Unforgettable Full-Day Sepilok Itinerary: #1 Wildlife & Nature Experience

Orangutan seen up close in Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre during a day tour- full-day sepilok itinerary

Unforgettable Full-Day Sepilok Itinerary: #1 Wildlife & Nature Experience

Orangutan, Sun Bear, Proboscis Monkey & Rainforest Discovery Tour | Wildlife Experience in Sandakan

Introduction

Looking for the best way to see Borneo’s wildlife in just one day? Our full-day Sepilok itinerary is your answer. From orangutans and sun bears to proboscis monkeys and rainforest canopy walks, this is the ultimate day tour for nature lovers visiting Sabah.

 

Whether you're in Sandakan for a short trip, arriving on a cruise, or simply craving a close encounter with Borneo’s incredible biodiversity, this tour delivers it all—ethically, effortlessly, and in one unforgettable experience.

 

This blog will explain in detail our full-day Sepilok itinerary, offering insider tips, a stop-by-stop breakdown, and everything you need to know to enjoy a seamless and memorable wildlife experience in just one day. If you're short on time but big on nature, this is the guide you’ve been looking for.

Why Visit Sepilok for a Day?

Sepilok offers a rare opportunity to experience multiple wildlife encounters all within a single region. Located just 25 kilometers from Sandakan, it’s the ideal destination for travelers looking to maximize their time in Borneo without venturing deep into remote jungles.

 

With orangutans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys, and lush rainforest trails all clustered in one eco-rich zone, a full-day Sepilok itinerary becomes one of the most rewarding short trips you can take in Sabah.

 

This compact yet diverse wildlife haven means you don’t need a week to feel the magic of Borneo. A well-planned full-day Sepilok itinerary allows you to see endangered species, support local conservation, and immerse yourself in nature—all in just one day. Ultimately, Sepilok offers the best of Borneo in a single unforgettable package.

Who Should Join This Full-Day Sepilok Itinerary?

This full-day Sepilok itinerary is designed for a wide range of travelers. Families with young children will appreciate the educational yet accessible pace of the tour, while solo travelers and couples will enjoy the balance of structure and immersive wildlife experiences.

 

It’s also a great option for cruise travelers docking in Sandakan with limited time but a big appetite for adventure.

 

Senior travelers and those looking for low-impact eco-tourism will find the route manageable and rewarding. There are no strenuous hikes—just gentle boardwalks, shaded viewing areas, and guided exploration.

 

It doesn't matter if you’re a wildlife lover, nature photographer, or a first-time visitor to Borneo, this full-day Sepilok itinerary offers something truly unforgettable for everyone.
Family prepared for a Sepilok day tour, dressed comfortably and ready for a wildlife adventure
A full-day Sepilok tour is perfect for families—offering a fun, educational, and nature-filled adventure that everyone can enjoy together.

How Our Full-Day Sepilok Tour Supports Ethical Wildlife Tourism

One of the most important things we considered when designing this full-day Sepilok itinerary was making sure every stop contributes positively to the environment and wildlife it features.

 

We don’t believe in animal performances, photo ops with sedated creatures, or anything that puts human entertainment above animal welfare. Instead, we choose to work with sanctuaries and centres that protect and rehabilitate endangered species in ways that are transparent, science-based, and sustainable.

 

When you visit places like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, you’re supporting real conservation work. These organisations rely on visitor fees to fund food, medical care, forest maintenance, and long-term survival programs.

 

Your presence contributes to both the operational needs of the centres and their ability to continue public education efforts that help change attitudes and policies around wildlife.

 

That’s why this full-day Sepilok itinerary isn’t just about what you’ll see—it’s about what your visit enables. You’re not only learning about wildlife; you’re helping protect it. Choosing ethical travel makes a difference, and we’re proud to make it easier for you to do just that.

 

As a traveler yourself, you also can help to protect and support ethical wildlife tourism in Sepilok. Simply read our new blog, Ethical Wildlife Tourism in Sepilok: Best Tips To Be a Responsible Visitor, to learn more.

What to Pack for Your Sepilok Day Tour

To make the most of your full-day Sepilok itinerary, pack for comfort and weather flexibility. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential in Borneo’s tropical climate, and closed walking shoes will make forest trails more enjoyable. A small daypack with insect repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle will go a long way in keeping you comfortable.

 

If you’re a photography enthusiast or birdwatcher, don’t forget to bring your zoom lens or binoculars—especially for the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Even casual visitors will benefit from a basic camera to capture key moments throughout the full-day Sepilok itinerary. Being prepared means you can stay fully present in each location without distraction or discomfort.

Overview of Our Full-Day Sepilok Tour

EcoTour Malaysia’s full-day Sepilok itinerary is a carefully curated nature journey. You’ll visit four renowned wildlife centres, each offering up-close and respectful encounters. These include the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

 

Our tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sandakan, an experienced local guide, park entrance fees, and a mid-day lunch. We designed it to remove all the stress of planning while giving you maximum exposure to the region’s most iconic wildlife.

