Excursion Orang utan & sun bears tour at Sandakan

Discover some of the rarest wildlife species of the Bornean rainforest during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Sandakan, Borneo Rainforest, Sepilok Forest Reserve

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to the Borneo Rainforest; at 140 million years old, it's one of the oldest-known rainforests in the world. Upon arrival, head to the Sepilok Forest Reserve, home to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and the oldest orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary in Sepilok. A primary lowland forest, Sepilok is the nearest place to visit a virgin jungle of Borneo, as one of the few remaining rainforests in Sabah where you can observe the feeding of orangutans and sun bears in their natural habitat from a platform in the forest. Upon arrival at the Sepilok Forest Reserve, your first stop is at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).

Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The sun bear, also known as the 'honey bear', is a bear found primarily in the tropical rainforests in southeast Asia, northeast India, Bangladesh, and southern China. The sun bear is the smallest member of the only eight-known bear species in the world. In Sabah, sun bears are a totally protected species, with the same status as the Bornean orangutans and Sumatran rhinoceros. During your guided tour of the BSBCC, view the sun bears from an observation platform whilst learning about their habits and habitat, then visit the indoor viewing nursery to see the sun bears up-close. Following your guided visit, walk to the adjacent Sepilok Forest Reserve feeding platform.

Orangutan Feeding Platform, Indoor Nursery, Macaques, Monkeys, Mammals, Birds, Plants, Trees

Observe the scheduled feeding of orangutans and 3rd-stage of the rehabilitation program, in which orphaned and injured orangutans are brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated and returned to forest life. Macaques, leaf monkeys, other mammals, and more than 250 bird species can be found here. The reserve also boasts a fascinating diversity of plants and more than 450 species of trees, including century-old lianas and towering dipterocarps. After your visit to the viewing platform and indoor viewing nursery, proceed back to your coach. Your tour concludes with an approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Sepilok Forest Reserve, Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Orangutan Sanctuary, Sun Bear- and Orangutan-Viewing, Wildlife, Birds, Trees, Plants

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, including a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coast, four-ten steps at the Sepilok Registration Desk and Labok Bay Feeding Platform, and a 15-minute hike on a wooden walkway with steps and inclines that can become slippery when wet. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable cotton clothing with flat, non-slip, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a raincoat with a head covering, and bottled water from the ship; shorts and bare shoulders and midriffs are not permitted. Guests may opt to leave their bags in the complimentary lockers available at Sepilok; however, Sepilok is not responsible for any missing items. Avoid wearing bright colours, as it excites the orangutans, and apply insect repellent before getting on the coach. Bring minimal items for this excursion, as backpacks, handbags, insect repellent, food, drink, and/or any medications are not permitted inside the sanctuary. No smoking is permitted at the feeding platforms. Each guest can bring a maximum of one camera. A fee for additional cameras must be paid directly to the Sepilok Centre (US $5 per camera/video at the time of printing); professional/commercial lens cameras are not permitted.  Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. It is not allowed to enter the center with bottle of waters.

Infrastructure in Malaysia may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less touristic destinations. Although English is very popular language in Borneo, Malaysia, local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility and understanding.