Introduction: Why Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre?
What Is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre?

Best Time to Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Dry Season (March – October)
- Best for: clear skies, better jungle trails, good visibility
- Peak months: July & August (arrive early!)
Rainy Season (November – February)
- Expect: rain showers, fewer tourists, lush green jungle
- Pro tip: Carry a lightweight raincoat and insect repellent

How to Get to Sepilok Orangutan Centre from Sandakan & Kota Kinabalu
From Sandakan
- By Taxi/Grab: ~30 mins (RM35–RM50)
- Local Bus: Departing from Labuk Road (infrequent but budget-friendly)
- Tour Package: Includes round-trip transport + guide
From Kota Kinabalu
- By Flight: Daily flights to Sandakan (~45 mins)
- By Bus: 6–8 hours (long but scenic)
- Self-Drive: A rewarding road trip with stops in Kinabatangan and Lahad Datu
Entrance Fee, Opening Hours & Ticket Information
- Open Daily, including public holidays
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Feeding Times: 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

What to Expect at the Sanctuary
Highlights include:
- Feeding Platforms: Watch Orangutans swing from vines as they approach for fruit offerings.
- Nursery Viewing Area: Glass walls allow you to observe young Orangutans learning essential jungle skills.
- Information Centre: Learn about Borneo’s rainforest, Orangutan behavior, and conservation efforts.

Is Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary Family-Friendly?
- Easy trails with boardwalks and shaded paths
- Interactive displays at the visitor centre
- A great opportunity to teach kids about ethical wildlife tourism

Ethical Wildlife Tourism in Sepilok
- No touching, no selfies with animals
- The Orangutans are not trained performers; they’re wild animals in recovery
- Your visit supports real conservation—not a tourist trap
Combine Your Visit: Sun Bear Centre & Rainforest Discovery Centre
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- See the world’s smallest bear species
- Great for kids & photographers
Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
- A canopy walk through the treetops
- Birdwatching paradise (over 300 species!)
- Night walks available

Where to Stay Near Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Where to stay in Sepilok- All within 10 mins
- Sepilok Nature Resort – Lush gardens, lakeside views, premium
- Sepilok Jungle Resort – Mid-range, pool, family-friendly
- Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat – Eco-chic, rustic charm
- Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort – Budget-friendly with modern comforts
Wildlife Photography Tips in Sepilok
- Use a zoom lens (200mm+) for distance portraits
- Best light: morning golden hour (9–10 AM)
- Focus on expressions, not just full-body shots
- Patience is key—wait for interaction or a swing
Respect the rules: no flash, no touching, and no feeding.

Sepilok’s Jungle Trails & Rainforest Walks
- Giant Tree Trail – 30 mins, see massive Dipterocarp trees
- Sepilok Waterhole Trail – 1 hour, look out for deer, macaques, and hornbills
- Night Walks – With licensed guides, spot nocturnal animals like civets and tarsiers
Conservation & Orangutan Facts You Should Know
- Orangutans share 97% of their DNA with humans
- Borneo orangutan population has dropped by over 50% in the last 60 years
- Major threats include deforestation, palm oil plantations, and illegal wildlife trade
- Sepilok has rehabilitated over 700 Orangutans since its founding

Booking Tips: Tours, Tickets & Packages
Booking Channels:
- Official website
- Local tour operators
- OTAs (like Klook, Viator, GetYourGuide)
- EcoTourMalaysia.com (recommended for ethical tourism focus)
Final Thoughts: Why Sepilok Will Leave a Lasting Impact
FAQ: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The best time to visit is during the dry season from March to October, when weather conditions are ideal for jungle walks and wildlife sightings. Orangutans are most active during the scheduled feeding times at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, so plan your visit around these hours for the best experience.
The fastest way is to take a direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, which takes about 45 minutes. From Sandakan Airport, it’s a 30-minute drive to Sepilok by taxi or Grab. You can also take a long-distance bus or self-drive for a more scenic route, though this will take 6–8 hours.
No, the Orangutans in Sepilok are not kept in cages. They live freely within the surrounding protected rainforest, returning to the centre’s feeding platforms voluntarily. Sepilok is a rehabilitation facility, not a zoo, and aims to prepare orangutans for eventual release into the wild.
Direct volunteer opportunities at Sepilok are limited to trained professionals, as working with endangered wildlife requires specific skills and permits. However, travelers passionate about conservation can support by donating, adopting an orangutan through partner programs, or visiting responsibly to raise awareness.
Yes, the centre is relatively accessible. The main boardwalks and feeding platforms are built on raised, flat wooden paths, making it manageable for those with limited mobility or families with strollers. However, some areas of the surrounding forest trails may not be suitable for wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties.
Book Your Ethical Sepilok Wildlife Tour with EcoTour Malaysia
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