Our recent travel escapades brought us to the gorgeous land of Sandakan, where we stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan..
With so many rich historical, cultural, natural and wildlife attractions found in and around the harbour city of Sandakan, it isn’t surprising to have the internationally renowned Four Points by Sheraton debuting here at the prominent new waterfront, and next to the brand new Harbour Mall – the only modern lifestyle shopping centre in East Sabah.
Having only opened its doors officially in October this year, we had the opportunity to check out this brand new dig to have a first hand feel of the Four Points renowned service. We can sum up our experience into 5 simple vibes!
1. Great views all around
Located on the Sandakan harbour, Four Points by Sheraton is currently the tallest building in the city (26 floors), offering its guests’ great views of the Sulu Sea, whether you are standing at the lobby, the meeting hall, the horizon swimming pool, the eateries or in any of its well-appointed rooms.
tallest building in the city
view of the Sulu Sea
A tour of the hotel revealed well equipped modern meeting rooms of various sizes, and a grand ballroom which sits up to 350 persons banquet style. Still need more seats? There is the massive convention center, certainly the largest modern hall with the latest audio-visual-lighting technology available in East Sabah, which sits up to 1,500 people, again in banquet arrangement. Undoubtedly, Four Points by Sheraton will be the premier destination in East Sabah to host the largest indoor meetings, the most demanding entertainments, and the grandest of weddings. With world class catering and service available on-site or off-site, guests at any event held here will certainly be pampered, not to mention, envious of the host.
The Grand Ballroom with state of the art lighting
2. Simple luxury comfort
We were privileged to stay on the 26th floor, the highest floor, which really offered the best views of the sea. The room offered simple luxury comforts synonymous with the Four Point’s brand. The plush mattress with 250-thread sheets, down pilows and cosy duvet certainly gave us sweet dreams. Wi-Fi is standard. Everything works. Business and leisure travellers will not be disappointed.
Every morning, we woke up to a beautiful sunrise which cast light on the already busy wet and dry sections of the Central Market, located in the next building below us. If you are not the morning risers like we are, then take the rooms facing the west where the setting sun casts vibrant rays of color in the clear skies and the town buildings.
3. Great grub and cocktails
Need to eat? The three dining outlets, Wrapped, The Eatery and Best Brews, at Four Points serves a wide array of local and international flavors. Certainly an oasis of gastronomic delights. Not only will diners get to feast on world class cuisine, cocktails but dishes arriving at your table are eloquently crafted for you to feast your eyes upon.
A magnificent view of the harbour and Sulu sea awaits the guests at the all-day dining venue, The Eatery. Simple, honest and uncomplicated meals are available. Live cooking stations provide hot fresh meals besides being an entertaining spectacle for guests.
While staying here, we were treated to the popular BBQ at Best Brews during happy hours. Drinkers have the option to order skewered flame grilled delights of seafood and meat. We definitely couldn’t resist this offer. Sandakan is a seafood destination, if you didn’t already know.
An energetic 3 persons live band singing popular local and international chart toppers provides the entertainment for the patrons, besides the pool table. A separate cigar room offers several brands of cigar for aficionados of finely rolled tobacco.
Wrapped, the deli-style café on the ground floor entrance serves light meals and lovely cakes at its lounge and outdoor courtyard. Probably not found elsewhere in Sandakan, the café serves premium Bristot 1919 coffee, and aromatic Gryphon tea.
4. Conveniences and attractions just outside the hotel
As Four Points is located in the town, we could venture out on foot to touch, see, taste, feel and smell the local scene – something we enjoy a lot. Modern needs are well served by the Harbour Mall and surrounding retail outlets.
The new central market just next to the hotel provides socio-cultural attractions, and interaction. You can shop for local clothing, handicraft, learn about local spices and herbs, check out the best cuts of meat, make friends with the friendly fishermen who come in with their assortment of catches, and mingle with the locals at the large food court hall above.
Wildlife and botanical interests are met within a 30minute drive. Need something wilder, such as a river safari programme to spot animals in the wild? Well there is the mighty Kinabatangan river, the largest and longest river in Sabah. Within a 2 hours drive, it is the best wildlife spotting destination in Malaysia and Borneo. Note: Our post on top 12 most exciting things to do in Sandakan will be published soon!
5. The best sunset in Sandakan
The best sunset views in Sandakan is found right here at the Four Points. What could be better than relaxing in an infinity pool or on a deck chair, sipping cocktails or mocktails, and watching the sun go down. Turn your head to the left and you have a magnificent view of the Sulu sea, the distant islands and the fading colors of the sun.
Don’t like the setting sun? Well, here is a bright sunny day at the pool to cheer you up.
Four Points by Sheraton with 121 destinations in 27 countries has chosen to be in Sandakan for very special reasons. The venue brings an air modernity to its skyline and landscape, re-vitalising the city’s shopping culture, night life and introducing a new channel of business opportunities to Sandakanites. Big changes are happening. Maybe you should make a trip here to find out why Four Points is here, and why international and local travellers come out here to see the city’s landmarks, and natural attractions.
Check out Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan website to find out more.
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Hmmm I have always thought Sandakan to be a boring place. Looks like Sheraton has chosen it for very good reasons.
Terrific place… great food and sights.. a must visit!
The hotels are incredible but what I love the most are the views. It is really nice to travel to somewhere new and experience the beauty of our planet. This is one of the best places that people must see and experience.
I agree!
It seems this is an attractive place for anyone who didn’t go there. With the combination of luxury and nature it is a good place for any tourist. Hope this post will help me for future reference of my tourism activities.
Excellent.. glad to have been or service! 😀
I thought that Sandakan is a paradise for animal lovers but it was a great place having wonderful environment and awesome views .