Live Your Best Lives
The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary was established in 1964. It is located in a pristine forest reserve and covers an area of 45 square kilometers. It is currently the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world.
At the center, young orangutans receive comprehensive medical care and training in wilderness survival skills. After several years of training, those capable of independent survival will be released back into the forest, returning to their natural habitat. To encourage public understanding of orangutans, the center opens a feeding platform twice daily at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. From the observation deck, visitors can watch young orangutans descend from ropes suspended from trees, arriving at the platform between two trees to enjoy a feast of bananas and milk prepared by staff. Quietly and carefully observing, their every move is captivating. Words cannot describe the experience without experiencing it firsthand. Occasionally, long-tailed and short-tailed macaques also snatch food. The fewer orangutans that come out of the feeding platform to eat, the better. The more they find themselves finding their own food, the more they can rely on humans, which is a good thing. Orangutan mothers with their young watch their young descend from ropes suspended from trees, arriving at the feeding platform.
Orangutans, or orangutans, are close relatives of humans, sharing a 96% genetic similarity. Therefore, orangutans develop similarly to humans. From birth to two years old, orangutan mothers stay by their side, meticulously nursing and caring for their young. Orangutan mothers personally raise their young for six or seven years, until they are fully independent and have left their mothers, and then mate again. However, extensive deforestation, plantation construction, and illegal poaching have left orangutans motherless. Without their mothers, orangutans simply cannot survive in the forest. The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is dedicated to these orangutan orphans.
The tropical rainforest climate has a dry season from March to November and a rainy season from November to February, but you can visit all year round.
Recommended play time: 1-1.5 hours
RM30
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 9:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00; Friday 9:00-11:30, 14:00-15:30
The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary was established in 1964 as a rehabilitation center for orphaned or injured orangutans. It is one of the leading conservation centers in Malaysia, dedicated to protecting orangutans and educating the public about these endangered primates.
The sanctuary is located in Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia. The nearest airport is Sandakan Airport, which is about 30 minutes by taxi from the sanctuary. Public buses are also available from Sandakan city center.
The sanctuary is open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and again from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the orangutans are most active during feeding times.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 MYR for adults and 15 MYR for children. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the sanctuary entrance. Online booking options may also be available during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (December to February) to secure entry at desired times.
You should plan to spend about 2-3 hours at the sanctuary to fully explore and enjoy the orangutan feeding sessions, walk through the reserve, and visit the rehabilitation center.
Guided tours are available in English and Malay. Audio guides are not provided, but the knowledgeable staff can provide valuable information during the tours.
The best photography spots are at the feeding platforms, where you can capture orangutans up close. The surrounding rainforest offers excellent natural backdrops as well.
Start by visiting the Rehabilitation Center to learn about the orangutans' care. Then, proceed to the feeding platforms around 10:00 AM or 3:00 PM to see the orangutans. Finish by walking the trails around the forest reserve.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the sanctuary. However, occasional special tours or events may be organized for educational purposes, so it's worth checking in advance.
The sanctuary can be crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are in the morning, on weekdays, and during off-peak seasons (March to October).
The sanctuary has basic facilities including clean toilets, a café offering snacks and drinks, rest areas, and a gift shop with orangutan-themed souvenirs.
The sanctuary is relatively accessible for children and elderly visitors. However, the forest trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues. There are paved paths leading to the main feeding platforms and buildings.
Cash is accepted for entry and purchases. Mobile payment options (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are available in the café and shop, but it is recommended to carry cash for admission and small purchases.
There is a café inside the sanctuary offering simple meals and refreshments. Nearby, the town of Sandakan has a variety of restaurants and local eateries for more dining options.
Yes, vegetarian and halal food options are available at the café inside the sanctuary. Additionally, restaurants in Sandakan also offer these options.
There are several hotels in Sandakan, approximately a 30-minute drive from the sanctuary, including Sepilok Nature Resort and the Sandakan Waterfront Hotel.
Yes, there is a souvenir shop within the sanctuary selling orangutan-themed items like t-shirts, plush toys, and handmade crafts, all supporting conservation efforts.
After visiting, taxis or private car hire are the best options to continue your trip. The nearby Sandakan Airport is about 30 minutes away by car, and buses to nearby towns are also available.
