Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Relaxing yet educational, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre promises a unique experience.
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located in a rainforest, providing refuge to displaced orangutans. Visitors can get up close and personal with the habituated orangutans by walking around on the boardwalk or viewing platform.
Location
Sepilok is about 23 kilometres from the nearest town of Sandakan and 17 kilometres from the Sandakan Airport.
Opening Days and Hours
The ticketing counter is open daily from 09:00 to 11:00, and 14:00 to 15:30.
Entry Fee and Bookings
- Adults: Locals: RM 5 (USD 1.22); Foreigners: RM 30 (USD 7.30)
- Children (below 18 years old): Locals: RM 2 (USD 0.49); Foreigners RM 15 (USD 3.65)
How to Get There
The Centre is accessible by road with a 45-minute ride from Sandakan or a 30-minute ride from the airport. Taxis and public buses are available from Sandakan Centre but you can only take private taxis from the airport. However, the bus does not stop directly at the Centre so you will have to walk or take a taxi to cover the 1.5 kilometres to reach it. A parking area is available in the Centre.
Suggested For
The centre is suitable for people of all ages interested in wildlife and rainforests. The boardwalks provide easy access around the Centre and are great for exploring the rainforest.
Time to Spend
1 to 3 hours will be sufficient to watch the orangutans and explore the section of the centre that is open to tourists.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit is during one of the two daily feeding times at 10:00 and 15:00, so that you are almost guaranteed to see at least one orangutan.
Food
Food is not allowed inside the centre but there is a small cafe at the entrance that serves local food. Chinese food is served at the Banana Cafe in Sepilok Jungle Resort about 5 minutes walk away. If you are looking for something more luxurious, the restaurant at the Sepilok Nature Resort serves both local and Western cuisines. It is located only a 2-minute walk away, and serves beer and cocktails.
Safety and Fraud
Do not stare into the eyes of the orangutans as this can be taken as a sign of aggression. Since the orangutans are wild and roam freely at the centre, you should stay a safe distance away from them.
Nearby Attractions
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Rainforest Discovery Centre
Stay
There are a few accommodations in Sepilok located within walking distance of the centre. You can choose to stay at a hostel, bed and breakfast, mid-range eco-resort, or a more high-end forest resort. There are no 5-star hotels near the area.
Good to Know
The centre charges an additional RM 10 (USD 2.43) for each camera that you bring into the sanctuary. Bags are not allowed to be brought in but a locker is provided to store your belongings free of charge.
