Best Things to Do & How to Get to Sepilok & Sandakan [2026]

This guide covers the best things to do in Sepilok and Sandakan, where to stay, and how many days to spend in each spot, so you can enjoy a smoother and more relaxed trip to the area.

Stay in Sepilok or Sandakan

The first question I asked myself while planning was: Should I stay in Sepilok or Sandakan?

Sepilok has fewer places to stay, and it’s slightly more expensive due to the limited choices — but the payoff is the peaceful natural setting. If you’re fine spending a little more, I definitely recommend staying in Sepilok. There are also well-priced dorms available if you’re on a budget.

But staying in Sandakan gives you more accommodation and dining options, and it’s easy to get to Sepilok from Sandakan by either local bus or Grab. The journey takes about 45 minutes.

I stayed in Sandakan since private rooms were much cheaper than in Sepilok,

Where to Stay in Sepilok

Sepilok doesn’t offer as many accommodation options as Sandakan, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you’re visiting during high season—especially if you’re after budget-friendly places or dorm rooms.

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort is located in the midst of the jungle, just a 15‑minute walk from the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. They have both dorms and private rooms. Dorms start from ~$20 USD and private rooms from $120 USD.

For an accommodation with a pool, consider Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort. They have both dorms and private rooms. Dorms start from ~$30 USD and private rooms from $90 USD.

The cheapest private room with great reviews can be found in Sepilok B&B and it’s about $50 USD per night (including breakfast).

As you can see, the private rooms are a bit steep, which is why I opted for Sandakan instead.

Where to Stay in Sandakan

There are plenty of options to choose from in Sandakan, and private rooms are much cheaper than in Sepilok. The downside is that you won’t get that jungle‑like atmosphere you’d experience in Sepilok.

I stayed in Hotel Sandakan and paid only $26 USD per night with breakfast was included. It was also very easy to get to Sepilok the following morning.

How to Get to Sepilok from Sandakan

Best things to do in Sepilok

Sepilok is best known for its wildlife sanctuaries — especially the orangutan and sun bear centers — plus the rainforest discovery centre. There’s also a so-called “sanctuary” for proboscis monkeys, but it’s best avoided. Read more about that below.

Orangutan Sanctuary

The orangutan sanctuary is the most popular attraction—and a truly wonderful experience. The protected area spans up to 43 square kilometers (4,300 hectares), offering a safe, natural habitat for around 60 to 80 rehabilitated orangutans to live freely. Additionally, approximately 25 orphaned orangutans are cared for in the centre’s nurseries. Beyond the orangutans, you will also spot pig-tailed macaques.

The sanctuary is essentially split into two main areas: the main feeding area and a nursery. Visitors can observe the monkeys from designated walkways and viewing platforms. In the nursery viewing area, you’ll be able to see younger orangutans learning essential survival skills. The best time to see the monkeys is during the scheduled feeding times:

• 10:00
• 15:00

It’s best to arrive by 09:30 to make sure you get a good spot, as it can get crowded with tourists. These scheduled feedings are when the semi-wild orangutans often come to the feeding platform—a great opportunity to see them up close, without keeping them caged like in a zoo.

It’s kind of like a zoo in reverse: the animals roam free, and the humans are the ones kept to limited areas. A much-needed change.

Entrance is 30 RM for adults (foreigners) and 15 RM for kids (foreigners). It’s definitely worth the visit.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Next door to the orangutan sanctuary is the sun bear center. There are two viewing platforms here as well and loads of information on how the bears are rehabilitated and released into the wild. They rehabilitate 2-3 bears each year and release them back to the wild.

I visited during a rainy afternoon, which made the experience feel even cozier. The whole place smells like damp wood since it’s a forrest, and yes, you’ll probably end up a bit soaked from the humidity. During your visit you might hear the bears make loud screams — that’s them fighting, but if they’re silent and wrestling, they’re just playing.

Entrance is 50 RM for adults (foreigners) and 25 RM for kids (foreigners). It’s definitely worth the visit as well.

Rainforest Discovery Centre – Trails, Birds & a Coffee Fix

Just 2 km from the Sepilok sanctuaries, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is a must-visit if you’re into nature walks, birds, or just want to soak up some jungle atmosphere. The road there is paved, so it’s an easy walk or quick Grab ride.

There are two main trails to choose from:

• A short 1 km loop around a small lake.
• A longer 5 km trail that takes you through denser forest and past the biggest tree in the area (worth it!).

That said, the trail network is flexible, so you can mix and match your own route. Along the way, you’ll find birdwatching towers, and if you’re into birding (or just curious), hang around with the birdwatchers. I did — and thanks to them, I actually spotted a few birds I’d otherwise have missed.

