Sandakan and Sepilok

Sandakan was almost entirely destroyed during World War II, which is why despite its long history, there are few historical buildings to be found. However a few colonial mansions still stand, and the city’s trading heritage is reflected in a number of different religious buildings and monuments. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre lies to the north of Sandakan. The centre was founded in 1964, and provides medical care, rehabilitation and a safe area for orphaned, injured or previously captive orangutans. Next door there is also the Sun Bear Sanctuary. The Bornean Sun Bear is the smallest bear in the world, and critically endangered due to poaching and the destruction of its habitat.