Sandakan Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Sabah, Malaysia
Is Airbnb profitable in Sandakan in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Sandakan, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 111 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Sandakan, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Sandakan Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Sandakan Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Sandakan (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Sandakan is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Sandakan is typically May, while November often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Sandakan across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,107+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $790 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $434 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $177, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Sandakan
Sandakan Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Sandakan STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Septembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Sandakan:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 62%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 40% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 23%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 12% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Sandakan
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Sandakan (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Sandakan involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Sandakan typically peaks in December and dips lowest during August. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $75+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $59 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $49 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $37 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Sandakan
Get Live Sandakan Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Sandakan (2025)
Peak Season (May, June, April)
- Revenue averages $812 per month
- Occupancy rates average 25.7%
- Daily rates average $51
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $478 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 30.9%
- Daily rates hold near $52
Low Season (March, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $386 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.3%
- Daily rates adjust to average $52
Seasonality Insights for Sandakan
- The Airbnb seasonality in Sandakan shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Sandakan's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $868, occupancy reaching a high of 35.5%, and ADRs peaking at $53.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $375, occupancy could drop to 23.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $51.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Sandakan.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Sandakan seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Sandakan (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Sandakan? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Sandakan City Centre | The vibrant heart of Sandakan, filled with local shops, eateries, and close to major attractions. Ideal for tourists wanting to explore the city and its culture. | Sandakan Memorial Park, Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Agnes Keith House, Sandakan Harbour Square, Samadhi Eco Retreat |
| Sepilok | Famous for its wildlife attractions, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. A must-visit for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. | Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok Forest Reserve |
| Libaran Island | A beautiful island getaway near Sandakan, known for its pristine beaches and diving spots. Perfect for vacationers seeking a tranquil beach experience. | Libaran Island Beach, Diving and snorkeling spots, Turtle conservation program, Beachside resorts |
| Selingan Island (Turtle Island) | Renowned for its turtle conservation and hatching programs. An exceptional opportunity for nature lovers and tourists interested in marine life. | Turtle hatchery, Night turtle watching, Snorkeling, Beautiful beaches |
| Forest Recreation Parks | Home to lush green surroundings and hiking trails, these parks appeal to nature lovers seeking adventure and tranquility in the tropical rainforest. | Klias River Cruise, Malua Wildlife Sanctuary, Rainforest trails, Canopy walks |
| Kampung Binsuluk | A traditional village experience, immersing tourists in local culture and lifestyle. Great for travelers looking for authenticity and local interactions. | Local seafood markets, Cultural experiences, Eco-lodges |
| Tanjung Aru Beach | A scenic beach known for its sunsets and vibrant atmosphere. Popular among both locals and tourists for relaxation and beachside dining. | Beachside cafes, Water sports, Sunset views |
| Telupid | A gateway to several natural parks and wildlife experiences. An excellent location for eco-tourism focused on exploring Sabah's biodiversity. | Kinabatangan River, Glamping experiences, Wildlife safaris, Nature trails |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Sandakan (2025)
While Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Sandakan to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Sandakan (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Sandakanbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Calming & Comfortable Sea View Luxury Apartment
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
TamanIndah/CornerTerrace/4BR/8-15pax/LocationGOOD
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Comfortable home awaits you by LimStay
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
New luxury Sri indah condominium
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
IJM Condo with Pool #Yoyo Homestay
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
![Must Try! Super Comfort! Luxury 2BR Seaview [6PAX]](https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/hosting/Hosting-U3RheVN1cHBseUxpc3Rpbmc6OTYxNDA1NDI2NjU3NjY1NzU2/original/d0aad26a-5c94-4fb7-9b6e-988375a02272.jpeg?im_w=480&im_format=avif)
Must Try! Super Comfort! Luxury 2BR Seaview [6PAX]
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Sandakan (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Sandakan based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sepilok Jungle | 8 | $33,013 | 26 | 1.63/5.0 |
| Francis | 1 | $25,173 | 35 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Tiffany | 2 | $23,116 | 65 | 4.87/5.0 |
| SweetStay | 2 | $17,073 | 34 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Dora | 1 | $15,393 | 29 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Vicky | 1 | $14,934 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Kronios | 1 | $14,470 | 9 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Wynn Holiday Homes | 5 | $13,314 | 119 | 2.80/5.0 |
| Eric | 6 | $12,621 | 18 | 1.51/5.0 |
| Kelvin | 1 | $10,600 | 14 | 4.86/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Sandakan.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Sandakan STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Sandakan. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSandakan Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Sandakan
- The Sandakan Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86.5% of the 111 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Sandakan, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (45.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 40.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 11.7% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 1.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Sandakan Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Sandakan
- The dominant room capacity in Sandakan is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 49.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 72.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Sandakan, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 68.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Sandakan.
Sandakan Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Sandakan
- The most common guest capacity trend in Sandakan vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (30.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Sandakan STR market, accounting for 52.2% of listings.
- 65.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Sandakan.
- On average, properties in Sandakan are equipped to host 5.9 guests.
Sandakan Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Sandakan
- The most common availability pattern in Sandakan falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 63.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 87.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Sandakan (34.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 14.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Sandakan Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
87 listings
81.3% of total
2 Nights
16 listings
15% of total
7-29 Nights
2 listings
1.9% of total
30+ Nights
2 listings
1.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Sandakan is 1 Night, adopted by 81.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (96.3%) of the Sandakan Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- Dedicated monthly rentals (30+ nights) represent a small niche (1.9%), possibly an untapped area for hosts.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 81.3% of Sandakan hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Sandakan.
Sandakan Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
48 listings
60% of total
Moderate
8 listings
10% of total
Firm
9 listings
11.3% of total
Strict
15 listings
18.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Sandakan
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Sandakan is Flexible, used by 60% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (70.0%) and stricter (30.1%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 60% market standard in Sandakan.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (60%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Sandakan.
Sandakan STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Sandakan
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Sandakan is 26 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during February (average 39 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 17 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (31 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (21 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (26 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Sandakan.
- For February stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 39 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 31 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Sandakan averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Sandakan (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Sandakan
- Essential amenities in Sandakan that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, TV, Wifi are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Sandakan: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or TV to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Sandakan to stay competitive.
Sandakan Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Sandakan
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Sandakan consists of a mix of domestic (38%) and international guests, with top international origins including United Kingdom, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Malay.
- Domestic travelers account for 37.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include Malaysia (37.6%) and United Kingdom (15.9%).
- Top languages spoken are English (46.8%) followed by Malay (15%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United Kingdom.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Sandakan Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semporna | 278 | $630 | $107.99 | 29% |
| Lahad Datu | 16 | $393 | $53.81 | 32% |
| Tawau | 68 | $352 | $58.48 | 24% |