Is the Rainforest Discovery Center in Borneo Worth Visiting?
Looking for a unique place to explore a rainforest in Borneo? The Rainforest Discovery Center is your answer.
Yes, The Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) is a remarkable place to visit in Borneo and totally worth visiting due to its unique and immersive experience. We recently had the opportunity to tour this wonderful facility and highly recommend it.
The RDC is an educational and conservation center that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. Located within the Sepilok Forest Reserve near Sandakan City, the RDC allows you to discover a variety of rainforest creatures and their habitats.
With over 400 species of animals, plants, and reptiles living in this lush environment, you’re sure to find something interesting!
The facility is run by knowledgeable experts who are passionate about conservation and have plenty of experience in the rainforest. They also host lectures and educational activities for visitors so they can learn about the environment and its inhabitants.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the wonders of the Rainforest Discovery Center in Borneo and help you determine if it’s worth a visit.
Facebook Page for the Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok
Full-Day Tour including the Rainforest Discovery Center
Join a full-day private tour to learn about the conservation efforts of the local residents and their attempts to protect Borneo’s natural environment and reintroduce indigenous creatures to their native habitats by visiting three conservation centers (Orangutans, Sun Bears, and Rainforest) in the region.
Recommendation from Tripadvisor
4.5 with over 1,000 reviews
Great Rainforest Experience near Sandakan
We had two walks in the discovery center – one in the afternoon, and the other a night walk. I highly recommend the night walk – we saw a rare Tarsier (cutest animal on the planet) and flying squirrels. It’s adjacent to the Sunbeaer and Orangutan rescue centers which are nearby and also quite worthwhile.
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7 Best Things to Do at the Rainforest Discovery Center
The Rainforest Discovery Center in Sepilok, Sabah, Borneo offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of nature and its diverse species. Here are some of the best things you can do at the Rainforest Discovery Center in Borneo, and yes it is worth visiting!
1. Get up close with nature
The Rainforest Discovery Center is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 250 species of birds, countless species of insects, monkeys, and even some of the rarest mammals on the planet.
The center has several walking trails that visitors can explore on their own or with a guide. You’ll get an opportunity to hear the songs of native birds and feel the crispness of the fresh air.
2. Learn about conservation efforts in Borneo
Borneo is home to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, which are currently under threat from palm oil plantations, deforestation, and other activities.
Rainforest Discovery Center educates visitors on these issues and leads conservation efforts, planting thousands of trees each year. Visiting the center not only allows you to appreciate the beauty of Borneo’s ecosystems but empowers you to contribute to conservation efforts.
3. Take a canopy walk
Visitors to the Rainforest Discovery Center can experience the breathtaking canopy walk called the Rainforest Skywalk, which is a 620-meter-long bridge suspended 27 meters above the forest floor. This unique perspective of the rainforest is a must-see attraction, and don’t forget to bring your camera!
Many looped trails are available, and informative panels are located along the way.
4. Take a Guided Night Walk
Do you want to enjoy a 2-hour guided night safari walk in the evenings? Then book your spot in our daily night walks at our Ticketing Counter. The walks are available from 6-8 pm and cost RM30/person. You may spot some rarely-seen animals like flying squirrels, tarsiers, and slow lorises. Booking is on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Visit the Plant Discovery Garden
You can also visit the Plant Discovery Garden, an area filled with fruit trees, medicinal plants, spices, and a vast array of edible herbs. The garden boasts a research station, plant nursery, and a classroom facility that is used for educational programs and workshops. Visiting the Botanical Garden gives you an opportunity to learn about plants and their traditional uses.
6. Attend Educational Programs
Rainforest Discovery Center conducts educational programs and workshops to help visitors, especially students, learn more about conservation efforts and the importance of rainforests for the survival of life on Earth. Programs can last anywhere between an hour to several days, giving participants an immersive educational experience.
7. Eat at the Rainforest Discovery Center Keruing Cafe
The Rainforest Discovery Center Keruing Cafe serves a variety of delicious local dishes and drinks and is located at eh canopy walkway entrance. The cafe is open from 9 am until 5 pm every day
Recommendation from Rainforest Discovery Center Website
I loved my time here! The canopy walk was lovely, was so nice to have shelters to sit and listen to all the natural sounds around. Loved having the walks too – on my walk way back to the centre I saw an orangutan in the trees eating their lunch.
