Sandakan, perched along the Northeastern coast of Borneo, isn’t just a gateway to Orangutans and river cruises—it’s an underrated paradise for photography lovers. With its perfect blend of coastal views, colonial architecture, and lush rainforests, Sandakan offers Instagram-worthy moments at nearly every turn.
Whether you’re shooting for the Gram, building your portfolio, or simply capturing memories, this photo guide unveils the most photogenic places in Sandakan—perfect for solo travelers, couples, or anyone chasing aesthetic experiences. Without further ado, here are the top 10 Best Instagrammable Spots in Sandakan.
1. Sandakan Harbour Square – Seaside Golden Hour Shots
Sandakan Harbour Square is more than just a bustling town center—it’s a perfect fusion of modern townscape and tropical seafront elegance. Located at the waterfront, this is one of the best places to catch golden hour in Sandakan, with breathtaking views of the Sulu Sea melting into the sky as fishing boats return from a long day.
The promenade offers wide, unobstructed angles ideal for long-exposure shots, time-lapses, and casual portraits. Walk further toward the jetty during low tide and you’ll see mirror-like reflections of the sky on the shallow waters, adding surreal depth to your photos.
Google Map Location: Sandakan Harbour Square
2. Agnes Keith House – Colonial Charm and Forest Canopy
Step into a storybook scene at the Agnes Keith House, a beautifully restored colonial mansion nestled among towering rainforest trees. Once home to the American author Agnes Newton Keith, this site tells tales of Borneo’s British colonial era—and offers endless photographic inspiration.
Outside, the timber architecture contrasts beautifully with the green forest canopy, making it ideal for wide-angle shots and editorial-style portraits. Inside, vintage furniture, wooden staircases, and diffused natural lighting create a mood that’s perfect for soft, moody photo narratives.
Google Map Location: Agnes Keith House
3. Masjid Jamek Sandakan – Modern Elegance Meets Tradition
An architectural jewel in Sandakan, Masjid Jamek or Masjid Jamik offers an inviting contrast between traditional Islamic design and minimalist geometry. With soft blue domes, pristine white walls, and reflective tiled floors, it’s a dream come true for symmetry lovers and architectural photographers.
Masjid Jamek is also one of the highlights along the Sandakan Heritage Trail, making it not just a place of worship but a cultural landmark that ties beautifully into the city’s historic charm.
Shoot during mid-morning to capture dramatic shadows, or just after rain to get stunning puddle reflections. The entrance features sweeping archways and decorative patterns, which are ideal for framing your subject artistically.
Google Map Location: Masjid Jamek
4. Sim Sim Water Village – Rustic Aesthetic on Stilts
Sim Sim Water Village isn’t curated for tourists—and that’s exactly its charm. Built on stilts over the sea, this living village is one of Sandakan’s most authentic photo locations. Expect weathered wood, corrugated roofs, colorful laundry lines, and kids laughing on bicycles—all elements that bring your travel photos to life.
Each section of the village has its own vibe, from seafood eateries with open decks to more humble homes with potted plants lining their walkways. Morning and late afternoon bring the best natural lighting, while the rippling sea below reflects color and motion into every frame.
Google Map Location: Sim Sim Water Village
5. Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple – Hilltop Serenity
Towering above the town on Tanah Merah hill, Puu Jih Shih Temple is a feast for the eyes and the lens. From the vibrant red pillars to the intricate gold dragons curling around staircases, every corner of this temple bursts with color and symbolism.
As you explore the compound, you’ll discover numerous statues, incense coils, and decorative elements that tell spiritual stories. But what steals the show is the panoramic view of the Sandakan coastline—especially during misty mornings or sunset glows.
Google Map location: Puu Jih Shih Temple
6. Rainforest Discovery Centre – Nature in Its Purest Form
For lovers of macro photography, wildlife snaps, and environmental textures, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is your playground. Situated in Sepilok, RDC offers elevated canopy walkways, dense flora, and a wide array of endemic bird species and rare insects.
Try shooting through leaves or vines for natural framing, or switch to macro mode to capture the dewdrops on orchids and textures of tree bark. The butterfly garden adds a splash of color, while the serene lake is perfect for long exposure reflections.
Google Map location: Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
7. Ba Lin Rooftop Bar – Food Meets Cityscape Aesthetic
Ba Lin Rooftop Bar isn’t just a place to unwind—it’s a vantage point for capturing Sandakan’s urban textures and tropical palette. With cozy lounge setups, hanging lights, and a panoramic view of the city skyline and harbor, this is where food meets mood.
You can compose flat-lay shots of cocktails and charcuterie boards during the golden hour, or turn toward the edge for portrait shots with a glowing sky in the background. The layout also offers great lines and depth, especially at twilight when the lights start twinkling below.
Google Map location: Ba Lin Rooftop Bar
8. St. Michael’s and All Angels Church – Stone Gothic Grandeur
This historic Anglican church, constructed from granite and local stone, exudes Gothic beauty. With pointed arches, stained glass windows imported from England, and ivy climbing its outer walls, it’s one of the most atmospheric buildings in Sandakan.
