Hungry travelers will find satisfying lunch options throughout Sandakan, where local flavors meet jungle adventures. The smartest lunch experiences combine wildlife viewing with authentic meals. We love the Sepilok combo tours – you’ll watch orangutans swing and sun bears forage before enjoying Malaysian dishes at nearby family-run restaurants. The Kinabatangan River cruise lunches earn our top rating, offering peaceful riverside dining while spotting proboscis monkeys and hornbills. City walking tours with local lunch stops provide the best bang-for-your-buck, letting you sample Sandakan’s street food scene between visiting historic sites.
Check out these hand-picked lunch tours that showcase the best of Borneo’s wildlife and flavors.
Key Points
- The Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise offers an average lunch experience, according to customer reviews.
- The Sepilok and Sun Bear Centre Tour includes a stop at the Sandakan Market, which may provide a local lunch option.
- The Private Half-Day City Tour includes a local lunch, with positive reviews highlighting the experience.
- The Comprehensive Nature City Tour provides a included lunch as part of the tour package.
- Some tours, like the Wildlife Tours, offer lunch at local restaurants as part of the all-day experience.
Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch
On this captivating wildlife tour, guests will be whisked away to Sandakan’s renowned nature sites.
Starting at 8 AM, the day-long excursion features visits to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Lab Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Along the way, travelers will also stop at a hilltop temple with panoramic views and the lively Sandakan Central Market.
Lunch at a local restaurant is included, and the tour accommodates up to 15 travelers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
With a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews, this immersive experience offers the chance to witness Malaysia’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty.
Read our full review: Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch Review
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Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise With Lunch
Travelers can embark on an immersive wildlife cruise along the Kinabatangan River from Sandakan, Malaysia’s second-largest city. This 1-day tour costs from $183.47 per person and includes hotel/airport pickup, an English-speaking guide, the Kinabatangan tours, lunch, and afternoon tea.
During the 2-hour guided cruise, visitors can spot diverse wildlife like proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and 8 species of hornbills. The tour includes 2 hours of van transportation and a 10-minute boat ride.
While customer reviews highlight long travel times and an average lunch experience, this excursion provides an opportunity to witness Sabah’s natural wonders along its longest river.
Read our full review: Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise With Lunch Review
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Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre With Sandakan City Tour With Lunch
Visitors to Sandakan can experience the endangered species of orangutans and Bornean sun bears on this full-day tour.
The tour includes visits to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and the Bornean Sun Bear Center, as well as a Buddhist temple and Sandakan Market.
Lunch at a local restaurant is included, and round-trip transfers from Sandakan hotels are provided.
Entrance fees, sales tax, and service charges are covered. Additional costs include camera/video fees, alcoholic beverages, and gratuity.
The tour operates daily from 8 AM to 4 PM and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Pricing starts at $190.79 per person, with a maximum of 40 travelers per tour.
Read our full review: Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre With Sandakan City Tour With Lunch Review
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Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch
Tourists exploring Sandakan can conveniently join this private half-day city tour that includes a local lunch. Priced from $51.29 per person, the tour provides round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a chance to visit key sites like the Sandakan Memorial Park.
Travelers praise the tour’s flexibility and customization, allowing them to spend more time at locations they’re particularly interested in. While most reviews are positive, highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly guide, one negative review noted poor communication and service.
Read our full review: Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch Review
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Sepilok Orang Utan, Sun Bear & Sandakan Nature City Tour Lunch
This comprehensive tour in Sandakan combines visits to the renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, along with a city tour showcasing the area’s natural wonders.
Priced from $266.75 per person, the tour includes round-trip hotel/airport transfers, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.
A minimum of 4 travelers is required, with a maximum of 15. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.
Pickup is within a 1 km radius of Sandakan City Centre, with additional charges for hotels outside this area. A 30% surcharge applies during super peak/festive seasons.
Read our full review: Sepilok Orang Utan, Sun Bear & Sandakan Nature City Tour Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Vegetarian/Vegan Lunch Options in Sandakan?
Vegetarians and vegans in Sandakan can enjoy delicious plant-based options like hearty vegetable curries, stir-fried greens, and wholesome grain bowls at various restaurants and cafes throughout the city. These healthy and flavorful lunch choices offer satisfying meatless dining experiences.
Is It Possible to Customize Lunch Menus for Dietary Restrictions?
Many restaurants in Sandakan can accommodate dietary restrictions by customizing lunch menus. Vegans and vegetarians can often request meat-free, dairy-free dishes, while those with allergies or intolerances can inquire about ingredient substitutions.
Do the Lunch Tours Include Transportation to and From the Restaurants?
The lunch tours typically include transportation to and from the restaurants, making it a convenient and hassle-free experience for guests. Many tour operators also offer customized menus to accommodate dietary restrictions upon request.
Are There Any Halal Dining Options Recommended for Muslim Travelers?
There are several halal dining options in Sandakan, such as Warung Soto Banjar and Restoran Mamamia, which offer traditional Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines. These restaurants are recommended for Muslim travelers seeking halal meals during their visit.
Can I Book a Private Lunch Experience in Sandakan?
Yes, travelers can book private lunch experiences in Sandakan. Several tour operators offer customized dining options, including halal meals, for small groups or individuals looking for a personalized dining experience in the city.
The Sum Up
Sandakan offers a range of excellent lunch experiences. Visitors can explore the Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, and Sun Bear sanctuaries, or take a Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise, all with included local lunches. Sandakan city tours with lunch are also popular, allowing travelers to discover the area’s cultural and culinary highlights. These diverse lunch options provide a well-rounded introduction to Sandakan’s natural and gastronomic attractions.