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Port of Sandakan, Sabah

MYSDK🇲🇾Malaysia

Port Location

About Port of Sandakan, Sabah

Also known as: Pelabuhan Sandakan, Sandakan Harbour

Sandakan Port is a harbor on the Sulu Sea in Sabah, Malaysia, established in 1658. It serves as a key maritime gateway for the region. The port handles various cargo and is equipped with tug services.

Background
Sandakan formerly known at various times as Elopura, is the capital of the Sandakan District in Sabah, Malaysia. It is the second largest city in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu. It is located on the Sandakan Peninsula and east coast of the state in the administrative centre of Sandakan Division and was the former capital of British North Borneo. In 2010, the city had an estimated population of 157,330 while the overall municipal area had a total population of 396,290. The population of the municipal area had increased to 439,050 by the 2020 Census.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
9ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
No
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Mobile
Drydock
U
Repair Code
C

History

Established
1658

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
MYSDK
Country
🇲🇾Malaysia
Time Zone
UTC+8
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Area
Indonesia
Sub-area
Sulu Sea
Body of Water
Sulu Sea
Latitude
5.8235°
Longitude
118.0958°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
51720 →
GeoNames ID
1734051 →
Wikidata
Q137203 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.mps.sabah.gov.my →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Sandakan, Sabah?+
The approach to Sandakan, Sabah is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Pulau Berhala Lighthouse at 4.1 NM to the NE. Other aids include Pulau Berhala (4.2 NM NE), Pulau Silingan (21.1 NM N), Sandakan Division (Sulu Sea): Sandakan District Lighthouses (21.3 NM N), Selat Kinabatangan (32.2 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Sandakan, Sabah on?+
The Port of Sandakan, Sabah is situated on the South China Sea in MY. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Sandakan, Sabah?+
You can track vessels near Sandakan, Sabah (MYSDK) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for MYSDK on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Sandakan, Sabah?+
The Port of Sandakan, Sabah operates in the UTC+8 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.