
Find cheap flights to Sandakan
Over 10 million explorers make Kiwi.com a trusted choice worldwide.
Kiwi.com compares airlines and agencies to reveal more options and savings.
We solve problems on the fly. Get instant chat support anytime, in any language.
Cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Sandakan
Flexible with dates? We find the best prices for the week around your selected date. Prices may vary after you search.
One-way
| Fri, Jan 16 - Fri, Jan 23 | £470 |
| Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Jan 31 | £364 |
| Sun, Feb 1 - Sat, Feb 7 | £336 |
| Sun, Feb 8 - Sun, Feb 15 | £359 |
| Mon, Feb 16 - Mon, Feb 23 | £348 |
| Tue, Feb 24 - Sat, Feb 28 | £338 |
| Sun, Mar 1 - Sat, Mar 7 | £330 |
| Sun, Mar 8 - Sun, Mar 15 | £347 |
| Mon, Mar 16 - Mon, Mar 23 | £381 |
| Tue, Mar 24 - Tue, Mar 31 | £401 |
Round-trip
| Fri, Jan 16 - Fri, Jan 23 | £775 |
| Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Jan 31 | £660 |
| Sun, Feb 1 - Sat, Feb 7 | £600 |
| Sun, Feb 8 - Sun, Feb 15 | £622 |
| Mon, Feb 16 - Mon, Feb 23 | £635 |
| Tue, Feb 24 - Sat, Feb 28 | £582 |
| Sun, Mar 1 - Sat, Mar 7 | £552 |
| Sun, Mar 8 - Sun, Mar 15 | £585 |
| Mon, Mar 16 - Mon, Mar 23 | £643 |
| Tue, Mar 24 - Tue, Mar 31 | £664 |
Getting from Sandakan airport to the city center
Fastest options: taxi or ride-hailing services. Budget travelers often choose airport shuttle buses.
Transport Option | Typical Time | Typical Cost | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
15-25 min | RM 30-RM 45 (MYR 30–45 (USD 6–10); fixed fare to city center) | on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent) | convenience and speed | |
15-25 min | RM 20-RM 35 (MYR 20–35 (USD 4–8); varies with demand) | on-demand (traffic dependent) | budget door-to-door service | |
15-30 min | RM 0-RM 50 (MYR 0–50 (USD 0–11); often complimentary or included) | by arrangement (traffic dependent) | hotel guests | |
15-25 min | RM 100-RM 200 (MYR 100–200 (USD 22–44) per day) | by reservation (traffic dependent) | exploring Sabah independently | |
15-25 min | RM 50-RM 100 (MYR 50–100 (USD 11–22); pre-booked service) | by reservation (traffic dependent) | groups or families |
Notes:
- Prices in MYR; table created in 2025 and subject to change.
- Sandakan Airport is a small regional airport with limited public transport options.
- Taxi fares are typically fixed from the airport; confirm the price before departure.
- Grab availability may be limited during off-peak hours.
- We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.
Updated: December 2025
When is the best time to visit Sandakan
Sandakan's flight prices and wildlife experiences shift dramatically year-round. January to March offers the cheapest fares and drier weather for orangutan spotting, while summer brings festivals but higher costs and rain. Shoulder months balance savings with ideal conditions for river safaris.
- Prices: Peak rates for flights and hotels; book 6-8 weeks ahead for better deals on midweek departures.
- Weather: Warm and humid 23–32 °C with 12–16 rainy days per month; brief afternoon showers common.
- Events: Pesta Kaamatan (May-June) showcases Kadazan-Dusun culture, while Gawai Dayak (June) features traditional longhouse festivities and cultural performances.
- Prices: Cheapest flights and accommodation rates; save 30-40% compared to peak summer months with flexible midweek travel.
- Weather: Comfortable 23–31 °C with 8–12 rainy days per month; drier than June-August, ideal for wildlife spotting at Sepilok and Kinabatangan River.
- Events: Chinese New Year (January-February) brings vibrant street parades and temple festivities, while the Sandakan Dragon Boat Race (March) showcases competitive water sports.
- Prices: Moderate rates with flights 20-25% cheaper than summer; book 4-6 weeks ahead for optimal deals on wildlife tours.
