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faq.title
faq.subtitle Sepilok
Sepilok is 25 km from Sandakan. The nearest airport is Sandakan (SDK) with flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. From the airport, take a taxi (RM 40-80, 20-30 minutes). Buses from Kota Kinabalu take 7-8 hours (RM 43). Most accommodations offer airport pickup.
Citizens of most countries can enter Malaysia visa-free for 30-90 days depending on nationality. EU, US, UK, Australian, and many Asian passport holders get 90 days. Check requirements for your country before travel.
Sepilok is generally safe. It is a quiet rural area dedicated to ecotourism. Some countries issue advisories for eastern Sabah due to historical maritime risks, but mainland Sepilok is considered safe. Avoid unlicensed nighttime sea travel. Regular security patrols operate in the region.
The best time is March to October (dry season). Weather is hot and humid year-round (28-31°C). The wet season from November to February brings heavier rainfall. Always carry an umbrella as rain is possible any time. Wildlife viewing is good year-round.
Entry is RM 30 for foreigners (RM 15 children) and RM 5 for Malaysians. Camera fee is RM 10. Nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre costs RM 50. Rainforest Discovery Centre is RM 15. Tickets are only available at the gate — no online booking.
There are no ATMs or banks in Sepilok. The nearest ATMs are in Sandakan (25 km away). Bring enough cash for your stay. Major resorts accept credit cards, but small shops and eateries are cash only.
Wear light, breathable clothing with long sleeves to protect from insects. Comfortable closed-toe shoes for jungle walks. Bring a light rain jacket and insect repellent. Avoid strong perfumes as they attract insects. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
Two to three days is ideal. One day for the Orangutan Centre and Sun Bear Centre. Another day for Rainforest Discovery Centre and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. Many travelers also combine with a Kinabatangan River trip.
The centre houses about 100 semi-wild orangutans in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve (43 sq km). Best viewing is during feeding times at 10am and 3pm when they come to the feeding platform. Sightings cannot be guaranteed as they roam freely. The Kinabatangan River area also offers wild orangutan encounters.
Sun Bear Conservation Centre (minutes walk). Rainforest Discovery Centre with canopy walkways. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary (30 min drive). Historic Sandakan city (25 km). Kinabatangan River for wildlife safaris (2 hours). Turtle Islands Park. Gomantong Caves.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Sepilok
Bring enough cash — there are no ATMs in Sepilok. The nearest banks are in Sandakan, 25 km away.
Book flights to Sandakan early — seats sell out fast during peak wildlife season (March-August).
Arrive before 10am for the first orangutan feeding. The second feeding is at 3pm. Morning sessions tend to attract more orangutans.
Wear long sleeves and apply insect repellent. Mosquitoes are dense in the rainforest, especially early morning and evening. Consider bringing DEET-based repellent.
Do not touch or feed orangutans. Keep a safe distance. Flash photography is prohibited. Follow the boardwalk trails and listen to ranger instructions.
Combine Sepilok with a Kinabatangan River trip to see pygmy elephants, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills. Tours typically last 2-3 days.
Use the Grab app for rides from Sandakan. Most accommodations offer airport pickup. Local bus 14 runs hourly from Sandakan (9am-2pm), last return bus at 4pm.
Camera fee is RM 10 at the Orangutan Centre. Pay cash at the gate only. No online booking available. Centre opens 9am-4pm daily including holidays.
Bring a light rain jacket year-round. Rain is possible even in dry season. Boardwalks can get slippery. Waterproof your camera and phone.
Alcohol is expensive in Malaysia due to high taxes. A beer costs RM 15-23. Buy from shops rather than restaurants to save money. Sepilok resorts may have limited alcohol selection.
Reviews
Weather
Average temperature by month
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location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
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location.transport.bus
3 RM~0.77 $
Bus 14 from Sandakan to Sepilok runs roughly hourly 9am-2pm. Last return bus at 4pm. Cost RM 3. Tell the driver you want Sepilok junction. Long-distance buses from Kota Kinabalu take 7-8 hours (RM 43, departures at 8am, 10am, 2pm).
location.transport.taxi
40 RM~10.3 $
Grab
Taxi from Sandakan Airport to Sepilok costs RM 40-80 (20-30 min). Use the Grab app or ask your hotel to arrange transfer. Prices are relatively fixed — no meter. Within Sepilok most attractions are walkable.
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.bus | 3 RM ~0.77 $ | — | Bus 14 from Sandakan to Sepilok runs roughly hourly 9am-2pm. Last return bus at 4pm. Cost RM 3. Tell the driver you want Sepilok junction. Long-distance buses from Kota Kinabalu take 7-8 hours (RM 43, departures at 8am, 10am, 2pm). |
location.transport.taxi | 40 RM ~10.3 $ | Grab | Taxi from Sandakan Airport to Sepilok costs RM 40-80 (20-30 min). Use the Grab app or ask your hotel to arrange transfer. Prices are relatively fixed — no meter. Within Sepilok most attractions are walkable. |
Daily Budget
Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Lunch
12 - 20 RM
~16.0 $
Restaurant dinner
80 - 120 RM
~100 $
Breakfast
10 - 15 RM
~12.5 $
Street Food
Local dish
6 - 10 RM
~8.0 $
Drinks
Coffee
7 - 9 RM
~8.0 $
Beer in bar
18 - 23 RM
~20.5 $
Local beer
13 - 15 RM
~14.0 $
Imported beer
18 - 22 RM
~20.0 $
Wine bottle
50 - 80 RM
~65.0 $
Fast Food
Big Mac
13 - 15 RM
~14.0 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
2 - 3 RM
~2.5 $
Cigarettes
18 - 25 RM
~21.5 $
Weekly groceries
180 - 250 RM
~215 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
45 - 55 RM / night
~50.0 $
Hostel private room
80 - 120 RM / night
~100 $
Guesthouse
120 - 180 RM / night
~150 $
Hotel 2★
100 - 150 RM / night
~125 $
Hotel 3★
200 - 300 RM / night
~250 $
Hotel 4★
350 - 500 RM / night
~425 $
Hotel 5★
600 - 900 RM / night
~750 $
Boutique hotel
400 - 600 RM / night
~500 $
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercard
location.payment.contactless_available
location.payment.atms
rare
location.payment.mobile_payments
GrabPayTouch n GoBoost
location.payment.cash
Cash is essential in Sepilok — no ATMs available. Major resorts accept cards. Withdraw enough in Sandakan before arriving. Small shops and eateries are cash only.
location.payment.currency_exchange
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Currency exchange available in Sandakan. No exchange services in Sepilok. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees for best rates at ATMs.
location.payment.tipping
0%
Tipping is not customary in Malaysia. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge. No additional tip expected. Rounding up the bill is appreciated but not required.