Morning: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Your full-day Sepilok itinerary begins at one of Sabah’s most iconic wildlife centres—the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

 

This first visit gives you a gentle forest walk through boardwalks and informative exhibits where you can learn about the orangutan conservation efforts underway. You might catch glimpses of young orangutans climbing in the treetops or enjoying the natural enclosure near the nursery area.

 

This early stop sets the tone for what’s to come. It introduces you to the ethical approach of the entire full-day Sepilok itinerary, showing how each destination contributes to protecting endangered species. You’ll return later in the day to watch the scheduled orangutan feeding session, so this first visit offers context, orientation, and quiet excitement.
Orangutan seen up close in Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre during a day tour- full-day sepilok itinerary
Spotting an orangutan in Sepilok is a memorable highlight of any day tour—offering a meaningful look into Borneo’s conservation efforts and the natural behavior of these incredible primates.

Mid-Morning: Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Next in your full-day Sepilok itinerary is a journey to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, located within a privately protected mangrove forest zone.
 
It’s here you’ll come face-to-face with Borneo’s most unique primates: the comical-looking proboscis monkeys. Known for their big bellies, long noses, and quirky personalities, they emerge from the forest in large troops during feeding times, offering spectacular up-close photo opportunities.
 
This sanctuary is a hidden gem that adds diversity and color to your full-day Sepilok itinerary. Watching proboscis monkeys leap between trees and jostle playfully during feedings gives you insight into their fascinating behaviors and social structures. With a bit of luck, you may also spot silver langurs or monitor lizards roaming nearby, adding to the richness of this stop.
Proboscis monkey at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Sabah
A proboscis monkey enjoys its meal on an elevated wooden platform at Labuk Bay Sanctuary—designed to let visitors observe these rare primates responsibly while minimizing human impact.

Lunch Break – Sepilok Jungle Resort

Following the morning’s wildlife excitement, your full-day Sepilok itinerary pauses for a delicious and peaceful lunch at Sepilok Jungle Resort.
 
Nestled amidst tropical gardens, the setting is serene, offering a perfect backdrop to relax and reflect. The food is simple, fresh, and local—with options that cater to vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets alike.
 
This break is more than just a meal, it’s a breather between two major halves of your full-day Sepilok itinerary. You’ll enjoy the sounds of the forest around you, perhaps even spotting birds or butterflies nearby. It’s the ideal moment to refresh before diving into the next round of wildlife experiences.
 
Fun-Fact: Sepilok Jungle Resort is one of the best eco and family-friendly accommodations in Sepilok. To learn more, don't miss: Where to Stay in Sepilok: Best & Cozy Lodges, Resorts & Budget Accommodations
Cozy interior of Sepilok Jungle Resort Restaurant, a popular lunch spot during Sepilok tour
With its relaxed jungle ambiance and convenient location, the Sepilok Jungle Resort Restaurant is a perfect lunch stop during your Sepilok day tour—offering local flavors in a nature-inspired setting. (Photo by: Luca)

Early Afternoon: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

After lunch, your full-day Sepilok itinerary continues just next door at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
 
This centre is home to the world’s smallest and rarest bear species, often rescued from captivity or illegal wildlife trade. Elevated boardwalks offer views into spacious forest enclosures where the bears forage, climb, and rest naturally.
 
This visit is both heartwarming and educational. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by sun bears and how responsible tourism helps fund their rehabilitation. It’s another meaningful piece of your full-day Sepilok itinerary, where awareness and wildlife protection go hand in hand.
Sun bear walking in its naturalistic enclosure at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok, Sabah
At the Sepilok Sun Bear Centre, rescued sun bears roam safely in a natural environment—offering visitors a rare chance to witness their behavior while supporting meaningful conservation work.

Mid-Afternoon: Sepilok Orangutan Feeding Time

You’ll now return to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to catch the highlight of the day—the scheduled feeding session. This is when orangutans from the surrounding forest return to the feeding platform for their midday meal. Watching these semi-wild orangutans emerge from the jungle is an emotional, awe-inspiring experience and often the highlight of the entire tour.
 
As part of your full-day Sepilok itinerary, this second visit adds depth and closure to your earlier walk through the centre. It allows you to reflect on the orangutans’ journey—from rescue to release—while witnessing their continued freedom in a protected yet wild environment.
Orangutan feeding on a platform at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre during scheduled feeding time
Feeding time draws orangutans back to the sanctuary from the surrounding forest—an important step in their gradual return to the wild, and a moving part of the rehabilitation journey. (Photo by: Haruku Kuro)

Late Afternoon: Rainforest Discovery Centre

The final destination on your full-day Sepilok itinerary is the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)—a quiet, majestic way to end your journey.