- Weather: Warm 23–32 °C with 10–14 rainy days per month; May offers drier mornings perfect for orangutan viewing at Sepilok and river safaris.
- Events: Pesta Kaamatan (May) features traditional Kadazan-Dusun harvest rituals, Sabah Fest (May) celebrates regional culture, while Malaysia Day (September) brings patriotic festivities and local markets.
Sandakan travel tips
Sandakan: Where Bornean Wildlife Meets Adventure
Nestled on the Malaysian side of Borneo, Sandakan doesn't just sit on the edge of the jungle—it invites you into its heart. Known as the gateway to the orangutan-rich rainforests, this city isn’t your typical exotic holiday destination. It’s a place where nature enthusiasts and curious travelers from around the world catch their breath, surrounded by emerald canopies and vibrant wildlife.
Sandakan stands as a beacon for eco-conscious adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in unparalleled biodiversity. With Kiwi.com's diverse offerings, finding cheap flights to Sandakan is a breeze, encouraging wildlife lovers, adventurers, and conservationists to book their next flight to this haven of natural wonders.
Touch Down and Explore: First Steps in Sandakan
Once your flight touches down at Sandakan Airport, the journey truly begins. Mere minutes from the city center, you’ll find a myriad of experiences awaiting you. Head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, just a short drive away, where you can witness these magnificent creatures being reintroduced to the wild.
Take a leisurely walk through the Sandakan Memorial Park for a reflective glimpse into the area's WWII history. With Kiwi.com’s Travel Hacks, your flight into Sandakan becomes about seamless transitions—letting you dive straight into exploration without the usual travel pains.
Planning the Perfect Sandakan Adventure: When to Book Your Flight
If you're wondering when to fly to Sandakan, consider the drier months from March to October for your adventure, when rainforest trails and wildlife are most accessible. Booking flights to Sandakan during these shoulder seasons can help you avoid the peak crowds, delivering both savings and serenity.
For sweet deals, set a Kiwi Price Alert a good 5-7 weeks ahead, ensuring you snag the best rate. Kiwi.com’s dynamic search options allow you to explore flexible dates and routes, offering an efficient, cost-effective path to your Bornean journey.
Navigating Sandakan Airport: Insights and Easy Travels
Sandakan Airport is a conveniently compact hub, ensuring a swift transition into the city. Served by several budget carriers, it offers economical, direct flights from key Southeast Asian cities—ideal for European budget travelers planning multi-stop adventures with Nomad Search Tool.
Upon arrival, a quick taxi ride will have you navigating the city like a local. Public buses are sparse, so consider hiring a guide for richer insight into offbeat locales. Kiwi.com enhances this experience by providing complete route transparency and ensuring you're well-informed for a seamless travel adventure.
Savvy Traveler Tips for a Sandakan Trip
- Early Bird Jungle Expeditions: Start wildlife tours at dawn for fewer crowds.
- Local Market Charm: Visit the central market for an authentic taste of local flavors.
- Rainforest Ready: Pack lightweight, waterproof attire for unpredictable rainforest weather.
- Flexible Itineraries: Use Kiwi's flexible search to adjust plans effortlessly.
- Eco-Conscious Travel: Support local conservation efforts by opting for guided ethical tours.
Weather in Sandakan
Average Weather
| Month | Average monthly max temperature | Average monthly min temperature |
| January | 28°C | 24°C |
| February | 28°C | 24°C |
| March | 29°C | 24°C |
| April | 30°C | 24°C |
| May | 30°C | 25°C |
| June | 30°C | 25°C |
| July | 30°C | 24°C |
| August | 30°C | 24°C |
| September | 30°C | 24°C |
| October | 30°C | 24°C |
| November | 29°C | 24°C |
| December | 29°C | 24°C |
14 day forecast
Flight connections and travel options
Browse routes from top origins with quick connections
Top airlines flying to Sandakan
Compare leading airlines serving Sandakan.
Airports in and near Sandakan
Sandakan’s main airport is the primary hub, with nearby airports offering additional options.
Popular flights from Sandakan
Find cheap tickets from Sandakan to the top departure hubs













