Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Borneo Wildlife Experience
Sepilok, about 25 km from Sandakan in Sabah, is the most reliable place in the world to see Bornean orangutans at close range. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre rehabilitates orphaned and rescued apes across 43 sq km of protected forest, and feeding platform sessions are held twice daily at 10 am and 3 pm. Semi-wild orangutans come in over ropes to collect bananas and milk, and the nursery has a glass-fronted indoor viewing gallery where juveniles play on climbing frames.
Within walking distance are the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world's smallest bear species, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre with a canopy walkway that is excellent for hornbills at dawn. Most travellers pair Sepilok with a two-night stay on the Kinabatangan River at Sukau or Bilit for boat safaris looking for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles and wild orangutans.
Getting there means a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, roughly three hours, or via Kota Kinabalu. This is the most rewarding add-on for Indian travellers who want genuine wildlife rather than only city sightseeing, and it fits well with a Kota Kinabalu or Mabul diving leg.
Location
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
Duration
Half day at Sepilok; 3-4 days with Kinabatangan River
Best Time to Visit
March to October; feeding sessions are best in the drier months when fruit in the forest is scarce
Pricing
₹700-900 per adult entry plus ₹200 camera fee; ₹4,000-7,000 per person for a guided Sepilok and Sun Bear Centre tour; ₹20,000-35,000 per person for a 3-day Kinabatangan package
Activity Type
Highlights
Orangutan feeding platform sessions at 10 am and 3 pm
Indoor nursery viewing gallery for juvenile orangutans
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door
Rainforest Discovery Centre canopy walkway for hornbills
Kinabatangan River boat safaris for proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants
Itinerary
Ticketing, locker deposit and the video presentation
Bags and food must be left in lockers; orangutans snatch carried items
Boardwalk to the feeding platform and the 10 am session
Reach 20 minutes early for a front spot at the railing
Nursery viewing gallery and forest boardwalks
Sightings are not guaranteed; the nursery is the surest place to see young apes
Sun Bear Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre canopy walk
All three are within a 15 minute walk of each other
Transfer to Kinabatangan for dawn and dusk river cruises
Two nights gives four boat outings and the best chance of elephants
Safety Requirements
Stay behind barriers and never touch or feed the orangutans
No flash photography at the feeding platforms or nursery
Leave all food, plastic bags and loose items in lockers
Use insect repellent and long sleeves against mosquitoes and leeches
Follow the guide's instructions strictly on river boats and wear the life jacket
Tips
Book domestic flights to Sandakan early; the Kuala Lumpur route is limited
Carry a zoom lens of 200mm or more for platform photography
Rain is possible any month; pack a poncho and a dry bag
Combine with Turtle Islands Park or the Gomantong Caves near Sandakan
Vegetarian meals are available at Sepilok lodges if requested in advance
