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 | 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 Viator | Free cancellation on Viator |
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
Dress for hot, wet rainforest, use the lockers, and keep your distance — these are wild and endangered animals. Book around a feeding, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before means you can lock in a date now and adjust as your Borneo plans firm up.
Still deciding which tour, or which day?
Leave your email and roughly when you're travelling — we'll send a short rundown of how the Sepilok tours compare, what's included, and how to time your visit around the feedings.