and in good condition and worked wellexcellent facilities to wash and dry clothes after 3 days on sandakan riverHost:
irene is truly a super hostwe met a few other residents coming and going in the lift who were all friendlyhost is superb and place is fully furnished with everything you need greatRead more reviewsLocation:
good location many good restaurants right outside the apartmentclose to fantastic restaurants & supermarket was a big plus for menice big place close to several restaurants and shopsfast response good location nearby mcdonalds and shops
12. Sandakan homestay
Rent this three-bedroom condo and enjoy a peaceful vacation in a very tranquil environment. This elegant apartment is located right at the heart of Sandakan Town and is just a few steps from Chinese, Japanese, and seafood restaurants. This luxurious accommodation is in a building that’s equipped with five-star facilities that you’ll be free to take advantage of. For instance, there are a swimming pool and a gym on the premises. The condo’s interior is equally enticing. It’s a beautifully furnished home that offers guests all that’s required for a pleasant stay. Get to spend time in the living room as you watch the television, or prepare your meals in the kitchen. The bedrooms are quite spacious with the master bedroom boasting a massive window that overlooks the street.
Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
11.76 km (7.4 mi) from Pusat Pemuliharaan Orang Utan SepilokAccommodates: 7
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
maybe wifi could be value added for the staygreat place for a family with 3 large separate rooms that easily sleep up to 7 personseverything in good but only bed not nice to sleep but still good recommendedCleanliness:
the condo unit is clean tidy and comfortable to stay inthe house is clean n cozythe unit is really clean & tidyconvenient spot & the condo is clean + comfykeep it on clean and tidyHost:
the owner is nice and peacefulfriendly host handsome old manhost is exceptionally friendly and helpfulthe host is really friendly and promptthe road signs were clear and instructions given by the host (mrRead more reviewsLocation:
good location near to most great restaurantsand the location is very nicenice location and value for moneygreat location and security-wise is very goodperfect location its close to ijm lots of variaty food nearby
Plenty to keep you busy
From lovely beaches to fascinating natural sites, Sandakan’s appeal lies in its tranquillity and heavenly beauty. There is plenty to keep you busy and wonderful rentals to receive you at the end of your thrilling day. Book one of the vacation rentals above and jump-start your holiday plans.
Frequently asked questions about the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Sandakan, Malaysia.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to