From top-tier seafood to mouthwatering local fare, you'd be hard-pressed not to find good food when you're in Sandakan. And do make Kampung Buli Sim Sim your first stop; it's the city's very first water village built in the 1870s and remains to this day a go-to for fresh seafood.

Along the Sandakan Heritage Trail, keep an eye out for some authentic nasi kerabu with a Sandakan twist at San Da Gen Kopitiam, as well as some truly decadent pastries at The English Tea House, which incidentally was a Tatler Dining best restaurant awardee in 2008!

Additionally, if you want to end your evening with a little something special, head over to the Ba Lin Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, which provides an elevated dining experience and a spectacular view of the horizon. Housed in Sandakan's oldest hotel, Nak Hotel built in the 1960s, the rooftop bar and bistro is arguably the coolest hangout spot in town.

See also: 6 Open-Kitchen Eateries in Malaysia You Need to Try for Your Next Meal Out

Next, we hop on a helicopter to whisk us away to the Lankayan Island Dive Resort. A nesting place for green and hawksbill sea turtles, this heavenly getaway is part of the Sugud islands Marine Conservation Area where you get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch sea turtles nesting and the releasing of baby sea turtles at the Lankayan Island Turtle Hatchery, which happens from June to September every year.

Boasting clear, turquoise waters and colourful marine life, the island's dive sites are just a few minutes away from the resort. Coming during March to May, and you may even spot a majestic whale shark!

So, whether you're a thrill-seeking adventurer looking for the road less travelled or a vacationer who wants a nice, relaxing holiday by the sea, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Sabah.

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