Sepilok Travel Guide

June 25, 2026By maverickbirdPosted in Asia, Malaysia, Outside India, Travel Extras, Travel Guides, Travel Tips

Table of Contents

Nestled on the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sepilok is one of the highlights of any trip to Malaysian Borneo. Just a 30-minute drive from Sandakan, this small rainforest destination is world-famous for its conservation centres and offers one of the easiest ways to experience Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife. Unlike a zoo, many of the animals here are being rehabilitated before returning to the wild, making a visit both educational and memorable.

How to Get There

Sepilok is located approximately 25 km west of Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and is easily accessible by air and road.

By Air

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Sepilok is to fly to Sandakan Airport (SDK). There are frequent domestic flights from Kota Kinabalu (around 45 minutes) and Kuala Lumpur (approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes). From Sandakan Airport, Sepilok is about 17 km away. A Grab, taxi, or pre-arranged hotel transfer takes approximately 20–30 minutes, making it the fastest and most comfortable option for most travellers.

By Bus from Sandakan

If you are staying in Sandakan town, travelling to Sepilok by public transport is inexpensive and straightforward. The local Bus No. 14 departs from the minibus terminal near Gentingmas Mall (Waterfront area) several times a day and travels directly to Sepilok. The journey takes around 40–45 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately RM 4–6. You can simply pay the driver in cash when boarding. Bus schedules may change and buses do not always run exactly on time, so allow some flexibility. If you’re travelling with luggage or arriving late in the day, a Grab or taxi is usually the more convenient choice.

By Long-Distance Bus

Travellers arriving overland from Kota Kinabalu (approximately 8–10 hours) or Kundasang (around 5–6 hours) can ask the driver to drop them at the Sepilok junction on the main highway, from where it is a short taxi ride—or, for some accommodations, a manageable walk—to the nature lodges and conservation centres.

Top Things to Do

Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre has been rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans since 1964. Visitors walk through the beautiful rainforest to the feeding platforms where semi-wild orangutans often come for their scheduled feedings.

Feeding Times

10:00 am
3:00 pm

Don’t miss the nursery viewing area, where young orangutans learn climbing and survival skills before being released into the forest.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Located directly beside the orangutan centre, this sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of the world’s smallest bear species. The elevated viewing platforms provide excellent opportunities to observe rescued sun bears climbing trees, searching for food, and interacting naturally in large forest enclosures. Allow around 1–1.5 hours for your visit.

Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)

Often overlooked by visitors rushing between attractions, the RDC is one of the best rainforest experiences in Sabah.

Highlights include:

One of Borneo’s highest canopy walkways
Observation towers for birdwatching
Forest trails through pristine rainforest
Excellent opportunities to spot hornbills, kingfishers, woodpeckers, macaques and giant squirrels

Early morning is the best time for birdwatching.

RDC Night Walk – A Completely Different Rainforest

One of the absolute highlights of Sepilok is the Rainforest Discovery Centre Night Walk.

Once darkness falls, the rainforest comes alive with creatures rarely seen during the day. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll slowly walk along forest trails and boardwalks using flashlights to search for nocturnal wildlife.

Possible sightings include:

Sleeping birds
Colourful frogs
Giant spiders
Scorpions glowing under UV light (on some tours)
Geckos and lizards
Bats
Flying squirrels
Slow lorises (with luck)
Civets
Occasionally snakes

The guides are excellent at spotting animals that most visitors would never notice on their own, making this one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Sabah.

Tip: Wear long trousers, closed shoes, insect repellent and bring a small torch or headlamp. Book online and if traveling with children, opt for a private tour.

Best Time to Visit

Sepilok can be visited throughout the year.

March–October: Generally drier with good wildlife viewing.
November–February: Wetter, but the rainforest is beautifully lush and visitor numbers are lower.

Morning visits are usually cooler and more active for wildlife.

Practical Tips

Buy tickets early during busy periods.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring water—it is hot and humid year-round.
Insect repellent is essential.
A zoom lens is useful for photographing wildlife.
Pack a lightweight rain jacket, even during the dry season.

Is Sepilok Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Sepilok offers one of the best introductions to the wildlife of Malaysian Borneo. Combining orangutans, sun bears, rainforest canopy walks and the unforgettable RDC Night Walk makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers and anyone hoping to experience Borneo’s unique biodiversity before heading deeper into the rainforest. It is a place where conservation, education and unforgettable wildlife encounters come together in one remarkable destination.