 

You’ll walk the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the rainforest floor, giving you a new perspective on Borneo’s lush jungle. It’s also a prime spot for birdwatching, especially as the sun begins to set and the forest comes alive with sound.

 

The RDC offers a gentle yet immersive close to the full-day Sepilok itinerary, with tranquil trails, botanical gardens, and educational displays that highlight the importance of forest ecology. It’s the perfect setting to wind down, take a breath, and let your experiences from the day settle into memory.
A long steel canopy walkway stretching through the treetops at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok, offering panoramic views of the Bornean rainforest.
Walk among the treetops—RDC's canopy walkway offers breathtaking views of Sabah’s rainforest and a chance to spot rare wildlife from above. (Photo by: Andy Loeber)

Full-Day Sepilok Itinerary

Full Day Sepilok Orangutan Sun Bear Labuk Bay RDC Tour
Full Day Sepilok Orangutan, Sun Bear, Proboscis Monkey & Rainforest Discovery Tour | Wildlife Experience in Sandakan
4.67(3 reviews)
8 - 9 hours
Free Cancellation
from RM1,125.00
Book now

1

Departure: 8:30 AM – Hotel or Airport Pickup

  • Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Sandakan, Sepilok, or directly from Sandakan Airport. A friendly guide will greet you and brief you on the day’s wildlife-rich adventure ahead.

9:00 AM – Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

  • Your first stop is one of Borneo’s most celebrated conservation sites—the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Witness young orangutans in the outdoor nursery, learning to climb, forage, and play under expert care.

    You’ll also view a short, informative documentary in the visitor hall that outlines the incredible rescue and rehabilitation work being done here.

10:30 AM – Scenic Drive to Labuk Bay

  • Hop back into the vehicle for a 30-minute scenic drive through lush rainforest landscapes as you head toward your next wildlife encounter.

11:00 AM – Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

  • Get up close with the peculiar and beloved Proboscis monkeys, known for their large noses and potbellies. This privately owned sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to observe these endemic primates during feeding sessions, as they swing through mangroves and interact in family groups.

12:30 PM – Lunch at Sepilok Jungle Resort

  • Refuel with a relaxing lunch at Sepilok Jungle Resort, nestled in a tranquil rainforest setting. Enjoy a mix of local Malaysian dishes and Western comfort food surrounded by nature's sights and sounds.

1:30 PM – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)

  • Next, visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear species. Stroll along elevated boardwalks as you observe these rescued bears climb trees, forage for food, or nap in hammocks. Learn about their conservation story and the threats they face from habitat loss and poaching.

2:30 PM – Orangutan Afternoon Feeding Session

  • Return to the Sepilok Orangutan Centre for the 3:00 PM feeding session, when semi-wild orangutans descend from the forest for supplementary fruit offerings. This is a great time for photos and offers another chance to see different individuals in action.

3:00 PM – Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) & Canopy Walk

  • Your final stop is the Rainforest Discovery Centre, a hidden gem for nature lovers. Walk among the treetops on the Canopy Walkway, explore the botanical gardens, and spot colorful birds like hornbills or kingfishers from the birding towers. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of flying squirrels or monkeys in the distance.

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Final Thoughts: Nature, Wildlife & A Day to Remember

In just one day, you’ll witness some of the world’s rarest and most fascinating animals, learn about conservation efforts on the front lines, and walk through pristine rainforest canopies. This full-day Sepilok itinerary isn’t just a sightseeing trip—it’s a connection to something wild, real, and unforgettable.
 
And when you're ready to go deeper into your journey, don’t miss our companion guide: The Ultimate Sepilok Travel Guide 2025. It’s the perfect next step for travelers seeking more eco-adventures in Borneo.

FAQs About Our Full-Day Sepilok Itinerary

The tour typically starts around 8:00 AM with pickup in Sandakan and ends around 4:00 PM after the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Why Book With EcoTour Malaysia?

At EcoTour Malaysia, we know that travel isn’t just about ticking off places on a list, it’s about how a place makes you feel, what it teaches you, and the moments that stay with you long after the journey ends. That’s why every full-day Sepilok itinerary we offer is designed with heart, not just logistics.
 
From the way we plan your route to the local guides we work with, everything is shaped by a simple intention: to help you experience Sabah’s wildlife and nature respectfully, comfortably, and meaningfully. We’re here to make things easy for you, but more than that, we’re here to make it matter.
 
When you travel with us, you're not just joining a tour, you’re stepping into a story that supports conservation, empowers communities, and leaves space for quiet wonder.
 
If that sounds like your kind of travel, we’d be honored to have you with us. Explore our full-day Sepilok Tour (or perhaps our other eco-tours too). Alternatively, you can contact us via our page for personalized assistance.
Wildlife & Eco-Tours You Have to Check:
Half Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Tour
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Eco Tours Malaysia
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