This guide covers why you should visit them both, the best things to do in Sepilok and Sandakan, where to stay in each location, and how many days to spend in each spot.
Why Visit Sepilok & Sandakan
Sepilok is one of the easiest places in Sabah to see wildlife without needing a guide, a tour, or any complicated planning. Everything sits within a small pocket of forest: the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. You can walk between them, and each offers a different way to experience Borneo’s wildlife up close.
Sandakan, on the other hand, is the practical base that makes the whole visit simple. Expect a bit of an apocalyptic vibe as some of the buildings right in the center have been reclaimed by nature. Strangely charming. It’s a small city with a couple of malls, plenty of hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and transport connections — including the airport and the starting point for Kinabatangan River tours.
That said, I did spend a few days in here, and if you find yourself here with extra time, there are a couple of things do in Sandakan. My favorite was the fishing village nearby that’s entirely based of stilt houses on the water called Sim Sim Water Village. It’s interesting just to stroll around there, and afterwards grab food at one the seafood restaurants.
Best things to do in Sepilok
Okay, let’s get into the main reason for visiting this corner of the world: Sepilok. Best known for its wildlife sanctuaries — the orangutan and sun bear centers — plus the rainforest discovery center. Know that there’s a “sanctuary” for proboscis monkeys too, but it’s more of a zoo, and best to be avoided.
Orangutan Sanctuary
The orangutan sanctuary is the most popular attraction, and it’s kind of like a zoo in reverse: the animals roam free, and we are the ones kept to limited areas. The protected area for the animals spans up to 4,300 hectares, offering a safe, natural habitat for around 60 to 80 rehabilitated orangutans to live freely.
Additionally, a few dozens orphaned orangutans are cared for in the center’s nurseries. Besides from orangutans, there’s also macaques.
The sanctuary has two main areas: the main feeding area and a nursery.
- The main feeding area has raised walkways and viewing platforms where you can watch the orangutans up close without disturbing them.
- The nursery viewing area is a quieter space where you can sit down, take your time, and watch the younglings play, climb, and enjoy the food brought in by the staff. It’s behind glass to protect them from human diseases, but you still get a great view of how they interact and learn the skills they’ll eventually need in the wild.
Best time to visit
The best time to see the monkeys is during the scheduled feeding times: 10:00 and 15:00. These scheduled feedings are when the semi-wild orangutans often come to the feeding platform—a great opportunity to see them up close because most of the times they are deeper into the jungle and out of sight. Arrive about an hour before the feeding time to make sure you get a good spot, as it can get crowded.
How much is the entrance
- For foreigners it’s 30 RM for adults and 15 RM for kids.
- For Malaysian residents it’s 5 RM for adults and 2 RM for kids
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Next door is the sun bear centre. It’s much smaller and does feel a bit zoo‑like at first, but the work they do is genuinely important. The bears here are rescued from captivity, rehabilitated, and eventually released back into the wild once they’ve built up the confidence and skills they need to survive on their own. According to the staff, they manage to release 2–3 bears every year.
I visited in the afternoon, right after seeing the orangutans. It was pouring down, but the rain actually made the whole place feel cozy as the smell of damp wood intensified. That cozy feeling didn’t last long, though — suddenly two bears started screaming at each other. It sounded like a full‑on fight, but the staff assured me it was just rough play.
How much is the entrance
- For foreigners it’s 50 RM for adults and 25 RM for kids.
- For Malaysian residents it’s 10 RM for adults and 5 RM for kids
Rainforest Discovery Center – Trails, Massive trees & Birds
A bit further away sits the Rainforest Discovery Centre, a great spot if you’re into nature walks, birds, or just want to soak up some jungle atmosphere. Expect thick humidity, buzzing insects, bird‑watching towers, a couple of massive trees, big ants, and that intense rainforest smell that hits you the moment you step in.
Right after the entrance there’s a small coffee stall serving surprisingly good coffee. They had just opened when I visited, and as a coffee addict it was a very welcome caffeine boost before hitting the trails.
Two Trails
There are two main trails to choose from: a short 1 km loop around a small lake, and a longer 5 km trail that takes you through denser forest and past the biggest tree in the area. The trail network is flexible, so you can easily mix and match your own route.
Along the way you’ll find several bird‑watching towers, and if you’re into birding (or just curious), it’s worth hanging around with the birdwatchers. I did, and I felt a bit under‑equipped with my tiny 50mm lens while the pros were rocking 400–500mm wildlife lenses. But they were incredibly friendly — as most people I met in Malaysia were — and thanks to them I spotted a few species I definitely would’ve missed on my own.
One of the highlights of the Rainforest Discovery Centre is the canopy walk, a series of elevated walkways that take you above the forest floor. From up there you get a completely different perspective of the rainforest: treetops stretching out in every direction, birds gliding between branches, and the occasional rustle from something moving below.
Keep an eye on the dirt paths for ants — they’re huge here. Hard to see in the picture, but easily five times the size of a Swedish ant.
How Much is The Entrance
- For foreigners it’s 30 RM for adults and 20 RM for kids.
- For Malaysian residents it’s 7 RM for adults and 3 RM for kids
How to Get Here
The road leading there is paved, so it’s an easy 30‑minute walk or a quick Grab ride.
