Founded in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans, the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre sprawls across 43 square kilometres at the edge of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. It’s home to dozens of orangutans that live freely in the reserve and operates an orangutan nursery, offering a unique opportunity for you to see these endearing primates up close.
Wander along the wooden boardwalks through the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre to watch orangutans playing in the surrounding trees and traversing the forest floor. Witness the morning feeding session with milk and bananas, then admire the baby orangutans in the newly-completed nursery.
Adjacent to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre is the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a refuge for the world’s smallest bear. Learn about the unique lifestyle and behaviour of sun bears at the Visitor Centre before viewing these unique creatures in their natural habitat from the observation platform.
Getting There
The Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre is around 35 minutes’ drive from the city of Sandakan, with buses stopping a short walk from the entrance. Sandakan Airport is 25 minutes’ drive from the centre and has regular flights from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.