Sandakan is a surprisingly good place to enjoy lunch that combines authentic local flavors with unforgettable wildlife encounters or city sights. Whether you want to see orangutans and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, explore historical sites, or cruise along lush rivers, many tours include a delicious meal that keeps you energized. One of our favorites is the Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch — a perfect choice for animal lovers who want to combine wildlife encounters with a hearty meal. We especially appreciate how this tour balances intimate wildlife viewing with cultural stops, all while including lunch in the price.
Another excellent option is the Sepilok Orang Utan, Sun Bear & Sandakan Nature City Tour + Lunch, which offers a mix of wildlife and local history, making it ideal for travelers looking to experience both nature and culture in one day. For those with limited time, the Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch provides a concise city-focused experience paired with an authentic Malaysian meal. All of these tours showcase Sandakan’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making lunch an integral part of the adventure.
1. Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch
At number one, the Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch offers a full day of wildlife and cultural highlights. This tour is perfect if you’re passionate about Borneo’s animals and want a well-rounded experience. The day starts with a visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can observe orphaned orangutans being fed and learn about conservation efforts. It’s a moving experience for animal lovers, and admission is included.
Next, you’ll visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is dedicated to saving these tiny bears from poaching and habitat loss. The tour continues with a stop at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you’ll see these iconic primates in the wild. The tour’s unique aspect is how it combines wildlife with a hilltop temple offering panoramic views of Sandakan, making it a well-balanced day. Lunch is included, so you won’t need to search for a meal afterward.
What makes this tour stand out is its small group size, which allows for a more personal experience, and its family-friendly approach. The reviews highlight how the guide makes it an engaging day, with some mentioning the opportunity to see snakes and butterflies along the way. Overall, a great option for wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate comfort and in-depth visits. Bottom line: a comprehensive, well-reviewed wildlife-focused tour with included lunch that appeals to families and animal lovers alike.
2. Sepilok Orang Utan, Sun Bear & Sandakan Nature City Tour + Lunch
Number two on our list is the Sepilok Orang Utan, Sun Bear & Sandakan Nature City Tour + Lunch, which offers a blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic views. This full-day experience is especially suitable if you want to cover a lot in one trip. It starts with a visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can see orangutans in their natural habitat and learn about conservation, with the admission included.
From there, you head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is a highlight for anyone interested in endangered species. The tour then takes you to Sandakan’s Memorial Park, commemorating WWII prisoners, blending history with nature. The itinerary includes a stop at the Puu Jih Shih Temple, offering beautiful views and an insight into local religious practices. The day concludes with a visit to the Central Market, where you can pick up local produce and seafood.
What makes this tour a standout is its emphasis on cultural as well as wildlife experiences, plus the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The reviews praise the thoughtful planning and knowledgeable guide, making it ideal for travelers wanting a broad overview of Sandakan. The included lunch in a local restaurant adds flavor and authenticity. Bottom line: a well-rounded tour that balances wildlife, culture, and scenic views, all with a tasty meal included.
3. Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch
If you’re short on time but want to get the highlights of Sandakan, the Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch is your best bet. For just around $60 per person, this private experience offers door-to-door service, making logistics simple. It includes visits to notable sites like the Australian War Memorial, which recounts WWII history, and the Sim-Sim Water Village, where stilt houses float over the water.
The tour also visits the Puh Jih Shi Buddhist Temple—a peaceful spot with impressive architecture—and the former home of author Agnes Keith, offering a glimpse into local history. The highlight is the included Malaysian lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of authentic flavors. Guests appreciate the flexibility, as guides can tailor the itinerary if desired, and the private setup means no waiting around with strangers.
What makes this tour appealing is its efficiency and personalized approach, perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a more intimate experience. The reviews echo this, praising the guide’s friendliness and knowledge. Bottom line: a practical, private half-day tour that covers key sights and includes a satisfying local lunch.
4. Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch
Number four is the Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch, which offers a full-day look at Borneo’s unique wildlife alongside cultural sights. This tour is a favorite for those wanting to see the two critically endangered species in their sanctuaries and then explore Sandakan’s city highlights.
