The last time I saw a Marlin was at a traffic roundabout in Labuan https://shahs.photography/the-streets-of-labuan/) . It seems there is a strong affinity with the sea here, as is in Labuan and sport fishing is part of the itinerary. For the enthusiasts, that is.
Would love to see whether that is the case is Sandakan as well.
Images from Shah Said 2019 ; @ all rights reserved
SHAH'S PHOTOGRAPHY 