Car hire in Sandakan, Malaysia

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Sandakan car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Find cheap car hire in Sandakan

These are the lowest Sandakan car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

Select your Sandakan pick-up location

There are 2 car hire locations in Sandakan. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Sandakan

Hiring a car in Sandakan: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceRM196
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Sandakan

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Sandakan car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sandakan

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Sandakan for around RM197 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, so you can quickly compare prices and book.

  • Lock in your ride in November and keep your spending in low gear. It's the cheapest time of year to rent a car in Sandakan, with average daily rates of RM70.

  • It's all about timing when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Sandakan. Book around three weeks before your trip to land the best prices.

  • Check out car hire deals in Sandakan from well-known providers like Hertz and Avis.

  • Whether you book with Hertz or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Sandakan car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Sandakan. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices.

  • Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a car hire in Sandakan with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Explore without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you want without paying more.

  • Jetting into Sandakan? Think about picking up one of the car rentals in Sandakan Airport. That way, you can get going shortly after landing.

Compare car hire types in Sandakan

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Sandakan makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this Sandakan car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Sandakan that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or big groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Sandakan car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Sandakan.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals can vary by supplier (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Malaysia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Sandakan car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest approach.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Sandakan

  • Snap up an awesome car hire deal in Sandakan and then get ready to discover the city's leading attractions, such as Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary (Pusat Pemulihan Orangutan) and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok. Whether you drive or get there another way, you'll want to check out these highlights before you take off.

  • When you're ready to rest your head, The Garden Boutique Hotel and Super OYO 1026 Hotel Lutana will help you feel right at home in Sandakan.

  • Around 97 kilometres south of central Sandakan, Lahad Datu belongs on your itinerary. Make a beeline for must-see sights like Danum River and Bukit Belacon hiking.

  • Reliable accommodation options in Lahad Datu include Maya Hotel and My Inn Hotel Lahad Datu, Sabah.

  • Or set off for Taganak after picking up your cheap car hire in Sandakan. It's around 32 kilometres north-east and features highlights like Taganak Port.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Putatan is a fun road trip destination that's around 225 kilometres west of Sandakan. Plan to make a few pit stops at Lok kawi wildlife park and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

  • All that's left to do now is sleep. Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu and Adel Hotel make turning in easy in Putatan.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Sandakan will set you back around RM196 per day or RM838 per week. 
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Sandakan is currently November.
On average, around RM838. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Sandakan is RM838.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Sandakan, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Sandakan that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Sandakan.
Most places – Sandakan included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is RM185 per day. The average price per day is around RM196.
Other travellers rated Hertz as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Sandakan.