The best light enters from the west-facing windows in the afternoon, casting colorful reflections across wooden pews. Photographers will love the textures of stonework, interplay of light and shadow, and the romantic decay of time visible in every corner.
Google Map location: St. Michael’s and All Angels Church
9. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: Wildlife Close-Ups
A bucket-list destination for wildlife photographers, Sepilok Orangutan Centre offers intimate encounters with one of Borneo’s most iconic species. Unlike zoos, these orangutans roam semi-wild in a protected rainforest. Your camera becomes a bridge between wildlife conservation and visual storytelling.
You can expect moments of raw emotion: a baby Orangutan reaching for a vine, or a mother cradling her young during feeding time. Natural light filters through the canopy above, giving you dramatic lighting contrasts that feel cinematic.
Google Map location: Sepilok Orangutan Centre
10. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre – Smallest Bear, Biggest Personality
Right next to Sepilok, the Bornean Sun Bear Centre is often overlooked—but it’s a treasure for wildlife close-ups. These small, tree-climbing bears have huge personalities, expressive eyes, and often interact with their environment in playful ways.
From overhead viewing decks, you can snap the bears lounging in the sun, climbing logs, or exploring their enriched enclosures. Their fur, with its sun-like chest marking, makes for captivating detail shots—especially when contrasted with natural jungle backdrops.
Google Map location: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Bonus: Cafés & Hidden Courtyards – Aesthetic Lifestyle Shots
While Sandakan is best known for its rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries, it’s the growing café scene and hidden courtyards that offer a different kind of charm—especially for photography lovers looking to capture candid, lifestyle-rich content.
Whether you’re curating a dreamy Instagram feed or simply savoring the quiet joy of slow travel, Sandakan’s cozy cafés and tucked-away corners deliver some of the most aesthetic moments for your camera roll.
San Da Gen Kopitiam
Start with San Da Gen Kopitiam, a unique café that blends nostalgia with personality. Located in the heart of town, this retro-chic spot is filled with vintage tiles, rattan chairs, mural art, and antique memorabilia.
Soft morning light filters through corner windows, perfect for warm, natural-lit portraits or close-up shots of heritage-inspired dishes. With every corner styled like a scene from an old Malaysian postcard, San Da Gen gives photographers and foodies an experience that’s as tasteful visually as it is on the palate. Take a look of the cafe on Google Map.
#1 Roastery
#1 Roastery in Sandakan is more than just a coffee shop—it’s an Instagrammer’s dream, offering a perfect blend of aesthetic charm and delightful flavors. The café’s interior design is a harmonious mix of modern simplicity and cozy warmth, featuring extensive use of wood and glass that creates a bright, inviting atmosphere.
Its two-storey layout provides plenty of space for visitors to find the perfect corner for casual hangouts, work sessions, or simply snapping a few stylish photos.
Beyond its visual appeal, #1 Roastery delights the palate with freshly brewed coffee made from beans roasted on-site. All of its drinks and foods are crafted to be both delicious and photo-ready. Combined with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, every visit to #1 Roastery becomes an experience worth capturing and sharing. Here’s its location on Google Map so you won’t get lost.
Chokolatte – The Coffee Ministry
For something with an edgier vibe, Chokolatte – The Coffee Ministry in Sandakan is a delightful fusion of modern aesthetics and culinary artistry, making it a must-visit spot for Instagram enthusiasts.
The café’s minimalist design, characterized by earthy tones, gray walls, and wooden accents, creates a serene and inviting atmosphere. Large glass windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing its spacious feel and providing the perfect backdrop for capturing those picture-perfect moments.
Beyond its visual appeal, Chokolatte offers a diverse menu that caters to both health-conscious diners and those seeking indulgent treats. The cafe offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends comfort, flavor, and visual charm. Have a look at Chokolatte – The Coffee Ministry on Google Map.
Hidden courtyards and old alleyways
Beyond the cafés themselves, Sandakan’s hidden courtyards and old alleyways add an unexpected layer to its visual storytelling.
Venture slightly off the main streets—especially around areas like Palm Road, Lebuh Dua, and the edges of the Sandakan Heritage Trail—and you’ll stumble upon secret spots begging to be captured. Think old bicycles leaning on cracked walls, faded signage above mossy steps, pastel-colored shutters, or vines weaving through forgotten staircases.
Some courtyards are tucked behind artisan workshops or indie galleries, while others exist quietly between aging shoplots. These are the places where textures and imperfections shine. Here, your subject can interact with the environment—walking through shafts of light, sitting on timeworn steps, or simply pausing for a reflective moment amid an old stone wall.
So take your time. Let the light guide your lens. And let these hidden gems show you that Sandakan isn’t just a destination for wildlife—it’s a place where the everyday becomes art.
What Makes a Spot “Instagrammable” in Sandakan?
You’ve probably heard the term “Instagrammable” tossed around in every travel blog and social post—but what does it really mean in the context of Sandakan? Is it just about pretty colors or dramatic backdrops? Not quite.
In Sandakan, the charm of an Instagrammable spot lies in its authenticity, contrast, storytelling potential, and sensory layers. It’s not just what you see—it’s what you feel when you see it, and how it translates into a frame.
