The world's first orangutan rehabilitation centre, established in 1964. Located in the 43 sq km Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve in Borneo. Orphaned and confiscated orangutans are taught survival skills before release into the wild. Daily feedings at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM offer the best chance to see these amazing primates. Also visit the outdoor nursery with young orangutans and the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Camera +10 MYR (lens 400mm+ = 1000 MYR). Smartphones free. Ticket valid all day. Cash only, no cards. Online purchase not available.
March-October (dry season) — best conditions for sightings. Orangutans dislike rain and hide deeper in the forest during bad weather. Arrive 20-30 minutes before feeding (10:00 AM or 3:00 PM) for a good spot. Morning feeding more crowded (tour groups), afternoon quieter.
25 km from Sandakan (25-30 min drive). From Sandakan Airport: taxi 50 MYR or Grab 25-30 MYR. Bus #14 from terminal near Gentingmas Mall: departures 9:00, 11:30, 14:00, 17:00, fare 4 MYR, 45 min ride. From Kota Kinabalu: domestic flight to Sandakan (45 min) or bus (6 hours).
Wooden boardwalks through tropical rainforest to feeding platforms. During feedings, orangutans descend from trees for fruits and milk. Outdoor nursery with young orangutans behind glass. Information centre with video about the centre. Possible wild orangutan encounters on trails. Animal appearances not guaranteed — they live free in the reserve.
Feeding platform when orangutans descend. Nursery — young orangutans playing on climbing frames. Trails — chance to encounter wild orangutans in natural habitat.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah. Feeding sessions at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - best time to visit. Located in Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Can also visit adjacent Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Rainforest Discovery Centre nearby.
faq.subtitle Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
No. Orangutans live freely in the reserve and come to feedings voluntarily. During fruiting season they may not appear as there's plenty of food in the forest. Usually 2-8 individuals come to feedings.
Absolutely not. Physical contact is forbidden to protect animals from human diseases. Orangutans can catch human infections. Keep at least 5 meters distance.
Yes, definitely! It's a 5-minute walk away. Entry 35 MYR. You can see rare sun bears — the world's smallest bears. Combine both centres in one day.
Useful tips for visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
DO NOT use insect repellent inside the centre — it's toxic to orangutans. Apply before entering and store the container.
Come to afternoon feeding (3:00 PM) instead of morning — fewer tour groups and more peaceful.
Combine with Sun Bear Conservation Centre (5 min walk, 35 MYR) and Rainforest Discovery Centre (canopy walkways).
Cash only payment. No ATMs in Sepilok — withdraw money in Sandakan beforehand.
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