Sepilok Orangutan, Sun Bear & Rainforest Discovery Centre
Visit Sepilok’s orangutan and sun bear conservation centres, then explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre and canopy walkway.
See three of Sepilok’s best nature experiences in one easy Sandakan day trip.
depart from your hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport and begin at the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. From the rainforest viewing area, you may witness feeding time and learn how orphaned and displaced orangutans are rehabilitated before gradually returning to a more independent forest life.
Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where raised walkways offer views into open-air forest enclosures for the world’s smallest bear. After lunch at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Restaurant, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre for forest trails, birdwatching opportunities and the canopy walkway, with rainforest views from around 28 metres above the ground.
Tour Overview
Start: Sandakan
End: Sandakan
Duration
Departure Time
About 8 hours
8:00 AM daily
Minimum guests
Meals
2 persons per booking
Lunch included
hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport
Accommodation
Not included
English-speaking guide
FROM
Why you'll love this trip
- Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of Sabah’s most recognised conservation sites, and observe orangutans from the rainforest viewing area.
- Learn how orphaned and displaced orangutans are rehabilitated before becoming less dependent on centre feeding and returning voluntarily to the forest.
- Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and watch rescued sun bears from raised walkways in a natural forest setting.
- Enjoy lunch at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Restaurant between the wildlife centre visits and the afternoon rainforest stop.
- Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre, a gateway to understanding the uniqueness and importance of Borneo’s rainforest.
- Walk forest trails or the 150-metre canopy walkway for elevated rainforest views about 28 metres above the ground.
Itinerary
Day 1 • Sandakan / Sepilok / Rainforest Discovery Centre
Begin with pickup from your hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport, then drive to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Established in 1964, the centre supports orangutans that have been orphaned or displaced by logging and land clearing. From the viewing area, you may witness feeding time and photograph orangutans in a protected rainforest setting.
Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you can observe the world’s smallest bear from forest walkways. The centre works to promote sun bear conservation through animal welfare, rehabilitation, education and research, giving rescued sun bears a better forest home and supporting their right to live wild.
After lunch at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Restaurant, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Developed by the Sabah Forestry Department, the centre introduces visitors to the wonders of Borneo’s rainforest and is also known as one of Sabah’s prime birdwatching spots. Take a stroll through the forest or walk the 150-metre canopy walkway for views from around 28 metres above the ground.
Your tour ends with drop-off at Sandakan Airport or your hotel within Sandakan.
Inclusions and activities
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Seat-in-coach transfers
Pickup and drop-off from hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport, plus transfers between the listed Sepilok nature sites.
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English-speaking guide
Guiding is included to keep the day smooth and help you understand the conservation and rainforest stops.
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Entrance fees and lunch
Relevant entrance fees and lunch at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Restaurant are included.
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Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Visit the rainforest viewing area and learn about orangutan rehabilitation in Sabah.
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Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Observe rescued sun bears from raised walkways in open-air forest enclosures.
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Rainforest Discovery Centre
Explore rainforest trails and the canopy walkway, weather and site conditions permitting.
Before you book you should know
- Full-day Sepilok nature circuit: This tour combines Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
- Outdoor conditions: Expect warm, humid weather, viewing platforms, raised walkways, forest trails and canopy sections.
- Wildlife conditions: Orangutan feeding visibility, sun bear behaviour and bird sightings vary depending on animal behaviour and centre operations.
- Good for first-time visitors: This is a practical choice if you want Sepilok’s headline wildlife and rainforest experiences in one day from Sandakan.
Malaysia entry requirements depend on your passport, nationality and travel history. Please check the latest visa and entry rules before booking your flights.
Travellers are responsible for holding valid passports, visas, onward travel documents and any arrival requirements set by Malaysian authorities or airlines.
If you are unsure, contact your nearest Malaysian embassy, consulate or airline before travelling.
No accommodation is included on this day tour. The tour starts and ends in Sandakan, with pickup and drop-off available from hotels within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport.
If you need accommodation before or after the tour, this can be arranged separately based on your travel plans.
Camera fees
- Camera fees, if charged by the centres, are not included and should be paid directly on site.
- Fees and photography rules may change without prior notice.
What to bring
- Sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, cap or hat, raincoat or poncho
- Sturdy shoes for walking, boardwalks, trails and canopy areas
- Camera and binoculars if preferred, especially for birdwatching
- Comfortable light cotton casual attire with long or short pants, as humidity is high throughout
Important notes
- Wildlife sightings, feeding activity and bird sightings are not guaranteed and remain subject to centre operations and animal behaviour on the day.
- Lunch is included, but beverages and special meal requests may be limited. Please advise dietary requirements at the time of booking.
- Camera fees, personal expenses, beverages, accommodation, meals not stated, airfare, tipping, porterage and items not stated in the inclusions are excluded.
- Pickup and drop-off are available from hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport. Please provide your hotel name or flight details when booking.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and light casual clothing. This tour includes outdoor boardwalks, trails and canopy sections, and rain is possible at any time.