To begin with, Sandakan is a place of contrasts, and that’s a major reason why it photographs so well. You’ll find untouched nature rubbing shoulders with colonial architecture, weathered wooden jetties standing beside shimmering mosques, and quiet courtyards hidden just minutes away from bustling streets. These juxtapositions create visual tension—the kind that catches your eye and makes a photo pop on a scrolling feed.
One moment you’re capturing a Sun Bear licking honey from a log, the next you’re sipping tea with a view of the sea from a hilltop temple. That visual and thematic variety is what makes Sandakan such a goldmine for content creators.
Another key element is natural light. Thanks to Sabah’s tropical climate, Sandakan is bathed in warm, golden light for most of the day. During early mornings and late afternoons, soft shadows and diffused glows transform ordinary settings into something cinematic.
Whether you’re snapping a plate of kuih at a vintage café, a silhouette against the harbor sunset, or a temple staircase bathed in golden-hour light—it’s the lighting that often turns the mundane into magic.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. In Sandakan, the most Instagrammable places often come with a story. A rusted staircase might have once been part of a colonial-era building. A quiet lane might lead to a heritage house that survived the war. A mural on a cracked wall could be the voice of a local artist reflecting on their roots.
These layers of culture, history, and human emotion add depth to your images—inviting your audience not just to look at the photo, but to feel something from it. That emotional engagement is far more powerful than any filter or preset.
Then there’s the presence of life and movement. Instagrammable doesn’t always mean picture-perfect. A scene where locals gather at a water village, kids splash in puddles after rain, or an orangutan stretches lazily under a sunbeam—these moments of motion and authenticity often capture the attention of viewers far more than posed portraits.
Sandakan offers that in abundance. It’s a town that’s alive in the most genuine sense. And when you let your camera capture that raw energy, you’re creating content that resonates on a deeper level.
And finally, there’s accessibility and surprise. Many of Sandakan’s best photo spots aren’t behind ticket counters or in staged tourist traps. They’re in places you stumble upon—a café with a vine-covered courtyard, a temple stairway that opens up to a coastal view, or an alley painted with unexpected murals. That element of discovery makes the experience not just Instagrammable, but also memorable.
In short, these are what makes a spot Instagrammable in Sandakan:
- The Light – Warm golden hours and soft tropical shadows that bring every photo to life.
- The Layers – A rich mix of nature, heritage, and culture in a single frame.
- The Stories – Every place has a deeper narrative—from colonial roots to local daily life.
- The Contrast – Rustic meets modern, forest meets sea, tradition meets trend.
- The Character – Spaces filled with soul, untouched by over-commercialization.
- The Moment – Genuine, unstaged interactions and scenes that evoke emotion.
What to Bring for a Photography Day in Sandakan
- Lightweight DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Drone (legal use allowed in most places—check ahead!)
- Neutral density filter for midday shots
- Tripod for low-light scenes or long exposures
- Power bank & spare batteries
- Polarizer lens for water reflection
Optional: Props like hats, umbrellas, or scarves to add dimension in lifestyle shots.
Best Time to Visit for Photography
- Golden Hour: 6:30am–7:30am and 5:30pm–6:30pm
- Dry Season: March to October
- Feeding Times at Sepilok & Sun Bear Centre: 10am and 3pm (ideal for wildlife action)
Avoid shooting during midday unless using ND filters due to harsh tropical sun.
Final Thoughts
In Sandakan, every corner tells a story — through a lens of culture, nature, or emotion. Whether you’re composing a moody cityscape, snapping a playful orangutan, or capturing that golden glow over the harbor, each frame carries meaning.
If you’re planning a photography journey or simply want to uncover more hidden gems and scenic spots, our Ultimate Sandakan Travel Guide is the perfect companion to help you explore beyond the frame.
So don’t just shoot. Connect with the space. Feel the light. Capture the soul of Sandakan.
Recommended Travel Experiences for Photography Lovers
If you’re visiting Sandakan with a focus on capturing incredible visuals, consider joining Milas Travel tours that align with your creative eye. These experiences are curated for immersive moments and picturesque locations:
Each tour is family-friendly, flexible for solo travelers, and perfect for shutterbugs looking to maximize storytelling through photos.
FAQs: Instagrammable Spots in Sandakan
Do I need a professional camera for photography in Sandakan?
No! Even a good smartphone with manual settings and editing apps can do wonders—though a DSLR or mirrorless will give you better range and quality.
Are drones allowed in Sandakan?
Generally yes, especially in open nature areas. But always check with local tour operators or authorities.
Is it safe to carry expensive photography gear?
Sandakan is relatively safe, but always keep gear in sight, avoid dark alleys, and consider using gear insurance.
Can I photograph people in Sim Sim Water Village?
Yes, but please ask for permission first—residents appreciate respect and genuine interaction.
When is the best time of year for Instagrammable skies?
March to May and August to October often offer clear blue skies and stunning sunsets.
Which tour is best for both wildlife and landscape shots?
Milas Travel tour for 5D4N Ultimate Sandakan Experience offers the best mix of Orangutans, rivers, temples, and cityscapes- your ultimate tour for both wildlife and landscape shots!
