Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Malaysia
Established in 1964, Sepilok was the first orangutan rehabilitation centre in the world and remains the best known. It occupies about 43 sq km of protected lowland rainforest at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and rehabilitates orphaned and injured Bornean orangutans for release into the wild. Visitors watch semi-wild orangutans at open feeding platforms and see infants learning climbing skills in the outdoor nursery. The centre is the anchor of Sabah's wildlife circuit along with the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Sandakan's Kinabatangan River.
Last updated: 19 Aug 2026
Places to visit
- Outdoor feeding platform sessions at 10 am and 3 pm
- Indoor nursery viewing gallery with one-way glass
- Video presentation on orangutan rehabilitation
- Rainforest boardwalk trails through the reserve
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door
- Rainforest Discovery Centre canopy towers nearby
Unique Aspects
Things to do
- Watching orangutan feeding and nursery play sessions
- Wildlife photography from the viewing platforms
- Boardwalk walks to spot hornbills, macaques and giant squirrels
- Combining with a Kinabatangan River cruise for proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants
- Visiting the Sandakan Memorial Park and Sandakan Death March sites
Best Time to Visit
March to October for drier weather; feeding sessions run year round though sightings drop when wild fruit is abundant between June and September
Weather Conditions
Equatorial and humid, 24-32°C, with heavy rain possible any month and wettest from October to February
Entry Fees & Permits
Foreign adult entry about ₹640 (RM 30), children about ₹300 (RM 15), camera fee about ₹200 (RM 10). Open 9 am to noon and 2 pm to 4 pm; feeding at 10 am and 3 pm
Accessibility
About 25 km from Sandakan town and 23 km from Sandakan Airport, which has direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. Local bus 14 from Sandakan or a taxi or Grab costing about ₹800-1,200; most travellers come on a day tour
Recommended Duration
Half day, 3-4 hours including the Sun Bear Centre
Clothing & Gear Tips
Light long sleeves, walking shoes, rain jacket, insect repellent, and a zoom lens. Bags and food must be left in lockers as orangutans grab items
Local Food & Souvenirs
Sandakan seafood, UFO tarts and Sandakan-style noodles; buy adoption certificates and orangutan soft toys from the centre shop, plus Sabah Tenom coffee and tribal beadwork