What to Bring
Mosquito repellent, water, and good shoes.
Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary (Actually not a sanctuary)
Technically not a sanctuary, more of a zoo. 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’d recommend joining a proper Kinabatangan River Safari, which is one of the top things to do in Borneo. Out on the river you can see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, crocodiles — the whole rainforest cast — all in their natural environment. It’s the best safari‑style experience I’ve had so far. Full disclosure: I’ve never been to Africa, and I’m sure that’s on another level, but for Southeast Asia this was outstanding.
How to Get to Sepilok from Sandakan
The most affordable way to get from Sandakan to Sepilok is by the tourist bus.
- Departs Sandakan at 9:00 AM
- Returns at 4:00 PM
- Costs 10 ringgit per person one way.
If your hotel doesn’t have the brochure shown below, you may need to call Mr. Jone at 011-1265 4984 to arrange a pickup directly from your hotel or to meet at a designated location. If you miss the bus, just book a Grab ride instead.
Best things to Do in Sandakan
As mentioned earlier, some parts of Sandakan is a bit like the setting a zombie movie, and it doesn’t offer much for tourists, but it does have a nearby fishing village built on water called Sim Sim and a heritage tour that covers important central areas.
For good coffee, check out Cafe: Roastory #1. They serve a solid cup — easily one of the better options in town. It’s a nice spot to start the day before heading out to Sepilok or exploring Sandakan’s small handful of sights.
Sim Sim Water Village
This is a fishing village with stilt houses and a few local restaurants. It’s a laid‑back place to wander around, people‑watch, and chat with locals. You can walk along the long jetty in the Sea Garden area, lined with flowers and overlooking the water — a peaceful little escape with sea views.
After exploring the village, you’ll pass the well‑known D72 Sim‑Sim Seafood Restaurant, which offers great seafood and an even better view. You’ll also find a few operators here offering day‑trip boats to the Kinabatangan River, though I’d recommend spending more than just a day there — ideally three full days to really experience it.
Heritage Tour
A relaxed two‑hour loop that takes you past memorial sites, colonial landmarks, and several temples and churches. The highlight is the Hundred Steps viewpoint, where you get a great panorama over Sandakan and can stop for a drink at the café at the top. If you only do one thing, make it the viewpoint. A simple walk that gives you a quick sense of the city’s history and cultural mix.
Night Market
Held at Pasar Umum Sandakan, the night market is more about wandering, snacking, and soaking up the atmosphere than doing any serious shopping. You’ll find stalls selling grilled skewers, fried snacks, fresh fruit, and the kind of local desserts you only ever discover by pointing at something and hoping for the best.
If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, you can pick up fresh fish or seafood, but most travelers come here simply to graze on small bites and check out the scene. It’s lively, a bit chaotic, and a fun way to spend an hour in the evening before heading back to your hotel.
Getting to Sepilok
How to Get to Sepilok from Kota Kinabalu
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.
Book bus tickets on Easybook or BusOnlineTicket.
How to Get to Sepilok from Kundasang
I met some traveler in Kundasang going back to Kota Kinabalu, and then flying to Sandakan, thinking that they will save time. But no, there’s a lot of transit time, so better option is to go by land, which takes about 5-6 hours by bus.
Booking 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 on WhatsApp 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.
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 as there were more hotel options, and it was easy to get to Sepilok from there.
Where to Stay in Sepilok
As 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.
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort is located in the midst of the jungle and has a pool, just a 15‑minute walk from the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. They have both dorms and private rooms. It’s probably the best accommodation in the area.
Check on Booking.com or Check on Agoda.com
Sepilok Rainforest Resort
For another great place with pool, but less expensive, consider Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort. They have both dorms and private rooms.
Sepilok B&B
The cheapest private room with great reviews can be found in Sepilok B&B and it’s about $50 USD per night (including breakfast).
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.
Livingston Hotel Sandakan
Consider staying at Livingston Hotel Sandakan. It’s more of a business‑style hotel, but you’ll get a good‑quality room, decent food in the restaurant, and access to a pool.
Wrap up on Sepilok & Sandakan
Sepilok is the main focus here, with its wildlife centres and rainforest trails. Start with the orangutans at the 10:00 feeding, then visit the sun bears, grab lunch, and spend the afternoon in the rainforest. In the evening, head into Sandakan for a stroll through the water village and dinner — a relaxed, interesting way to end the day.
Where to Travel After Sepilok
Where you go next depends on the direction of your trip, but the most natural follow‑up to Sepilok is Kinabatangan. It’s one of Sabah’s true gems for wildlife — river cruises, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and pygmy elephants. If Sepilok gives you close‑up encounters in a controlled setting, Kinabatangan gives you the wild version of it.
If you’ve already been to Kinabatangan, the next best move is Kundasang. It’s a complete change of scenery: cool mountain air, rolling green hills, and views of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day. People like to call it the “Switzerland of Malaysia,” and while that’s a stretch, it is a refreshing break from Sabah’s heat and humidity — perfect for hiking, short walks, and slower days.
If you’re still consider your itinerary for Borneo, check out my 10-day Borneo Itinerary.
Check out my other Sabah guides: Kinabatangan River Cruises, Travel Guide Semporna and Things to Do Kundasang.
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