Friday 27 December. Day in Sandakan
It was good to wake up to the incredible views from my room, overlooking a sunny harbour, including a naval base.
I was keen to sort out the final two days during which I had plannned to go to Kinabatangan. The problem was choosing the resort and package. Every time I hit upon one, the mixed reviews sowed doubt! However, one that seemed OK was Myne and I'd emailed the night before. Reassuringly they had replied first thing in the morning and after breakfast I went down to their offices and clinched it. Hopefully, a good choice.
The rest of the day I wandered around Sandakan, taking in the statue in the square near the hotel as well as the market area by the sea.
I then walked down to what Google label Banana Village @ Kampung Pisang. These are a large development of wooden shacks on stilts from the shoreline - essentially reclaimed land. They have a poor feel to them and I didn't want to poke around as if they were a tourist attraction.
Once done I got a local bus back for RM1 which must count as good value. In town, I went up to the St Michael's and All Angel Church which is in a nice spot on a small hill. It had a board with details of a heritage trail.
Slowly but surely Sandakn was growing on me, with its ugly buildings and also quirky places
This feeling was affirmed by visiting the restaurant / Cafe that had a tourist information sign outside (the San Da Gen Kopitiam). It ws a really pleasant slightly hipster spot - very chilled and relaxed.
Walking back, I got a good view of the hotel which, in turn gave good sunset views from my room.
In the evening I went to another hipster venue - The Balin Roof Garden Bar and Bistro. You can sit on the roof which affords a great view and a fresh breeze. I had a nice if not particularly substantial halibut dish. It was also a tad overcooked. Better that than under I suppose!
I was keen to sort out the final two days during which I had plannned to go to Kinabatangan. The problem was choosing the resort and package. Every time I hit upon one, the mixed reviews sowed doubt! However, one that seemed OK was Myne and I'd emailed the night before. Reassuringly they had replied first thing in the morning and after breakfast I went down to their offices and clinched it. Hopefully, a good choice.
The rest of the day I wandered around Sandakan, taking in the statue in the square near the hotel as well as the market area by the sea.
I then walked down to what Google label Banana Village @ Kampung Pisang. These are a large development of wooden shacks on stilts from the shoreline - essentially reclaimed land. They have a poor feel to them and I didn't want to poke around as if they were a tourist attraction.
Once done I got a local bus back for RM1 which must count as good value. In town, I went up to the St Michael's and All Angel Church which is in a nice spot on a small hill. It had a board with details of a heritage trail.
Slowly but surely Sandakn was growing on me, with its ugly buildings and also quirky places
This feeling was affirmed by visiting the restaurant / Cafe that had a tourist information sign outside (the San Da Gen Kopitiam). It ws a really pleasant slightly hipster spot - very chilled and relaxed.
Walking back, I got a good view of the hotel which, in turn gave good sunset views from my room.
In the evening I went to another hipster venue - The Balin Roof Garden Bar and Bistro. You can sit on the roof which affords a great view and a fresh breeze. I had a nice if not particularly substantial halibut dish. It was also a tad overcooked. Better that than under I suppose!
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