Not knowing what you’ll find is the best thing about places like today and it has been a real highlight of my 5 month SE Asia trip!
Clare D
Where is the Rainforest Discovery Center Located?
The Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) is located in Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. From the Sandakan Airport, take a ride to Sepilok via taxi or public transport. It’s approximately 15 miles (25 KM) or 45 minutes away from the airport.
Once you arrive in Sepilok, follow Jalan Rainforest until you reach the entrance of RDC. You won’t miss it! The entrance is located on the left side of the road. Enjoy a peaceful walk inside the Rainforest Discovery Center and explore its beauty!
We stayed at the Sepilok Jungle Resort and walked 1.25 miles (2 KM) to reach the Rainforest Discovery Center. It’s worth noting that the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort and Sepilok Nature Resort are both closer to the center.
Address: Jalan Fabia, Sepilok, 90715 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
What is the Entrance Fee?
The entrance fee ranges from being free for children below 5 years old to RM20 (USD $5), depending on whether you are a local or a foreign visitor.
What is Located Nearby?
The Rainforest Discovery Centre is located in Sepilok, Sandakan, a small town on the east coast of Sabah. Around the area are many attractions worth visiting such as:
🦧 Book Your Private Full-Day Tour to 3 Conservation Centers 🦧
The Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center
Located just a few minutes away from the RDC, this center focuses on protecting and rehabilitating sun bears in the region. Visitors can also learn more about the center’s conservation efforts and join in educational programs.
📍Book Your Tour to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center
The center is home to around 80-100 orangutans. It’s a great opportunity to watch orangutans in their natural habitat, as well as learn more about the importance of protecting these endangered species.
📍Book Your Tour to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center
The Agnes Keith House
This house is a museum dedicated to the life of world-famous writer and conservationist Agnes Newton Keith, who lived and wrote in Sandakan during World War II. It’s a great place to learn more about the rich history of this beautiful part of Malaysia.
📍Book Your Tour to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Agnes Keith House
Overall we highly recommend considering visiting Rainforest Discovery Centre on your next holiday to Borneo!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Rainforest Discovery Center in Borneo
The Rainforest Discovery Center in Borneo is a great way to experience and learn about the rainforest, its inhabitants, and the importance of conservation. Here are some frequently asked questions that people have when visiting.
1-2 hours is typically enough time to tour the Rainforest Discovery Center, however, if you plan to take part in a guided night walk or attend educational programs, it’s recommended that you allot more time.
The Rainforest Discovery Center is open from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily including holidays.
Borneo is home to an incredible variety of biodiversity, and the rainforest is the most biodiverse on Earth. The rainforest also plays an important role in regulating global climate patterns and providing essential resources for local communities who rely on them for food and income.
The rainforest in Borneo is estimated to be 130 million years old, making it one of the oldest rainforests on the planet.
Deforestation is the biggest threat to the Borneo rainforest, caused by logging and agricultural activities.
The Borneo rainforest is home to an estimated 15,000 species of plants and animals. This includes many rare and endangered species such as the Sumatran rhinoceros, orangutan, pygmy elephant, and clouded leopard. It also supports a wide range of birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and fish.
The Borneo rainforest is home to some of the world’s most unique and endangered species, such as the Sunda clouded leopard, proboscis monkey, orangutan, pygmy elephant, slow loris, and more. Additionally, there are numerous rare plants and birds that can only be found in this part of the world.
🦧 Book Your Private Full-Day Tour to 3 Conservation Centers 🦧
The Wrap-Up: Is the Rainforest Discovery Center in Borneo worth visiting?
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, the Rainforest Discovery Center in Borneo is definitely worth visiting. Here, you can explore some of the world’s most unique and endangered species up close while also taking part in various conservation efforts.
There’s simply no better way to learn about and appreciate this incredible part of the world than by making a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Center.
So, if you’ve been considering making a trip to Borneo and want to learn more about what this amazing place has to offer, be sure to check out our blog post on the 37 best things to do in Sandakan. You’re sure to find something that will make your trip memorable! And don’t forget to make a stop at the Rainforest Discovery Center – you won’t regret it!
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