How to spend the holidays? Head to “Little Hong Kong” for a date with the “Great Gatsby”

Sandakan has a sizable Chinese population and preserves much of the beauty of traditional Chinese culture. Pictured here is the Puh Ji Temple in Sandakan, built in 1987. (Image / Wikipedia)

As a coastal city, Sandakan offers a bustling fish market where a dazzling variety of fresh seafood awaits. (Image / Provided by Tourism Malaysia / mysabah.com)

You definitely won’t go hungry in Sandakan, where you can find a wide range of Fujian and Cantonese cuisine that’s both delicious and affordable. (Image / Provided by Tourism Malaysia / mysabah.com)

Malindo Air primarily operates domestic routes within Malaysia, as well as international flights spanning Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline is known in Malaysia as a “regular airline with budget airline prices.” (Image / Wikipedia)

This year’s holiday break isn’t very long, so if you’re thinking about going overseas, arranging a 5-day, 4-night trip in Asia is just about perfect. Aside from the usual destinations like Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, Japan, and Korea, the pleasant weather in Southeast Asia is also very appealing. This year, Sandakan in Malaysia—known as “Little Hong Kong”—is the most inquired-about destination.

Sandakan is located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, and boasts a wealth of historical landmarks and marine ecology. Historically, like Taiwan, Sandakan was once under colonial rule by various ethnic groups, which has contributed to its rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that attracts travelers.

There are several must-do activities in Sandakan, starting with exploring Borneo’s wilderness. The area features pristine rainforests and crystal-clear seas. Visitors can observe endangered species such as orangutans, Malayan sun bears, and proboscis monkeys in wildlife conservation areas, or relax at marine parks, snorkeling alongside sea turtles and experiencing the wonders of nature’s coexistence.

Also not to be missed are the authentic Fujian, Cantonese, and Peranakan cuisines. Sandakan has a sizable population of Hong Kong immigrants, and due to its similar scenery, it’s also known as “Little Hong Kong.” It’s the only city in Sabah where Cantonese and Mandarin are predominantly spoken. Delicious food can be found everywhere in Sandakan, especially at the Sandakan Central Market, where you must try the authentic claypot rice, Hainanese chicken rice, and local desserts like mango sago and coconut ice cream—all at reasonable prices. In addition, the city’s hawker stalls and night markets offer a wide variety of street food that’s both tasty and affordable.

In the past, travelers to Sandakan mostly used the airport in Kota Kinabalu, but Kota Kinabalu Airport is 350 kilometers away from Sandakan, making transfers or taxis time-consuming and exhausting. Now, Malindo Air has launched a direct charter flight from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Sandakan International Airport specifically for the Lunar New Year, offering an early departure and late return schedule. Visiting Sandakan has become much more convenient and enjoyable, providing a more fulfilling experience. If you haven’t decided on a travel destination for this Lunar New Year, consider Sandakan for a warm winter love story woven with culture and nature. For more details, please visit the official website of Tourism Malaysia.