Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
4.5
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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- lizdiscoversBray on Thames, United Kingdom656 contributionsOrangutans in their own habitat, very special!One of those things I always wanted to do and did not disappoint. Guaranteed sightings of the Orangutans with their meal times. We actually saw them up in the tree even prior, which was very special. The interaction of the Orangutans with eachother is very special, you will see their social order, how mother protect child, children play and the elderly get respected. Must see!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 November 2023
- Olly MRye, United Kingdom152 contributionsA cool experienceMy wife and I came to the Orang-Utan rehab centre expecting to see them in pens etc, and were blown away by the sheer size of the forest the Orangs have as a safe rehab area. There is a paddock with an inside viewing deck where two of them were being kept. We saw an Orang in the forest section almost immediately as we stepped onto the decking path. Later on one of the older Orangs was walking around on the path bannister. One of the wardens/keepers there was walking alongside, making sure the Orang didn’t hurt anyone or vice versa. It was incredible seeing them up close!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 February 2024
- Marco D7 contributionsPrice is affordable, and the experience is unique. You're almost guaranteed to see themThe pinnacle of our journey was observing the orangutans. Two feeding stations are available, each offering both morning and afternoon feeding sessions. The initial station functions as a nursery for orangutans, where sightings are frequent, while the second offers a broader view, including the chance to see various monkey species. Fortuitously, we spotted a mother and her baby orangutan right on the boardwalk. Entry cost 30RM per individual, and although bags and water bottles are not allowed inside, complimentary lockers were available for storage.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 February 2024
- Katie Gittins17 contributionsAmazing! Highly recommend Anzar as a guideFantastic few days in Sandakan. Anzar picked us up from the airport and gave us lots of great information. He then drove us to different locations and recommended places to stay. You can contact him via WhatsApp: +60 17-821 7605 Definitely work the visit 😊Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 February 2024
- Aliya P3 contributionsAmazing day trip with AnzarHad an amazing time at the sepilok sanctuaries :) Highly recommend Anzar as a driver and guide in Sepilok and Sandakan. I whatsapped Anzar a few days prior to our arrival in Sandakan and he managed to organise a flawless day trip which included pick up from sandakan, a morning river cruise on the Kinabatanagan river and visits to the proboscic, orangutan (during feeding times) and sunbear sanctuaries and the Rainforest discovery centre too. Our day ended when we were dropped off to the local bus station in sandakan. He was knowledgeable, reliable, reasonably priced and a very nice guy. His details are below for whatsapp. +60178217605Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 February 2024
- Colin ClarkJersey, United Kingdom245 contributionsTop place I love what they are doing hereThis was a great way to start our trip our guide Leo was very good he was pointing out old nests and gave us so much info. The nursery I really liked the set up only problem was it got very loud even though it was supposed to be quiet for the Orangutan’s but it did settle down after a while. The other feeding platform is a great idea they can come back for food if they need it we seen a mother and baby come down. We found the morning session very busy and loud but if you have enough time come back for the afternoon feeding we found it was much better and calmer if you keep your ticket from morning you can use that to get back in.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2024
- MayankLondon, United Kingdom220 contributionsOrangutans galoreThe Orangutan rehab centre undertake some fantastic and commendable conservation work. This is a centre worth visiting in Sepilok. I would suggest staying a bit longer past the feeding times. We had a male orangutan walk out of the forest and into the viewing platform very close to us!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2024
- BalishellyEpworth, United Kingdom2 contributionsSepilok tour with AnzarThrough trip advisor reviews with the tour guide Anzar, we arrived in Sandakan airport where he was waiting for us to begin the itinerary he had planned for us. I arranged all this whilst still in the uk. Communication was excellent before we met and then he showed us the places ,a very careful driver and knowledgeable of his own country. We had an amazing friendly day with him eventually he returned us back to the airport. If you need a guide for your time in Sepilok I would definitely recommend you contact him( WhatsApp +6017-8217605)Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 June 2024
