Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia

Top: shopping crowd
Middle: dining by the sea
Bottom: Filipino  restaurant  waitresses

A  6-hour coach ride from Kota Kinabalu brought me to Sandakan today. Straightaway Sandakan reminds me of Johor Baru except the Filipino influence which is probably the strongest in East Malaysia. I could easily imagine myself in Zamboanga City in southern Phillipppines which prides itself on being Asia's only Latin city.

Chatting with the friendly Filipino waitresses, I learned that they've come from far-flung corners of the Phllippines.

HOW TO GET TO SANDAKAN FROM KOTA KINABALU

1. Take a city bus to Wawasan Plaza (0.50ct)
2. Take a bas mini to Inanam (RM 1.50) Journey takes 35 mins as morning traffic into Inanam is very heavy.
3. Drop off at Inanam long distance bus terminal. Book bus to Sandakan (RM30) 6 hours journey.
4. Bus arrives at Sandakan long distance terminal 4km outside town. Take a bas mini to town (RM1) 

 Note: Bus from KK long distance bus terminal leaves for Sandakan at 7, 8 and 9 in the morning. There are many coffee shops around the terminal. The bus stops for lunch between 12.15pm to 12.30pm