Malaysia Destinations | Places of Interest in Malaysia

Sabah > Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan was founded in 1964, with more than 4,500 hectares of virgin jungle designated as forest reserve and sanctuary, which helps to relocate orphaned orang utans from the wild and captivity to be given a second chance at life. Orang utan means ‘ man of the forest ‘. The orang utan are truly the darlings of Sabah with their human-like attributes ( which is no surprise as they are found to be 96.4% similar to human genes ) and adorable antics. In Sepilok, orphaned baby orang utans from logging-sites, plantations and illegal hunting are rehabilitated and released into the wild as soon as they are equipped with the necessary skills.

Visitors can have the opportunity of catching a glimpse of the orang utan during feeding time at 10am and 2pm. However, the sightings of orang utans are not always guaranteed.

A Sumatran rhinoceros breeding centre is also located here where efforts to increase the population of this endangered species is being carried out. Visits are limited and only with special permission.

Protection of wildlife species is not restricted to the rehabilitation of orang utans and Sumatran rhinoceros. Wildlife reserves have been established at Tabin and Kulamba to preserve valuable habitats for rhinos, elephants, deer, tembadau and myriad species of birds. A wildlife sanctuary is in the process of being established along the Kinabatangan River, considered one of the worlds’ richest wildlife biodiversity hubs

Ten primate species are found in the wild here, which includes the orang utan, proboscis monkey, and endemic Borneon gibbon. Rare birds such as the Oriental darter and Storm’s stork are also found here.

Daily Feeding Time : 10am, 2.30pm

Entrance Fee : RM30 per person for Adult,

RM 15 per person for visitors under 18 years old

(additional RM10.00 will be imposed on video cameras)

Getting There

Getting to Sepilok is very convenient as it is only 25km northeast of Sandakan town.

Accommodation

Sepilok Nature Resort

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