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Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary Review: Visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

Have you wanted to have a Borneo Orangutan Experience at one of the best Sanctuaries? Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilition Center is one of the best!

From the moment you embark on your Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary tour at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, you’ll be able to spot wild orangutans in their natural habitat and may even witness a mother and baby coming to the platforms during feeding times as we did.

Twice I visited this center and each time I was mesmerized by the beauty of these creatures and their remarkable intelligence.

Overall, a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is an unforgettable experience that you’ll be sure to treasure for years to come. If you’re looking for a unique wildlife experience in Borneo, look no further – this is the place to go! The helpful and knowledgeable staff are always there to help, making your visit even more enjoyable.

For help planning your entire trip see Borneo Itinerary 10 Days: From Orangutans to Beaches

🦧 Book a Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary Tour today and get ready for an incredible experience!

Platform at the Nursery

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Sign at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Borneo

What is Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center?

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is a nonprofit organization that aims to rehabilitate orangutans displaced by deforestation, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction. The center provides medical care, food, and shelter to orphaned or injured orangutans until they’re ready to be released back into the wild. It also conducts research and educates the public on orangutan conservation.

🦧 Top 3 Tour Recommendations

Short on Time? Here are my top 3 recommended tours including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

What to Expect When Visiting a Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary?

When you arrive at the center, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who will give you a brief introduction to orangutans and the center’s history. You’ll then be taken to the feeding platform where you’ll get a chance to see the orangutans up close as they come to feed. The center has two feeding times, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.

Orangutan swinging from a rope at a Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary
Macaque sitting in a tree at a Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary

Information about Orangutans in Borneo’s Orangutan Sanctuaries

Borneo orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling mammals found in Borneo. They have auburn to reddish fur, long arms and legs, and an expressive face. Male orangutans can weigh up to 200 lbs (90kg) when fully grown, while females typically weigh about half that.

They can live up to 50 years, and their intelligence is similar to that of a three-year-old child. Orangutans are unique among primates in that they have opposable thumbs, allowing them to grasp branches while swinging from tree to tree. This incredible ability allows them to move quickly through the forest canopy, something that no other animal can do.

They also have an incredibly varied diet, with over 300 different types of food available to them in the wild.

Unfortunately, their habitat is shrinking due to deforestation and other human activities. That’s why Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary tours are essential for helping people understand the importance of conserving these incredible primates. With your help

What Else Can You Do at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center?

Aside from watching the orangutans feed, there are other activities you can do at the center. You can take a guided tour of the center and learn more about orangutan conservation. There’s also a nature trail where you can explore the center’s lush rainforest and spot other wildlife such as hornbills and macaques.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a wild orangutan (like we did, right as we entered)!

2 adult orangutans and several macaques

How to Get There?

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is located in Sandakan, Sabah, about a 40-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu. Once you land, you can take a taxi to the center or book a tour with a local operator. The center is open daily from 9 am to 3:30 pm, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Is It Worth It?

In short, yes, visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is definitely worth it. Not only will you get a chance to see these amazing primates up close, but you’ll also be supporting a great cause. The center’s conservation efforts are crucial in protecting the endangered orangutan species and the rainforest they call home.

So, if you’re ever in Borneo, be sure to add the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center to your itinerary.

A wild oragutan on the railing at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

What is the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary Entrance Fee?

The entrance fee for the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is currently RM30 (approx. US$12). Also, there is a camera fee of RM10 (approx. US$4)

All proceeds go towards funding the center’s conservation efforts, so your visit will contribute to a great cause! Your visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is an incredible opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Orangutan eating at a Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary

What other Borneo Orangutan Sanctuaries are worth visiting?

In addition to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, there are a number of other reputable Borneo Orangutan Sanctuaries that offer incredible opportunities for animal interactions.

🦧 Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Located in Central Kalimantan and supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned orangutans back into the wild.

🦧 Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary

Located in East Kalimantan and offers visitors a unique view of the orangutans in their natural habitat.

🦧 Matang Wildlife Center

Located in Sarawak and is home to an estimated 180 orangutans.

🦧 Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Sarawak

This center currently houses over 25 orangutans and offers a rehabilitation program as well as educational programs.

Each Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary serves as a haven for the endangered orangutan, offering protection against extinction. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, visiting one of these sanctuaries is an absolute must.

Book your Borneo Orangutan Tour today and get ready to experience the wonders of nature! You won’t regret it – not only will you have a chance to see these amazing primates up close, but you’ll also be contributing to their conservation.

🦧 Book Your Private Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan, Bornean Sun Bear, and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour 🦧

What other Attractions are near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center?

If you’re visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, there are a variety of other attractions nearby. From lush rainforest walks to cruises along the Kinabatangan River, you won’t be short of things to do and see in this part of Borneo. For other animal attractions nearby, be sure to visit the following:

Sun Bear Conservation Center sign

Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center

Located right next to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, you can walk between them.

The Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center is home to a wide variety of sun bears and features educational shows about the species. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn more about this unique animal and its conservation needs. You can also volunteer at the center and help take care of these animals. Be sure to add it to your itinerary if you’re visiting Sepilok!

Sandakan Crocodile Farm

The Sandakan Crocodile Farm is home to a large collection of crocodiles, and educational displays about the species. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about crocodiles, as well as see them up close.

Discovery Rain Forest sign in Sepilok

Discovery Rainforest Center

The Discovery Rainforest Center is a great place to explore the lush rainforests of Borneo. Featuring informative displays and guided tours, you can learn more about the ecology and wildlife of this unique region.

Probiscis Monkey in the rainforest of Sandakan Borneo

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkeys

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkeys are a unique species that can only be found in Borneo. Visit the park to see these amazing primates up close and learn more about their conservation needs. You may even get lucky enough to spot a wild mother and baby!

So if you’re planning a trip to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, be sure to not to miss out on all the other amazing attractions Borneo has to offer. With its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, it’s an unforgettable experience!

See 37 Best Things to Do in Sandakan in Borneo, Malaysia, for more ideas for things to do when you visit Sepilok.

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What Hotels Are Near Sepilok?

Sepilok is located close to Sandakan and is home to the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Visitors can choose from a range of great accommodation options, including Sepilok Nature Resort, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Nature Lodge Sepilok, Sepilok Jungle Resort, and the Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat.

Sepilok Jungle Resort sign located close to the Oragutang Rehabilitation Centre
Top 3 Recommended Hotels
Orangutans on the nursery feeding deck at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs) about the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

Visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t forget. Here are some of the frequently asked questions to help you get prepared for your journey.

What time are the feedings at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center?

The orangutans at Sepilok are fed twice daily, so the feeding times vary. The morning feedings are typically between 10 am and 11 am, and the afternoon feedings take place from 3 pm to 4 pm.

Can I touch the Orangutans?

No, it is strictly forbidden to touch or feed the Orangutans as this can disrupt their natural behavior and harm them.

For the safety of both humans and orangutans, it is not recommended to touch them. Instead, you can observe them from a safe distance and simply enjoy watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

What should I wear when visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center?

You should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes when visiting the center. It is also advisable to bring long-sleeved shirts, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It can be very hot and humid as it is located in a rainforest.

How big is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center?

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is over 43 acres in size and provides a safe haven for many different species of wildlife. It is one of the most important centers in the world dedicated to orangutan conservation.

What are the orangutan’s predators?

The orangutans’ main predators in the wild are tigers, leopards, and crocodiles. However, due to deforestation and habitat destruction, orangutans are now more threatened by humans than by any animal predator.

What is the difference between orangutans in Sumatra and Borneo?

Orangutans in Sumatra and Borneo differ genetically and have different physical characteristics. Bornean orangutans are typically larger, darker, and have longer facial hair than their Sumatran counterparts. Additionally, Bornean orangutans tend to live in larger groups while Sumatran orangutans often prefer to live a solitary lifestyle.

Do orangutans bite?

Orangutans rarely bite, but they can be aggressive if provoked or threatened. It is important to maintain a respectful distance from them in the wild.

For this reason, it is important to join an experienced tour guide when visiting the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary. The guides there are trained to keep you safe and allow you to get up close to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Do orangutans hunt for meat?

No, orangutans are vegetarians and feed mainly on fruits, leaves, and other plant material. They will occasionally eat insects as well.

What is the best month to visit?

The best time to visit the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary is between April and August. This is when orangutans are often seen on the feeding platforms at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

During these months, you’ll have a much better chance of seeing wild orangutans in their natural environment. There are also organized Borneo Orangutan Tours available during these months which provide an opportunity to get up close and personal with the orangutans.

Is it better to see orangutans in Sumatra or Borneo?

Both Sumatra and Borneo are home to orangutans, but the best place to see wild orangutans is in Borneo.

Orangutan and Macaque at a Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary

The Wrap-Up: Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary Review: Visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

If you’re looking to visit a Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary, we recommend the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. It’s a memorable experience that will stay with you even after your trip is over.

You’ll see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat and learn about orangutan conservation. There’s something for everyone at this sanctuary, especially if you’re an animal lover. We definitely recommend visiting – it’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime trip!

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for an unforgettable experience. Witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring and supports a great cause.

While there, you can also learn more about orangutan conservation and explore the center’s lush rainforest. So, if you’re ever in Borneo, don’t miss out on visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Trust us, it’s worth it.

🦧 Book Your Private Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan, Bornean Sun Bear, and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour 🦧

Orangutan and baby hanging from a rope at the nursery at the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary

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