Half Day Sepilok Orangutan & Sun Bear Tour | Sandakan Wildlife Experience

(23 customer reviews)
  • Sandakan
  • 192 booked
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Language: English

Overview

Experience the Best of Borneo with Our Half Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Tour

Looking for an authentic wildlife experience in Borneo? Our Half Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Tour in Sandakan is a must-visit for nature lovers, families, and eco-travelers alike. This tour gives you a rare opportunity to see Borneo’s most iconic species—the orangutan and the sun bear—up close in their natural habitat.

The Half Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Tour combines education, conservation, and convenience. You’ll explore the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned orangutans are taught survival skills before being reintroduced to the wild. Just next door, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre protects the smallest bear species in the world, known for its shy nature and sunburst chest mark.

You’ll first visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to watch rescued orangutans in their natural habitat, especially during feeding times.

Next, you’ll explore the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see the world’s smallest bears in a safe environment.

  • Convenient hotel pickup from Sandakan city or Sepilok area hotels
  • Visit the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
    – Witness orangutans during feeding time and explore the Outdoor Nursery
    – Optional nature video screening and access to the exhibition hall
  • Explore the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
    – Home to the smallest bear species in the world, rescued and rehabilitated
    – Observe these gentle forest dwellers in a semi-wild environment
  • Immersive rainforest walk between both sanctuaries through lush greenery
  • Morning and afternoon departure options are available to suit your schedule
  • Photography-friendly experience (no flash, please!)
  • Perfect for eco-lovers, families, and responsible wildlife enthusiasts

 


 

What’s Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (Sandakan city or Sepilok area)
  • English-speaking nature guide
  • Conservation Entrance Fees
  • Guided visit to outdoor nursery and feeding platform
  • Leisure rainforest walk between both centres
  • Choice of morning or afternoon departure

 


 

What to Wear

  • Comfortable cotton t-shirt (long or short sleeves)
  • Good walking shoes and socks

 


 

What to Bring (Recommended)

  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Cap or hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun cream or sunscreen
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Camera (no flash)
  • Personal medications

 


 

Important Notes

  • Wear light, breathable clothing suitable for hot and humid weather
  • Bring your own water to stay hydrated throughout the trip
  • Keep a respectful distance from the animals; remain quiet to avoid disturbing them
  • Flash photography is not allowed
  • Schedule your visit around orangutan feeding times (typically mid-morning)
  • Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
  • Avoid bringing food — it may attract animals

 


 

Additional Information

  • Tour Duration:
    Approximately 3–4 hours

  • Getting There:
    Sepilok is located about 25 km from Sandakan town. Transportation is included.

  • Best Time to Visit:
    Morning tours offer better chances of seeing orangutans during feeding times and cooler temperatures

  • Facilities:
    Both centres offer restrooms, shaded seating, and a small café with refreshments

 


 

Cancellation Policy

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts
    You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.

  • No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour
    Cancellations submitted within 24 hours of the tour start time are non-refundable.

  • Changes are not accepted within 24 hours of the tour start time
    Requests to reschedule or modify bookings will not be accommodated if made less than 24 hours before departure.

  • Weather-related cancellations
    In the event of adverse weather conditions, you will be offered the option to reschedule to a different date or receive a full refund.

  • Minimum group size requirement
    This tour requires a minimum number of participants. If the minimum is not met, you will be notified in advance and offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What To Expect

1

Morning Session

08:30 AM – Pick up from Sandakan city hotel, Or
09:00 AM – Pick up from Sepilok Jungle Resort

  • Arrive at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

  • Registration & walk to the Outdoor Nursery

  • Watch young orangutans develop survival skills

  • Proceed to the Feeding Platform to witness feeding

  • Optional: visit Exhibition Hall and Education Centre

10:30 AM – Walk to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

  • Observe the smallest bear species in their forested habitat

  • Learn about ongoing conservation efforts

11:30 AM – Return transfer
12:00 PM – Drop-off at respective hotel (city or Sepilok)

2

Afternoon Session

01:30 PM – Pick up from Sandakan city hotel, Or
02:00 PM – Pick up from Sepilok Jungle Resort

02:15 PM – Arrival at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

  • Begin with Outdoor Nursery and orangutan feeding session

  • Explore exhibition areas (if time allows)

03:45 PM – Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

  • Short educational walk-through and bear viewing

04:30 PM – Depart Sepilok
05:00 PM – Drop-off at Sandakan city or Sepilok hotel

Map

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off are provided from both Sandakan city hotels and Sepilok Jungle Resort. You’ll be prompted to enter your pickup location during booking.

  • The tour is available in two sessions: Morning Pickup: 8:30 AM (Sandakan), 9:00 AM (Sepilok) Afternoon Pickup: 1:30 PM (Sandakan), 2:00 PM (Sepilok) The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours including transfers.

