Sepilok is one of the best places in Sabah to experience Borneo’s wildlife and conservation efforts in a relatively short amount of time. Located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, just outside Sandakan, it is home to three important wildlife attractions: the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre has been caring for orphaned and displaced orangutans since 1964, while the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre provides care and rehabilitation for rescued sun bears. Together, they offer visitors an insight into the conservation of two of Borneo’s most iconic mammals.
Sepilok is also an excellent place to experience lowland rainforest, with trails and a canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre providing opportunities to see birds, primates and other rainforest wildlife.
Things to do in Sepilok
The main attraction is a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where visitors can observe orangutans at the feeding platforms and learn about the rehabilitation process.
Just across the entrance is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where rescued sun bears can be observed in large forest enclosures while learning about the threats facing the species and the work being done to rehabilitate them.
At the Rainforest Discovery Centre, you can explore forest trails, walk among the treetops on the canopy walkway and look for some of Sabah’s birdlife. Guided night walks are also available, offering the chance to see nocturnal rainforest species.
Where to stay?
There are several accommodation options in Sepilok and the surrounding rainforest, ranging from simple guesthouses and lodges to more comfortable jungle accommodation.
Staying overnight in Sepilok makes it easier to visit the wildlife centres without rushing and allows time for activities such as the Rainforest Discovery Centre’s night walk.
How long should you stay in Sepilok?
A 1-night stay is enough to visit the main wildlife attractions, particularly if you arrive in Sepilok the afternoon before visiting the orangutan and sun bear centres the following morning.
A 2-night stay gives you more time to explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre, join a night walk and enjoy the forest at a more relaxed pace.
Sepilok is particularly easy to combine with the Kinabatangan River, with many River Junkie itineraries visiting the sanctuaries before continuing into the rainforest for river-based wildlife watching.
Who is Sepilok recommended for?
Sepilok is ideal for families, first-time visitors to Borneo, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and anyone interested in conservation.
It is also one of the most accessible places to see some of Borneo’s iconic wildlife, making it a useful introduction to Sabah before travelling deeper into the rainforest.
For more serious wildlife enthusiasts, Sepilok works particularly well as the starting point for a longer itinerary combining the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve or Deramakot Forest Reserve and allows photographers a chance to grab some close-ups before heading into the wild.
Planning your trip to Sepilok
Unless you are very tight on time and only have 1-2 days to spare, Sepilok is usually best included as part of a wider Sabah wildlife itinerary rather than visited in isolation. A popular combination is to spend a night in Sepilok before continuing to the Kinabatangan River, where river cruises provide opportunities to see wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills and other rainforest wildlife.
It can also be combined with Turtle Island, followed by Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River, or incorporated into a longer journey from Kota Kinabalu through Kinabalu Geopark, Kinabalu Park and Poring before reaching Sandakan. River Junkie’s Sabah Highlights itinerary follows this route.
If you’re planning a wider Sabah wildlife trip, we can help you combine Sepilok with the destinations and experiences that best suit your interests, available time and budget.
