Attraction Guide: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sandakan, Malaysia

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Guide

Witness the Gentle Giants: A Visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Guide

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a world-renowned sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned orangutans back into the wild. Located in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, this center provides a safe haven for these incredible creatures, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat and learn about the vital conservation efforts being undertaken. It's an unforgettable experience for animal lovers and anyone interested in wildlife conservation. Established in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was one of the first of its kind. Its primary mission is to care for orphaned or injured orangutans, often victims of deforestation or illegal hunting. The center provides them with the necessary medical care, food, and training to develop the skills they need to survive independently in the rainforest. Over the years, Sepilok has successfully released hundreds of orangutans back into the wild, contributing significantly to the conservation of this endangered species. Visitors to Sepilok can witness the orangutans during their feeding times, when they come to the feeding platform to receive supplementary food. Elevated walkways provide excellent viewing opportunities without disturbing the animals. The center also features an information center with exhibits about orangutan biology, behavior, and conservation. You can also visit the nursery, where you can observe the younger orangutans learning essential skills. The Rainforest Discovery Centre, located nearby, offers further opportunities to explore the surrounding rainforest ecosystem. While there are no specific culinary traditions associated with the center itself, the nearby town of Sepilok offers local dining options.

Transportation

From Sandakan town, you can take a bus to Sepilok. Look for buses heading towards Sepilok or Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Taxis and Grab cars are also readily available from Sandakan town.

Opening Hours

09:00 - 16:00 daily

Ticket Price

MYR 30 for adults, MYR 15 for children (Malaysian citizens enjoy discounted rates)