A first-timer's guide
Visiting Sepilok: the feedings, the wildlife and how to plan
Timing the feedings, pairing the sun bears and Labuk Bay, and how to reach it — here's how to plan a Sepilok day.
See Sepilok tours on Viator ↗Choosing your Sepilok tour
| Half-day (Sepilok + Sun Bear) | Full-day wildlife | |
|---|---|---|
| Includes | Usually transport, entrance, guide, a feeding | Adds Rainforest Discovery and/or Labuk Bay, often lunch |
| Best for | Seeing the orangutans, in focus | The fullest Bornean wildlife day |
| Base | Usually from Sandakan | Sandakan, or a long day from Kota Kinabalu |
| Timing | Built around one feeding | Often both feedings plus other centres |
| Flexibility | Free cancellation on most Viator options | Free cancellation on most Viator options |
Why Sepilok is special
It's a rehabilitation centre, not a zoo — orphaned and rescued orangutans learning the forest again and free to come and go from the reserve around it. Opened in 1964 as the first of its kind, it offers one of the most moving and accessible encounters with an endangered great ape anywhere, in a corner of Bornean rainforest that also shelters sun bears and proboscis monkeys.
The practicalities
Sepilok is near Sandakan in Sabah, a short flight from Kota Kinabalu. The visit revolves around the twice-daily feedings, so timing matters — which is why most people go on a guided tour that gets them there for a feeding and folds in the neighbouring wildlife centres.
Make it a full wildlife day
Because Sepilok, the sun bear centre, the Rainforest Discovery Centre and Labuk Bay are all close, the best-value trips combine several. Decide whether you want a focused half-day on the orangutans or a full day across the wildlife of the area, then choose a tour to match.
Come prepared, and respect the animals
Wear something you don't mind getting damp, stash your bag in a locker, and stay well back — this is a rehabilitation site for wild animals, not a zoo. Time your visit around a feeding window, and on most options you're not locked in: cancel free up to a day out if your Borneo itinerary shifts.