The Sandakan Orangutan Centre, officially known as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC), is one of Sabah’s most iconic wildlife attractions. Located just 25 km from Sandakan town, this sanctuary plays a crucial role in orangutan conservation and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Borneo. For tourists seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience, the Sandakan Orangutan Centre offers a rare opportunity to see semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting the Sandakan Orangutan Centre, including ticket prices, opening hours, best times to visit, how to get there, car rental options, conservation stories, and insider travel tips.
Why Visit Sandakan Orangutan Centre?
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1964, making it one of the world’s oldest and most respected orangutan sanctuaries. Its primary mission is to rehabilitate orphaned, injured, or displaced orangutans and reintroduce them into the wild.
Highlights of Visiting the Centre:
- Witness orangutans during feeding sessions at the outdoor platform.
- Learn about conservation efforts through the visitor center and exhibitions.
- Experience close encounters with one of the world’s most intelligent primates.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
This makes the Sandakan Orangutan Centre not just a tourist attraction but also an educational experience about wildlife preservation in Sabah.
Location and How to Get There
The Sandakan Orangutan Centre is located about 25 km west of Sandakan town, in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve.
Getting to the Centre:
- From Sandakan Town:
- Taxi or Grab: ~45 minutes drive.
- Minibus/van services available near Sandakan town center.
- From Kota Kinabalu:
- Flight to Sandakan Airport (~45 mins) + taxi to the centre.
- Bus from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (6–7 hours), then taxi.
Tip: Flights are the fastest and most convenient way to reach Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu.
Car Rental in Sandakan
For travelers who prefer flexibility, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Sepilok and its surrounding attractions.
Benefits of Car Rental:
- Convenient for families and groups.
- Flexibility to explore multiple attractions in one day.
- Easy access to eco-lodges and resorts outside Sandakan town.
Car Rental Options:
- Sandakan Airport – Several international and local companies operate here.
- Sandakan Town – Local agencies offer affordable daily rental packages.
Estimated Costs:
- Small car: RM120–RM150 per day
- SUV/4WD: RM200–RM300 per day
Tip: Book your car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Driving in Sandakan is relatively easy, with clear signboards leading to Sepilok.
Best Time to Visit Sandakan Orangutan Centre
The centre is open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Feeding Times (Most Popular):
- 10:00 AM
- 3:00 PM
During these hours, orangutans often come down to the feeding platforms, giving visitors the best chance to observe them.
Travel Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot for photography and avoid crowds.
Tickets and Entrance Fees
- Adults (Non-Malaysian): RM30
- Children (Non-Malaysian): RM15
- Malaysians: RM5 (adults), RM2 (children)
- Camera Fee: RM10 (applies to all visitors)
Prices may vary, so check the official site before visiting.
What to Expect During Your Visit
The Experience:
- Start at the Visitor Centre for background information.
- Follow the boardwalk through lush rainforest to the feeding platforms.
- Watch orangutans swinging from trees, sometimes with babies in tow.
- Explore nearby nature trails to see more wildlife, such as macaques and tropical birds.
Wildlife Encounters:
Besides orangutans, you may also spot:
- Long-tailed macaques
- Flying squirrels
- Rhinoceros hornbills
- Various butterfly species
Insider Tips for Visiting Sandakan Orangutan Centre
- Visit Both Feeding Times – Morning and afternoon sessions often attract different orangutans.
- Bring Binoculars – Wildlife may appear high in the canopy.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing – Lightweight, breathable clothes are best in Sabah’s humid climate.
- Protect Against Mosquitoes – Apply repellent before entering.
- Respect Wildlife – Do not feed or touch the orangutans.
Where to Stay Near Sandakan Orangutan Centre
There are accommodations ranging from budget lodges to eco-resorts within walking distance of the centre.
Recommended Options:
- Sepilok Nature Resort – Popular mid-range option surrounded by rainforest.
- Sepilok Jungle Resort – Budget-friendly and close to the centre.
- Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort – Great for families and groups.
For more luxury, stay in Sandakan town where boutique hotels and seaside resorts are available.
Other Attractions Near Sandakan Orangutan Centre
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre – Just next door, home to the world’s smallest bear species.
- Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) – Features canopy walkways and bird-watching towers.
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary – About 1-hour drive from Sepilok, famous for proboscis monkeys.
- Sandakan Memorial Park – Historical site dedicated to WWII events.
Combining these attractions makes Sandakan a perfect eco-tourism destination.
Travel Itinerary Suggestion (2 Days in Sepilok)
Day 1: Arrival in Sandakan → Pick up rental car → Check-in at Sepilok → Afternoon orangutan feeding → Visit Sun Bear Centre → Sunset dinner.
Day 2: Morning orangutan feeding → Drive to Rainforest Discovery Centre → Visit Labuk Bay → Return to Sandakan.
Conservation and Responsible Tourism
Visiting the Sandakan Orangutan Centre helps support ongoing conservation projects. However, tourists are encouraged to practice responsible travel:
- Avoid littering and keep noise levels low.
- Do not touch or disturb the animals.
- Support eco-friendly tours and accommodations.
By following these practices, you contribute positively to orangutan rehabilitation and the protection of Sabah’s biodiversity.
Orangutans in Borneo: A Deeper Look
Borneo is home to the largest population of orangutans in the world, but these majestic creatures are critically endangered. Habitat loss due to logging, agriculture, and palm oil plantations continues to threaten their survival.
At Sepilok, orangutans are given a second chance. Many of the individuals seen at the Sandakan Orangutan Centre are orphans rescued from illegal pet trade or from deforested areas. The rehabilitation process can take years, teaching young orangutans how to climb, forage, and socialize so that they can survive in the wild.
Tourists visiting the centre are not just spectators but active contributors to this cause. Every ticket purchased goes directly into supporting these efforts and ensuring that future generations of orangutans can thrive in the forests of Sabah.
Local Food and Dining Near Sepilok
After a day of wildlife exploration, travelers can enjoy authentic Sabah cuisine near the Sandakan Orangutan Centre. Local eateries and eco-lodges often serve:
- Hinava (a Kadazandusun raw fish salad with lime and ginger)
- Sabah vegetable dishes like bambangan (wild mango) and sayur manis (leafy greens)
- Fresh seafood from Sandakan, known as the seafood capital of Sabah
For international travelers, most resorts also provide Western meals, making it convenient for all types of visitors.
How to Plan Your Trip to Sandakan Orangutan Centre
When planning your visit, consider the following:
- Duration: Spend at least half a day at the centre. For a richer experience, stay overnight nearby.
- Budget: Average cost for a day trip, including entrance fees, meals, and transport, is around RM150–250 per person (excluding car rental).
- Best Season: March to October (dry season) provides clearer skies and easier trekking, but the centre is open year-round.
- Family-Friendly: The centre is suitable for children, but strollers may not be ideal due to boardwalks.
Conclusion
The Sandakan Orangutan Centre is more than just a tourist spot – it’s a vital sanctuary protecting endangered orangutans and educating the world about wildlife conservation. With the added convenience of car rental in Sandakan, visitors can explore Sepilok and nearby attractions with greater ease. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or family traveler, a visit here promises unforgettable memories. Plan wisely, respect the wildlife, and your trip to Sepilok will be one of the highlights of your Sabah journey.
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