Sandakan Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Sandakan.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Sandakan! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Sandakan has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Sandakan. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Sandakan offers over 63 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.4 stars from 1029 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Nak Hote, Jalan Pelabuhan Lama, Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Popular with locals and visitors
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
The fathers' office
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.7 stars from 20 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
The Deck Bar & Grill - Sandakan
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.3 stars from 62 reviews.
๐ The Deck Bar & Grill, Eagles Rugby Club, Jalan Bandar Utama, Mile 6, Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Mawar drink house
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 5 stars from 1 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Bullet Point Bistro
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 5 stars from 6 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan, Taman Suria Fasa 1 Jalan Lintas Sibuga, Lot 3 Tingkat้ฎๆฟ็ผ็ : 90000
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
YOLO
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.3 stars from 9 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
The Batcave Winecellar
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.5 stars from 90 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Lrg Ave 4, Bandar Utama90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
OT Sandakan
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.2 stars from 33 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Lot 2-11, First Floor, Bandar Tyng, Taman Tyng, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Beer Buddy Sandakan
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.4 stars from 72 reviews.
๐ Prima Square, Lot 171, Block 18A, Ground Floor, Lor Prima 6, Batu 4, Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Happy Castle Pub & Karaoke
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.1 stars from 49 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Bandar Indah, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
DX Bistro
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.4 stars from 33 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Lot 23, Block 9 Lor Prima 1, Prima Square, Batu 4, Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
DOJO NANYANG KOPIHOUSE (IJM SANDAKAN)
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.2 stars from 346 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ Lot 190, Blok C, Ground Floor, IJM Bandar Utama , One Avenue 8 Mile 6, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah IJM, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Established local favorite
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Royaciti Night Club & Karaoke Lounge
Highly rated International in Sandakan with 4.6 stars from 9 reviews.
๐ Bandar Tong Huat, Mile 3, North Road, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Happy Castle Pub & Karaoke
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.1 stars from 49 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Bandar Indah, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Kiss Me
Highly rated International in Sandakan with 3.6 stars from 16 reviews.
๐ Bandar Indah, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Quality ingredients and preparation
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Citiclub Sandakan
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.2 stars from 237 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Established local favorite
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
YOLO
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.3 stars from 9 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
OT Sandakan
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.2 stars from 33 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Lot 2-11, First Floor, Bandar Tyng, Taman Tyng, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
De Mask KTV
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 3.9 stars from 48 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Unnamed Road, Bandar Indah, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
VS Versus BISTRO
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4 stars from 45 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Lot 86&87 1st Floor Block X, One, Lorong Avenue 3, Bandar Utama, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
The fathers' office
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.7 stars from 20 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
DX Bistro
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.4 stars from 33 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Lot 23, Block 9 Lor Prima 1, Prima Square, Batu 4, Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Busking sandakan
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 5 stars from 1 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ LOT 112, Kg Pkt 2 rancangan, Blok 17, Jalan Sungai Manila, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
De Mask KTV
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 3.9 stars from 48 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Unnamed Road, Bandar Indah, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
The Deck Bar & Grill - Sandakan
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.3 stars from 62 reviews.
๐ The Deck Bar & Grill, Eagles Rugby Club, Jalan Bandar Utama, Mile 6, Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
The fathers' office
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.7 stars from 20 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Happy Castle Pub & Karaoke
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.1 stars from 49 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Bandar Indah, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.4 stars from 1029 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Nak Hote, Jalan Pelabuhan Lama, Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Popular with locals and visitors
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
Royaciti Night Club & Karaoke Lounge
Highly rated International in Sandakan with 4.6 stars from 9 reviews.
๐ Bandar Tong Huat, Mile 3, North Road, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
OT Sandakan
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.2 stars from 33 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Lot 2-11, First Floor, Bandar Tyng, Taman Tyng, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar
Highly rated Bar in Sandakan with 4.4 stars from 1029 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Nak Hote, Jalan Pelabuhan Lama, Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Popular with locals and visitors
- ๐Authentic Bar cuisine
DOJO NANYANG KOPIHOUSE (IJM SANDAKAN)
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.2 stars from 346 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ Lot 190, Blok C, Ground Floor, IJM Bandar Utama , One Avenue 8 Mile 6, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah IJM, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Established local favorite
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
UP CASE Cafe Sandakan IJM
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.5 stars from 473 reviews.
๐ 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Established local favorite
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Bistro 88
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.4 stars from 78 reviews.
๐ Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Hainan Cafe Sandakan Sabah
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.5 stars from 392 reviews.
๐ 155 & 156, GROUND FLOOR, ONE AVENUE PHASE 8, MILE 6, Jalan Utara, BANDAR UTAMA, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Highly rated by customers
- ๐Established local favorite
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Harbour Bistro Lodge
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.2 stars from 332 reviews.
๐ Harbour Bistro Lodge, 2nd Floor, Lot 88, Block HS-09, Sandakan Harbour Square, 90000 Sandakan, SAB, Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Established local favorite
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Plantation Cafe
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.2 stars from 250 reviews.
๐ 296, Jln Ranau - Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Established local favorite
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
The Deck Bar & Grill - Sandakan
Highly rated Restaurant in Sandakan with 4.3 stars from 62 reviews.
๐ The Deck Bar & Grill, Eagles Rugby Club, Jalan Bandar Utama, Mile 6, Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐Well-reviewed establishment
- ๐Welcoming atmosphere
- ๐Knowledgeable staff
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
STAB! Comedy Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Sandakan venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- โขBook tickets in advance for popular shows
- โขArrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- โขDress code varies - check venue requirements
- โขTurn off mobile phones during performance
- โขCheck for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Happy Castle Pub & Karaoke
Explore Sandakan's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- โขStart early to explore multiple venues
- โขUse ride-sharing or public transit
- โขKeep valuables secure
- โขCheck dress codes for upscale venues
- โขStay in groups for safety
Royaciti Night Club & Karaoke Lounge
Explore Sandakan's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- โขStart early to explore multiple venues
- โขUse ride-sharing or public transit
- โขKeep valuables secure
- โขCheck dress codes for upscale venues
- โขStay in groups for safety
YOLO
Explore Sandakan's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- โขStart early to explore multiple venues
- โขUse ride-sharing or public transit
- โขKeep valuables secure
- โขCheck dress codes for upscale venues
- โขStay in groups for safety
Citiclub Sandakan
Explore Sandakan's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- โขStart early to explore multiple venues
- โขUse ride-sharing or public transit
- โขKeep valuables secure
- โขCheck dress codes for upscale venues
- โขStay in groups for safety
Kiss Me
Explore Sandakan's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- โขStart early to explore multiple venues
- โขUse ride-sharing or public transit
- โขKeep valuables secure
- โขCheck dress codes for upscale venues
- โขStay in groups for safety
The fathers' office
Explore Sandakan's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- โขStart early to explore multiple venues
- โขUse ride-sharing or public transit
- โขKeep valuables secure
- โขCheck dress codes for upscale venues
- โขStay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- ๐Check dress codes before heading out
- ๐Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- ๐Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- ๐Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- ๐Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- ๐Research cover charges and drink prices
- ๐Make reservations for popular venues
- ๐Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- ๐Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- ๐Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Sandakan varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Sandakan range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sandakan offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Sandakan cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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