Expect thick humidity, buzzing insect life, and that intense rainforest smell. Bring mosquito repellent, proper walking shoes, and maybe even binoculars if birdwatching is your thing. The forest is alive with the sound of birds, the sight of giant ants, and if you’re lucky — a glimpse of wildlife.

Proboscis monkey sanctuary (Actually not a sanctuary)

Technically not a sanctuary. This place is run by palm plantation owners — the same people who helped destroy the monkeys’ natural habitat — and now they profit by feeding them and charging tourists.

Instead, I suggest going to the Kinabatangan River and joining a proper Borneo Safari. There, you can see proboscis monkeys (and so many other animals) in their natural environment. Best nature experience i’ve encountered so far.

Best things to Do in Sandakan

Sandakan is a small city with a couple of malls, a cinema, and basic amenities. Some buildings are slowly being reclaimed by nature, which gives the place a bit of an apocalyptic vibe — strangely charming. Sandakan doesn’t offer much for tourists, but it does have a cool water village called Sim Sim nearby, as well as a heritage tour that covers important central areas.

Sim Sim Water Village

This is a fishing village with stilt houses and a few local restaurants. It’s a laid-back place to people-watch and talk to locals. You can walk along a long jetty at the Sea Garden area lined with beautiful flowers — a peaceful little escape with sea views.

After taking your time to enjoy the little village pass by the famous seafood restaurant called D72 Sim-Sim Seafood Restaurant which offers great seafood and a great view.

There also some operators in the village offering boat daytrips to the Kinabatangan River, but I’ll recommend spending more than one day in Kinabantagan, ideally 3 full days.

Heritage Tour

If you’ve got a couple of hours to spare in Sandakan, the Heritage Walk is a relaxed way to explore some of the city’s colonial past and enjoy a few great views along the way.

Open Map of the Heritage Tour

The walk starts at Masjid Jamik, one of the oldest mosques in Sandakan, built over 100 years ago. From there, head to the Pryer Memorial, a small granite monument honoring William B. Pryer, the founder of Sandakan.

Next up: the famous Hundred Steps Staircase. It’s not as bad as it sounds – just a short climb that rewards you with one of the best panoramic views over Sandakan town and the bay. At the top you’ll have a café where you can stop for a refreshment. Nearby you’ll reach the Agnes Keith House, a beautifully restored colonial building where the English author once lived. If you like quirky old homes, it’s worth a look inside.

Continue the walk to the old staircase ruins, believed to be the remains of the pre-war Chinese Consulate. It’s a small detail, but adds to the story.

On the way back, you’ll pass a mix of religious sites like the Goddess of Mercy Temple, the Sam Sing Kung Temple (Three Saints Temple), and St. Michael’s and All Angels Church – a stunning old stone church with colorful stained-glass windows.

This short walk takes about two hours, depending on your pace, and gives you a little window into Sandakan’s layered history.

Night Market

Held at Pasar Umum Sandakan. It’s fun to browse through the stalls and see what’s on offer. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, you could even pick up some fresh fish and cook your own meal.

Cafe: Roastory #1

This place deserves to be mentioned since they serve decent coffee — a nice spot to start the day.

How to Get to Sepilok

From Kota Kinabalu to Sepilok

The easiest way to reach Sepilok is by flying from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (a quick 45-minute flight). From the Sandakan Airport, you can either:

• Take a taxi directly to Sepilok (about 30–40 minutes)
• Or catch a local minibus to the Sepilok area, though this may require a short walk or ride from the main road

If you prefer going overland, buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan are available and take around 10 hours. From Sandakan, follow the same options above to reach Sepilok.

From Kundasang to Sepilok

This route can be a bit confusing, because you need to book tickets from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan even if you plan to board in Kundasang and hop off in Sepilok. Since it’s a long‑distance route, most companies only sell full‑distance tickets.

After booking, make sure to inform the bus company in advance that you’ll board in Kundasang so the bus doesn’t pass you by. Once on board, tell the driver you want to get off in Sepilok

Buy bus tickets on Easybook or BusOnlineTicket.

How to Inform the Bus Company

• Contact the bus company via WhatsApp or phone to let them know you will board at Kundasang.
• Common bus operators on this route include SIDA Express and Tung Ma Express (There’s information about it when you book).
• You can find their WhatsApp numbers on Easybook, their official websites, or through a quick Google search.
• Send a brief message like: “Hello, I have a ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Sepilok on [date], but I will board at Kundasang. Please send pickup point and time. Thank you.”

Where to Travel After Sepilok?

Depends on which direction you’re travelling, but the most natural next stop after Sepilok is Kinabatangan. It’s one of Sabah’s true gems for wildlife and nature experiences. If you’ve already been there, I’d recommend heading to Kundasang for hiking in a cooler setting.