SANDAKAN SEPILOK WILDLIFE

Sepilok is a small village in the northeast of Malaysia’s Sabah province, a thirty minute drive from the town (and airport) of Sandakan, and for most travellers the beginning of their Sabah wildlife adventure. Here, the key attractions are the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

For most travellers, Sepilok would be the starting point for travellers to experience the Sabah wildlife adventure. This Sandakan Sepilok Wildlife herein presents key attractions.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Founded in 1964, the biggest drawcard in Sepilok, and one of the most popular attractions in all of Sabah, is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC). Commended for their work in rehabilitating orphaned and rescued animals, and where possible, returning them into the wild. Herein provides you the opportunity to learn more about Borneo’s wildlife, making certain that you gain practical knowledge of the wildlife animals’ habitats and behaviours in the wild.

The main delight of this travel destination shows you a genuine sanctuary offering care and rehabilitation for orphaned, abused and injured monkeys. Also, it may be the closest encounter you will get with an orangutan that roams freely within its space. You will come to see that these endangered orangutans are incredibly intelligent and inquisitive, and endearingly human-like.

Opening Hours
9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Daily

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Strategically located next to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre was founded by Siew Te Wong as a two-stage effort in providing the care, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and captive sun bears, including addressing the lack of knowledge and awareness of this little-known bear both in Malaysia and internationally.

In this centre, you shall witness the antics of these active sun bears. You will marvel at their cleverness as they use their long claws to rip open logs and dig in the dirt scavenging for ants, termites, and all sorts of grubs. These fuzzy creatures will eagerly nosh on any insects they find with their long narrow tongue which curls upward at the tip. The perfect scooping method to enjoy the grubs out of hard-to-reach crevices.

Also known as the honey bear, this bear shares its love for honey just like Winnie the Pooh. Their keen sense of smell lets them pinpoint the honey in trees. It’s a great place to spend some time observing these delightful animals and get an understanding of the sun bear lifestyle. You may also get to observe other jungle animals that are sharing this jungle environment.

Opening Hours
9:00 am – 3:30 pm | Daily

Rainforest Discovery Centre
This Rainforest Discovery Centre highlights its 25 metre-high sturdy steel canopy walk which stretches 347 metres across the treetops over the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, connecting two observation towers. There’s a separate freestanding tower as well. Along with panoramic views, you also have the opportunity to spot some of the 300 birds species or forest creatures that dwell in the canopy.

Opening Hours
8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Daily

Sandakan Memorial Park
The Sandakan War Memorial Park is one for the history enthusiasts to gain deep insights of Sabah, especially the Death March, one of the grimmest chapters of the Second World War. Nestled in a tranquil rainforest garden, this Sandakan Memorial Park will guide you on a journey to the past, unfolding the terror and heroism of the soldiers during that time. The memory of the Second World War is emphasized by the rusting remains of an excavator and a generator and a boiler which still lie in their original positions near the steps leading up to a small Commemorative Pavilion. Till today, this Memorial Park stands as a sobering and moving tribute. Every year on ANZAC Day, a service is held in remembrance of all those who fell.

Opening Hours
8:00 am – 6:00 pm | Daily