- Margaret WLaunceston, Australia514 contributionsOrang-utans on showThis was a highlight of our time in Sandakan. The nursery area provided equipment as well as a feeding platform and it was easy to observe their antics through the glass. Feeding time for the adults produced lots of pigtail macaques scrambling for food. The icing on the cake was the mother and baby orang-utan. Other orang-utans who didn’t come to feed could be seen in the surrounding jungle.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 9 July 2024
- Charlie66Alderton, United Kingdom551 contributionsThe Jungle V.I.P.sIdeally this place would not exist, and their mission is to keep going until there is no longer a need. But until the Orangutan’s greatest predator, man, stops poaching, keeping them as pets and destroying their habitat this place better bed down for a long time. In that context they do an incredible job rehabilitating up to 60% of these majestic beasts back into the wild. Some remain semi wild never roaming too far from the sanctuary without being residents, and those who will never roam wild again typically go to zoos. Here you will observe young orangutang at play and feeding, and the older more independent ones are to be seen at the feeding platforms. We were lucky, none had come for three days, and on our visit two arrived. Try not to be disappointed if they don’t show, it is actually a measure of their success if the apes are foraging for themselves and not depending on the platforms. Couple this visit with the RDC and you may see one swinging over your head. We did!! This is why you come to Borneo, don’t miss it.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 20 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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rlttnthng
London, UK22 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
This is a great rehabilitation centre where you can get very close to the orangutans, who are free to roam around the forest. Feeding times are at 10am and 3pm, and you are advised to arrive at least 15min before (or 30min to avoid the queues). The centre is closed for a short period during the day and for the day at 4pm. Tickets cost MYR30 for non-Malaysians (MYR5 for Malaysians or residents), and they can be used for the whole day. If you have a camera (mobile phones excluded) you will be charged MYR10. No bags or water bottles are allowed in due to a huge group of Macaque monkeys that also frequent the place, so you will need to store them away in the lockers outside the entrance, which is free . The feeding times are not to be missed as the orangutans swing down from the trees and gather on a platform very close to the audience. The nursery further back houses more younger orangutans and mothers with their babies. The guards are very helpful and diligent in keeping everyone safe should orangutans come on to the walking bridge. All workers there do a great job of making sure there are minimal contact with humans.
There is a Bornean Sun Bear reserve just next door, with a much more well stocked gift shop. I would recommend the Sepilok Nature Resort or Sepilok Jungle Resort to stay. The Nature Resort has amazing food with local and western options (best I’ve had during my two weeks in Sabah) also with great views, so I would highly recommend having dinner there.
Sepilok is a 30min drive from Sandakan airport. I have seen people say arrive 1.5 hours before but my flight was in the early morning and baggage drop/security only took 15min. You are only able to get taxis from the nearby hotels from 6am (using Grab app or book at hotel). I booked one for 5:30am but it did not arrive.
Overall it was a brilliant experience, I went to see the orangutans three times and each time was unique and memorable. This is a must do if you are in Sabah.
There is a Bornean Sun Bear reserve just next door, with a much more well stocked gift shop. I would recommend the Sepilok Nature Resort or Sepilok Jungle Resort to stay. The Nature Resort has amazing food with local and western options (best I’ve had during my two weeks in Sabah) also with great views, so I would highly recommend having dinner there.
Sepilok is a 30min drive from Sandakan airport. I have seen people say arrive 1.5 hours before but my flight was in the early morning and baggage drop/security only took 15min. You are only able to get taxis from the nearby hotels from 6am (using Grab app or book at hotel). I booked one for 5:30am but it did not arrive.
Overall it was a brilliant experience, I went to see the orangutans three times and each time was unique and memorable. This is a must do if you are in Sabah.
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline A
Marbella, Spain25 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Two feedings before lunch, 9:30 (you sit indoor) and 10:00 where you stand outdoor. The same in the afternoon: 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm. You Can look in your bag for free at the entrance.
We saw a lot of Orangutangs the second feeding. The Big Alfa male, three mothers with their babies.
We took a taxi, no tour, and started with orangutangs feeding, then walk in the rainforest (2km away), back to Sepilok for lunch (at their restaurant), went to Sun bear Rehabilitation centre (200m away) and then went back to orangutangs for the last feeding. Paid 120RM for a taxi all day. Orangutang entrance: 30RM, Sun Bear entrance: 30RM, Rainforest entrance: 15RM.
We saw a lot of Orangutangs the second feeding. The Big Alfa male, three mothers with their babies.
We took a taxi, no tour, and started with orangutangs feeding, then walk in the rainforest (2km away), back to Sepilok for lunch (at their restaurant), went to Sun bear Rehabilitation centre (200m away) and then went back to orangutangs for the last feeding. Paid 120RM for a taxi all day. Orangutang entrance: 30RM, Sun Bear entrance: 30RM, Rainforest entrance: 15RM.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barders745
Chichester, UK38 contributions
Mar 2020
A great place to visit although very much a tourist site, we were slightly under whelmed, however we can see the importance and need for this place to create revenue & promote the need for Orangutang conservation.
Great to see that orangutang's are being well looked after and re-habilitated with the idea of them being re-released into the wild, our guide made sure that we were in the right place at the right time to see the daily feeding sessions take place. The viewing of the youngsters is done from inside a room with a large glass viewing window. The feeding of the elders is done on a platform in the jungle about 30 meters from a boardwalk & viewing platform. Here we were treated to a visit from a mature male which was apparently very unusual, amazing to see his face plates.
Overall a must do visit to ensure that you see an Orangutang during your visit to Borneo, luckily we saw many more in their proper habitat in the wild.
Great to see that orangutang's are being well looked after and re-habilitated with the idea of them being re-released into the wild, our guide made sure that we were in the right place at the right time to see the daily feeding sessions take place. The viewing of the youngsters is done from inside a room with a large glass viewing window. The feeding of the elders is done on a platform in the jungle about 30 meters from a boardwalk & viewing platform. Here we were treated to a visit from a mature male which was apparently very unusual, amazing to see his face plates.
Overall a must do visit to ensure that you see an Orangutang during your visit to Borneo, luckily we saw many more in their proper habitat in the wild.
Written 29 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vinay D
Cardiff, UK40 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The rehabilitation centre was a great experience. It was clear that the animals were looked after.
We arrived early and were waiting for the centre to open. We were greeted by 2 Orangutans who decided to climb the roof of the building and sit and stare at their visitors.
The Orangutans are not caged into a space and are free to scale the forests and neighbouring spaces.
When we were walking through the forests, several Orangutans walked past us. There were guides to ensure both the Orangutans and public did not get too close.
Great experience.
We arrived early and were waiting for the centre to open. We were greeted by 2 Orangutans who decided to climb the roof of the building and sit and stare at their visitors.
The Orangutans are not caged into a space and are free to scale the forests and neighbouring spaces.
When we were walking through the forests, several Orangutans walked past us. There were guides to ensure both the Orangutans and public did not get too close.
Great experience.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ssilver628
Vienna, VA47 contributions
Jan 2020
This world famous orangatan sanctuary is in a jungle environment near Sepilok/Sandakan Malaysia. Easy to get to by cab but still seems as if you are in jungle because ou are. No cages but orangs are fed and therefore show up on schedule to eat and present themselves close up.
One or two crawled over to our viewing platform and were no more that 2 or 3 feet from us. So, these Orangs are habituated to humans, but really worth seeing.
day and the feedings do draw a crowd on th viewing platform
But unless you have to see orangs in a fully wild setting, you will like this.
Admission is very inexpensive. $8 malaysian. Well worth it.
Also right across the road is a similar Sun bear sanctuary. Even more "in the wild" but sun bears are close enough to see. Both are highly worth going to..
One or two crawled over to our viewing platform and were no more that 2 or 3 feet from us. So, these Orangs are habituated to humans, but really worth seeing.
day and the feedings do draw a crowd on th viewing platform
But unless you have to see orangs in a fully wild setting, you will like this.
Admission is very inexpensive. $8 malaysian. Well worth it.
Also right across the road is a similar Sun bear sanctuary. Even more "in the wild" but sun bears are close enough to see. Both are highly worth going to..
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
#foracoolerworld
Vienna, Austria627 contributions
Jun 2022
Was a bit disappointed, but the organisation does a great job and such rehabilitation centres are important. Just, apart from the nursery and the feeding platform, you have limited options to walk around in the jungle. You are not allowed to take anything with you (not even drinking water), for the camera (depending on the size) you have to pay an extra-fee and can only bring one lens. So, without water and not much opportunities to walk around, it is more a short visit during feeding hour and then back. Also missed a bit information from the ranger, that bring the food to the platform, where then the crowd of tourists is waiting in front of it. A few words about the centre, the number of Orang Utans there, the work they do etc. There is a visitors centre, but not many people go there. Therefore to make the work of the centre more known, success stories, funding etc., I recommend, to say a few word to the guests, before they start the feeding. Now most tourists walk to the nursery, then the feeding platform and then leave.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lor6969
Cambridge, UK276 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We loved it! We stayed the whole day. 1st feed: saw quite few orangutans but the 2nd feed in the afternoon was not so great. I really think it is a great cause and thanks to this Rehabilitation, we are able to see the orangutan.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M H
Vantaa, Finland219 contributions
Feb 2023
This is one of the must-see attractions in Sepilok. It is almost guaranteed to see an orangutan here, but it is still good to remember that this is not a zoo and orangutans are roaming freely. When we visited the place, we saw just one orangutan with a baby on the first feeding and three on the second one. The ticket is valid for the whole day so if you stay in the area, you can watch both feedings.
The place itself is relatively simple. It is just a boardwalk with single feeding platform. Then again, that is all you need. Feeding platform can get relatively crowded during feeding times. If you stay in the area, it is best to arrive 30-45 minutes before the feeding time to enjoy some quiet time.
When we were there, wearing a mask was mandatory to protect the orangutans. Also, no bags are allowed and they must be left in the guarded storage room.
The place itself is relatively simple. It is just a boardwalk with single feeding platform. Then again, that is all you need. Feeding platform can get relatively crowded during feeding times. If you stay in the area, it is best to arrive 30-45 minutes before the feeding time to enjoy some quiet time.
When we were there, wearing a mask was mandatory to protect the orangutans. Also, no bags are allowed and they must be left in the guarded storage room.
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle B
Melbourne, Australia240 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I have mixed feelings on this place. It is great to see the orangutan up close and the centre is doing some great work but it does feel very zoo like.
You have to check all bags in and can’t even have water with you, there is a fee for big cameras but you can use your phones. They only take cash.
It is quite busy, recommend going to nursery to see younger orangutan being fed 30 min before feeding time on the platform.
The platform is busy but you can see from most places.
You have to check all bags in and can’t even have water with you, there is a fee for big cameras but you can use your phones. They only take cash.
It is quite busy, recommend going to nursery to see younger orangutan being fed 30 min before feeding time on the platform.
The platform is busy but you can see from most places.
Written 8 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruthielark
London, UK241 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Brilliant work done here and well worth visiting more than once to try your luck. People downgrading the reviews because “there’s not much to see” are utter morons!!!
This is not a zoo, the chance of seeing these amazing animals here is just that, a chance and you pay a very reasonable price to visit and support this incredibly important project. We stayed nearby for 2 nights before joining a tour and visited a few times so this is a really good idea if you want to maximise your chances. The first afternoon session we arrived early and were very lucky to see a number of orang-utans including a mother with a tiny baby. The animals are wild! Yes is a sanctuary but the platform you can observe has no fences so they may be there, they may not. So might other wild grey monkeys! Obviously chances are higher outside of the main fruit season when the monkeys need a supplement to their diet.
Please be mindful of your surroundings and respect the quiet they deserve while eating.
Bags are not allowed so lockers are available, large cameras are charged an extra fee but phones are ok. If I see one more person FaceTiming someone on full volume at one of these places I might scream, you people are so inconsiderate, one staff member was reminding people to be quiet but I think they could impress this a little more firmly.
All in all I would not have missed this - go without expectations and enjoy!
