Best Things to Do & How to Get to Sepilok & Sandakan [2025]
Last updatedThe best things to do between these two places are in Sepilok. Sandakan works more like a hub — a shuttle city — with options accommodation and restaurants, but also with a few sights that might be worth your time.
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.
How many days to spend in Sepilok
Two full days is ideal. You can squeeze everything into one full day if needed, but it might feel rushed.
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.
Protip: Right after you enter, there’s a small coffee stall that serves surprisingly good coffee — definitely a welcome caffeine fix before you hit the trails.
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 by the river. There, you can see proboscis monkeys (and so many other animals) in their natural environment. Best nature experience i’ve encountered so far.
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.
How to Get 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.
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.
Want to explore more about the Kinabatangan River safari experience? Don’t miss my full guide to the Kinabatangan River Cruise.
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.
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 serves decent coffee and has great interior decor — a nice spot to start your day.
How Many Days to Spend in Sandakan
Since Sandakan doesn’t have a ton to offer in terms of tourist sights—it’s more of a transit hub thanks to its airport. One full day is usually enough to see what’s there and if you’re short on time, it’s totally fine to skip it.
Where to Stay in Sandakan?
There are plenty of options to choose from in Sandakan.
How to Get to Sepilok from Sandakan
The most pleasant 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.