The day begins at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can observe feeding sessions and learn about efforts to reintroduce orangutans into the wild. Then, at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, you’ll see these small bears playing and resting—a charming experience. The tour also includes visits to a Buddhist temple and the Sandakan Market, where you can browse local produce. Lunch is included, and guests mention the enjoyable mixture of wildlife and city experiences.
This tour’s strength lies in its comprehensive coverage and the chance to see two rare species, along with local markets and temples. It’s best suited for wildlife enthusiasts who also want cultural insights. Some reviews mention that it provides a good balance, with plenty of photo opportunities. The value of including both sanctuaries and city highlights makes this a well-rounded choice. Bottom line: a full-day adventure combining wildlife, culture, and a tasty lunch, perfect for those wanting a thorough introduction to Sandakan.
5. Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise with Lunch
Number five brings us to the Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise with Lunch, offering a different perspective with a river cruise focused on wildlife sightings. This day trip, priced at around $192, is ideal for nature lovers eager to spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other river animals.
The cruise along Sabah’s longest river provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing on the water, with guides pointing out proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and bird species. A tasty lunch at the Sukau Jungle Resort keeps everyone fueled, and afternoon tea provides a relaxing end. The tour emphasizes the natural scenery and wildlife, making it an appealing choice for those wanting to see animals in their habitat without walking or hiking.
While some reviews note that the wildlife sightings depend on the day, the experience of cruising through lush mangroves and listening to the sounds of nature makes it worthwhile. If your priority is wildlife on the water and lounging with a good meal, this tour is a natural pick. Bottom line: a scenic river cruise with wildlife sightings and included lunch, perfect for nature lovers who enjoy a relaxing boat ride.
$192 per person
6. Kinabatangan River Trip from Sandakan with Lunch Included
Rounding out the list, the Kinabatangan River Trip from Sandakan with Lunch Included offers a full-day wildlife adventure along Sabah’s longest river. For around $189 per person, this trip combines boat cruising with land stops at the Sepilok Jungle Resort for lunch, creating a balanced day of exploration.
This tour emphasizes wildlife viewing on a boat cruise, with chances to see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, and hornbills. The lunch at the resort is a highlight, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy local flavors amid lush scenery. The itinerary includes scenic drives and a guided boat tour, making it suitable for travelers who want comprehensive wildlife exposure with minimal walking.
Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to learn about the area’s ecology. The trip is ideal for those wanting to combine comfort with wildlife viewing and prefer a more flexible, multi-stop approach. Bottom line: a full-day, wildlife-focused trip with a scenic boat cruise and hearty lunch, suited for nature enthusiasts seeking variety.
$189 per person
How to Choose the Best Lunch Experience in Sandakan
When deciding among these options, consider your priorities: Are you mainly interested in wildlife, or do you want a city tour with cultural sights? For wildlife enthusiasts, tours like Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch and the Sepilok Orang Utan & Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour are hard to beat—they combine wildlife with cultural stops and include lunch. If your focus is on river wildlife, the Kinabatangan River cruises deliver memorable scenery and animal sightings, plus a meal.
For travelers with limited time, the private half-day tour offers a quick but insightful look at Sandakan’s highlights. Budget travelers might prefer the shorter city tour with lunch, while those wanting a deeper wildlife experience will find full-day tours with visits to multiple sanctuaries worth the cost. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure availability.
Final Thoughts
Sandakan offers a wide range of lunch-inclusive tours suited for wildlife lovers, culture seekers, or those wanting a bit of both. The wildlife-focused trips like the Labuk Proboscis tour and the Sepilok Orang Utan & Sun Bear Center stand out for their comprehensive experiences and inclusions. Meanwhile, city tours paired with authentic Malaysian meals are perfect for those looking to explore Sandakan’s history and local life.
For different traveler types: families will appreciate the small-group wildlife tours, culture buffs will enjoy the city-focused options, and adventure lovers can opt for river cruises. Whatever your interest, booking early ensures you’ll secure a spot on these popular experiences. Sandakan’s rich wildlife, history, and cuisine make it a rewarding destination, especially when paired with a good meal to fuel your explorations.