Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans, offering a chance to witness these incredible apes in their natural habitat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active orangutans
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active orangutans
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans, offering a chance to witness these incredible apes in their natural habitat.
"Witnessing these amazing orangutans up close at Sepilok was a dream come true!"
🎯 Cash Only for Tickets
Bring cash for tickets and camera fees; no pre-booking or card payments accepted.
🎒 Lock Up Your Belongings
No bags or food allowed inside. Use the provided lockers to keep your items safe.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 3,178 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nursery Viewing Area
Indoor observation room
Witness adorable baby orangutans learning and playing in a safe, controlled environment.
Outdoor Feeding Platform
Jungle boardwalk
See orangutans forage for food in their natural habitat – a truly wild encounter.
Jungle Boardwalk Trail
Through the Sepilok Forest Reserve
Stroll through lush rainforest, spotting orangutans and experiencing Borneo's biodiversity.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Orangutan Sightings
Bag Policy & Essentials
This ensures a smoother experience and protects the orangutans. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Cash Only for Tickets
Bring cash for tickets and camera fees; no pre-booking or card payments accepted.
🎒 Lock Up Your Belongings
No bags or food allowed inside. Use the provided lockers to keep your items safe.
⏰ Arrive Early for Spots
Get to the center before opening to secure a good viewing spot, especially for morning feeding.
📸 Camera Fee Required
An extra fee (RM 10) is charged for each camera you bring inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cash Only for Tickets
Bring cash for tickets and camera fees; no pre-booking or card payments accepted.
🎒 Lock Up Your Belongings
No bags or food allowed inside. Use the provided lockers to keep your items safe.
⏰ Arrive Early for Spots
Get to the center before opening to secure a good viewing spot, especially for morning feeding.
📸 Camera Fee Required
An extra fee (RM 10) is charged for each camera you bring inside.
🚶♀️ Stick to the Path
Follow designated walkways to protect the environment and ensure visitor safety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the incredible experience of seeing orangutans, especially the babies in the nursery and the wild encounters at the feeding platform. The well-organized trails and educational aspects are highly valued. However, some find the crowds overwhelming during peak times and note the strict bag policy and cash-only payment system.
"this attraction draws crowds of tourists, opening hours9-16:00 [lunch break 12-14:00]. first, no food, drink and backpacks or bags allowed, storage lockers are provided, then let learn how our wildlife companions rehab., nurtured. starting from observatory room at nursery , then going on platform to watch our friends fed on their natural habitat. it's crowded but well organized flow of visitors allows visiting the center more pleasant."
Chajchawan Nakhakes
"The Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is situated within the Sepilok Forest Reserve, approximately a 30-minute drive from Sandakan Airport. The facility is well-managed, right from the ticket counter to the end of the trail. The visit begins at the nursery, where visitors can observe the orangutans through a glass viewing area from an elevated pavilion. From there, a raised wooden walkway leads through the jungle reserve to the feeding platform. The experience was truly exhilarating, and we were lucky to witness a mother orangutan with her baby from just a few feet away."
Avinash Sunny
"We did both the morning and afternoon sessions, and we had a much better experience in the afternoon. The morning was too packed full of big tour bus loads of people, the afternoon session you could get a spot at the front easy and not be shoved around. A worker told us to wait a few minutes for the big bus tour people to leave the nursery so we could get down to the window for a closer look.
We saw orangutan at the feeding platform both sessions, and the nursery was more active in the afternoon session.
You have to lock your bags away in a locker room, and the gift shop was very small and didn't have a great range of products. Better items at the airport shops.
It was a good price, especially being able to use the same ticket in the afternoon."
Lauren Burk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The centre is about a 30-minute drive from Sandakan Airport. Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available. Some visitors opt for organized tours that include transport.
While direct public transport might be limited, local buses or minivans from Sandakan can get you close to the Sepilok area. From there, a short walk or a quick taxi ride will take you to the centre.
The centre is typically open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, with a lunch break from 12 PM to 2 PM. Feeding times are crucial for sightings.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors arriving by car or taxi. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
While possible, it's a long day trip. It's more common to stay overnight in Sandakan to fully enjoy the centre and other nearby attractions like the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are reasonable, typically around RM 30 for adult tourists. There's an additional RM 10 fee for cameras.
No, tickets can only be purchased with cash on-site on the day of your visit. Pre-booking is not an option.
Yes, there are often different rates for Malaysian citizens and international tourists. Be prepared to show identification if you are claiming a local rate.
Your ticket grants you access to the nursery viewing area, the boardwalk trails, and the outdoor feeding platform. You can often use the same ticket for both morning and afternoon sessions.
While the centre is well-organized, it can get crowded, especially during peak feeding times. Arriving early or visiting in the afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Feeding times are your best bet: typically around 10 AM and 3 PM for the main platform, and earlier for the nursery. Arriving an hour before feeding is recommended for good spots.
You'll see orangutans of various ages, from playful babies in the nursery to adults on the feeding platform. The centre also has an educational area.
Direct interaction is strictly prohibited to protect the orangutans and their rehabilitation process. You observe them from designated areas.
While orangutans are the main focus, you might spot other wildlife like proboscis monkeys or various bird species along the jungle trails. The nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is also worth a visit.
The boardwalks are generally well-maintained, but some areas might be uneven. The nursery viewing area is elevated. It's advisable to check accessibility details beforehand if you have specific concerns.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria or cafe on-site where you can purchase refreshments like ice cream and drinks. However, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the main viewing areas.
No, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the centre. This is to prevent attracting unwanted wildlife and to maintain the sanctuary's environment. Lockers are available for your belongings.
The on-site cafe typically offers light snacks, beverages, and sometimes simple meals. It's a good place to relax after your visit.
Yes, there are several resorts and eateries in the Sepilok area offering various dining options, from local Malaysian cuisine to international dishes.
It's a good idea to have a meal before you arrive, especially if you plan to visit during feeding times. You can then enjoy a snack or drink at the cafe afterwards.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography and videography are allowed, but there's an additional fee of RM 10 per camera.
Use a telephoto lens if possible to capture details from a distance. Be patient, as orangutans move around. The afternoon feeding sessions can offer better light and fewer crowds for photography.
While generally allowed, avoid using flash, especially in the nursery area. Also, be aware that some areas might have specific signage regarding photography.
The feeding platform and the nursery viewing area offer excellent opportunities. The jungle boardwalks also provide scenic shots of the rainforest environment.
A good phone camera can capture decent shots, especially in good lighting. However, for capturing distant orangutans or detailed shots, a camera with a zoom lens is beneficial.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit