[Fullboard Package] 2D1N Sepilok & Kinabatangan Tour in Sandakan | Sabah

Staying in Sepilok offers immediate proximity to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, ideal for a peaceful nature-focused experience. Sandakan, on the other hand, provides more dining options, city amenities, and access to other attractions. For a multi-day tour that includes a rainforest stay, Sandakan serves as a common hub for arrival and departure, with transfers typically arranged to the Sepilok area.

Visitors to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre typically encounter an entrance fee, which varies for adults and children. Additionally, there is often a separate camera fee if you wish to use a camera or video recorder within the premises. It's common for comprehensive tour packages that include the rehabilitation centre to cover these fees as part of the overall itinerary.

Visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre offers a unique opportunity to observe semi-wild orangutans up close in their natural habitat during feeding sessions. It also provides valuable insights into conservation efforts for these endangered primates and supports their rehabilitation process. The educational centre enhances understanding of Bornean wildlife, making it a highly enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and those interested in animal welfare.

To thoroughly experience the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, including observation decks and the indoor nursery, it's recommended to allocate about 2 to 3 hours, especially around the designated feeding times. For the adjacent Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours is generally sufficient to observe the sun bears and learn about their conservation. Many tours combine visits to both centres for a comprehensive wildlife encounter.

The most common ways to travel from Sandakan to the Sepilok area attractions are by taxi, ride-sharing services like Grab, or public bus. Taxis and ride-sharing offer direct and convenient travel, usually taking about 30-45 minutes. Public buses are a more budget-friendly option, stopping at Sepilok Junction, from where the centres are a short walk. Many organized tours also provide hotel pick-up and drop-off services from Sandakan.

A boat ride along the Kinabatangan River offers exceptional opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. Common sightings include various species of monkeys, such as proboscis monkeys and macaques, as well as an array of birdlife like hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles. You might also encounter monitor lizards, crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and if fortunate, even wild elephants or orangutans in the trees during morning or evening cruises.

During an overnight Kinabatangan River tour, accommodation typically consists of comfortable, rustic lodges or guesthouses situated amidst the tropical rainforest along the riverbanks. These lodges are designed to provide an immersive nature experience while offering essential amenities such as private bathrooms, fans (and sometimes air-conditioning), and mosquito nets. A full board meal plan, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is usually provided as part of the package.

Yes, visitors will find it convenient to travel between the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre as they are located in close proximity. A dedicated pathway connects the two centres, allowing for an easy 5-10 minute walk. While shuttle services are not typically needed due to the short distance, taxis or ride-sharing options are also available for those who prefer not to walk.