  • Yes, all entrance fees to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre are included in the price.

  • Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour begins. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

  • Absolutely. This is a family-friendly and low-impact tour, perfect for all ages. Walking paths are shaded and well-maintained.

  • Yes! The tour is scheduled around orangutan feeding times, offering high chances of seeing them at the Outdoor Nursery and Feeding Platform.

Review

4.65/5
23 Reviews
5 stars
15
4 stars
8
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
  1. Heartwarming and Inspiring

    Rachel N. (United States)

    Watching rescued orangutans swing through the trees was such an emotional moment. The sun bears were adorable too. You can really feel the care put into their rehabilitation

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  2. Educational and Well Managed

    Zaid H. (Malaysia)

    The guides gave clear explanations about the animals and their conservation journey. Great for families or anyone curious about Borneo’s wildlife.

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  3. Amazing Morning at Two Sanctuaries

    Victoria S. (Australia)

    Both places were peaceful and easy to explore. We saw a baby orangutan playing and a sun bear napping in a tree. Beautiful experience!

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  4. Best Short Tour

    Faizal. (Singapore)

    You don’t need a whole day to fall in love with these animals. Highly organized and efficient. Great for cruise passengers too!

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  5. Great for Families with Kids

    Marina. (United Kingdom)

    The walking paths were easy, and my 8-year-old daughter was fascinated the whole time. Definitely a kid-friendly outing.

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  6. The Real Borneo Wildlife Experience

    Diego V. (Spain)

    Seeing orangutans up close felt surreal. These animals are treated with such respect. A must-do if you’re visiting Sandakan.

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  7. Two Sanctuaries, One Powerful Tour

    Elina K. (Estonia)

    You see the playful side of orangutans and the shy, curious nature of sun bears. It’s both fun and meaningful.

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  8. A Lesson in Wildlife Rescue

    Kamal (Malaysia)

    Loved learning how these animals were rescued and how they’re being prepared for the wild. Kudos to the team at both centers!

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  9. Clean, Quiet, and Emotional

    Jennie (Canada)

    This was not a zoo. It was a place of healing and recovery. The signage and staff really emphasize conservation.

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  10. Beautiful Facilities in the Jungle

    Miguel F. (Argentina)

    The centers are surrounded by forest. Everything blends in naturally and feels respectful to the animals.

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  11. Fantastic Half-Day Experience

    Aisha. (Brunei)

    Not too long, not too short. Just right. I was impressed with the accessibility and staff knowledge.

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  12. A Photographer’s Dream

    Jonas (Germany)

    I got some incredible photos of orangutans swinging and bears climbing. Bring a zoom lens and a quiet shutter

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  13. Orangutans Were the Highlight

    Sofia (Italy)

    Watching a mother orangutan with her baby made me tear up. Truly unforgettable. The staff really cares about their animals.

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  14. Great Intro to Sabah’s Wildlife

    Hiroshi Y. (Japan)

    I did this on my first day in Sandakan. A great introduction to the native species and how they’re being protected.

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  15. Thoughtful and Ethical Tour

    Alina V. (Russia)

    Everything felt respectful and non-invasive. The animals weren’t forced to perform, and the forest setting was beautiful.

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  16. Surprisingly Emotional

    Tom (New Zealand)

    I wasn’t expecting to be so moved by this tour. The stories behind each rescue are powerful. Bring tissues!

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  17. My Favorite Stop in Sabah

    Clara (Switzerland)

    I did jungle trekking, island hopping, and river cruises — but this was my favorite. So calm, informative, and inspiring.

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  18. Perfect for Short Schedules

    Raymond (Philippines)

    I had a free morning before my flight and squeezed in this tour. Easy transport, fast entry, and still a meaningful experience.

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  19. Orangutans Are Just Amazing

    Lili M. (France)

    You can really feel how smart and gentle these creatures are. I could’ve watched them for hours!

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  20. Peaceful Morning Surrounded by Nature

    Omar H. (UAE)

    The entire walk was shaded and quiet. We didn’t feel rushed and had time to enjoy the forest and animals.

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  21. Perfect Combo of Two Icons

    Afiq (Malaysia)

    Sun bears and orangutans in one tour! Couldn’t ask for more. They both deserve more attention and support.

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  22. Simple Yet So Powerful

    Evelyn (South Africa)

    Nothing fancy, no gimmicks. Just a well-run sanctuary doing good work. I’m glad we booked this.

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  23. Would Do It Again in a Heartbeat

    Steven (UK)

    If I return to Borneo, I’ll go again — that’s how good it was. The orangutans stole my heart.

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From Original price was: RM448.00.Current price is: RM403.00.

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Session

Morning

Afternoon

Children  × RM247.00
 Adult  × RM403.00
Total = RM806.00

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    From Original price was: RM448.00.Current price is: RM403.00.

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