This is not a zoo, the chance of seeing these amazing animals here is just that, a chance and you pay a very reasonable price to visit and support this incredibly important project. We stayed nearby for 2 nights before joining a tour and visited a few times so this is a really good idea if you want to maximise your chances. The first afternoon session we arrived early and were very lucky to see a number of orang-utans including a mother with a tiny baby. The animals are wild! Yes is a sanctuary but the platform you can observe has no fences so they may be there, they may not. So might other wild grey monkeys! Obviously chances are higher outside of the main fruit season when the monkeys need a supplement to their diet.
Please be mindful of your surroundings and respect the quiet they deserve while eating.
Bags are not allowed so lockers are available, large cameras are charged an extra fee but phones are ok. If I see one more person FaceTiming someone on full volume at one of these places I might scream, you people are so inconsiderate, one staff member was reminding people to be quiet but I think they could impress this a little more firmly.
All in all I would not have missed this - go without expectations and enjoy!
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, you’re staying very close in June walking distance to the Orangutang can we just walk up and pay on entry?
Written 28 January 2024
How much does it cost to visit the rehabilitation centre? We are hoping to come for the afternoon next week.
Written 24 March 2023
What are the charges for Cameras, and are there extra charges for lenses 500mm or above?
Written 6 February 2023
I didn't take a camera except for my phone but yes there is a charge and details are on the website.
Written 8 February 2023
Has anyone done the night walk at Orangutan Centre recently (not RDC). Do we have to pre book or can do you just turn up at 6pm. Thank you
Written 3 June 2020
Hi
No need to book a tour at inflated prices just turn up at the center you will get the same experience but you will pay a
Fraction of the tour price
It's a great experience
Paul
Written 3 June 2020
Does anyone know if this centre (and other tourist attractions) are still open or are they closed to protect the animals from Coronavirus? Thanks
Written 5 March 2020
Still open
They put in restrictions earlier than most due to risk of orang utans contracting any viruses
Written 6 March 2020
Hi, I notice there are two charges for cameras depending on the lens. Is the higher charge for professional lenses over 500 as it is significantly higher. Mine is just a bridge DSLR with a fixed lens of 600. Will I have to pay the higher amount? Thank you.
Written 7 December 2019
Just been on their web site - the verbiage has changed so it is no longer related to the lens (I was looking at an old brochure from our visit in 2018).
- Use of camera, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use 10RM per unit
- Use of camera, video camera or other video recording equipment for commercial and professional purposes 1000RM per unit
- Use of film-making equipment 10,000RM for a period not exceeding seven consecutive days of part thereof
Written 7 December 2019
Hi,
We are visiting in January and I was wondering the following:
What are the feeding times?
Can you enter without a tourist group?
How much is the admission without a tourist group, adults and children?
Written 18 November 2019
SarahleeHamp has suggested questionable response. We thought they looked after orangutans and they were very healthy. I loved it here. Go an hour before feeding time as posted as we saw lots of them away from feeding area. Visit more than once if you can.
Written 1 December 2019
It appears what is happening at Sepilok is just smoke and mirrors? I found information online which sounds like whats really happening there is exploitation of these apes. Google for the fotomalaysia website, im quite shocked by what i read.
Written 12 November 2019
Really that's not the interpretation I got when I visited in December 2019
But I suppose everyone is different
Written 3 June 2020
Hi. Does anyone have any information about the Night Walk? Is it in the Orangutan Sanctuary or at the Rainforest Discovery Centre? Thank you
Written 18 October 2019
We did the nightwalk at Sepilok Nature Resort where we were staying. The nightwalk at the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was not running during our visit in August.
Written 21 October 2019
I am hoping to visit The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre during my stay in Borneo. I am disabled and use a walking stick. Can anyone tell me how long the walk is to see the orangutans and whether it is rough terrain/ uphill or quite flat- I can walk some distance but not a long way . Would really appreciate any information before a I make a decision as to whether to go or not.
Written 1 August 2019
The sanctuary has various spots where the orangutans can be viewed...because of the nature of the centre and how they are allowed to roam, they could be at early parts or later parts in the trail! Saying that, the walk isn’t too far around the loop from the entrance point and all the walkways are boarded so it is flat terrain and pretty easy going. There is a viewing area where the younger orangutans are kept where you can sit and relax and watch them in their natural environment. This isn’t too far from the entrance. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 1 August 2019
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