Rainforest Tour, Labuk Bay, Sun Bear & Sepilok | Sandakan
If you’re planning a trip to Sabah, Malaysia, this full-day wildlife tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Borneo’s fascinating animal life and lush rainforests. For $396 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring some of the island’s most notable conservation centers, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. With a friendly guide leading the way, you’ll get close to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears, all while learning about ongoing conservation efforts.
We especially appreciate how this tour balances wildlife encounters with scenic rainforest walks — making it a full package for nature lovers. The highlight for many is watching orangutans during their feeding sessions, which feels both intimate and educational. Plus, the canopy walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre offers a different perspective on Borneo’s vibrant ecosystem.
A possible consideration is the tight schedule—the day involves quite a bit of moving between sites, which might leave some feeling rushed, especially if wildlife sightings are elusive. But if you’re eager to see a variety of species in a single day and enjoy guided insights, this tour hits the mark.
This experience suits travelers who enjoy wildlife-focused adventures, want to learn about conservation efforts, and appreciate a mix of animal encounters and rainforest scenery. It’s ideal for those with a full day to spare in Sandakan and an interest in Borneo’s unique fauna.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Wildlife in Action: Get up close to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears in their natural or semi-natural environments.
- Educational Focus: Learn about ongoing conservation efforts at each site, especially at the Sun Bear and Orangutan centres.
- Balanced Experience: Combine wildlife viewing with rainforest walks, including the Rainforest Discovery Centre’s canopy walkway.
- Practical Value: Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, one meal, and park entrance fees—making planning easier.
- Flexible & Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with accessible options and a private group option for personalized attention.
- Considerations: The schedule is busy, and sightings aren’t guaranteed, so patience is key.
Planning more time in Sandakan? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
This 8-hour tour begins with hotel pickup in Sandakan, where a friendly guide greets you, ready to share insights about Borneo’s incredible biodiversity. The first stop is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a true highlight. Here, the orangutans are in a semi-wild environment, rescued from illegal pet trade or habitat destruction, and undergoing rehabilitation. Watching them during their feeding session, which lasts about 30 minutes, is both captivating and poignant. We loved the way the guides explained each orangutan’s story, making the experience more meaningful.
The center allows for a self-guided tour afterward, giving you time to observe these intelligent primates in more relaxed surroundings. Many visitors note that the orangutans are playful and expressive, with one reviewer mentioning, “We loved the way the orangutans interacted during feeding — so gentle yet curious.” The center’s focus on conservation and rehabilitation adds a deeper purpose to your visit.
After two hours, you’ll hop onto a comfortable bus for a short 30-minute drive to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. This is a prime location to see the endemic proboscis monkeys, easily recognizable by their large noses and potbellies. The guide will lead a walk through the sanctuary, where you can observe these playful monkeys in a lush mangrove setting. Watching them swing through the trees or relax on branches is a true highlight. Many reviews comment on the ease of wildlife viewing here — “We saw a family of proboscis monkeys just chilling in the trees, and it felt like a private show,” one traveler shared.
Lunch is served en route at the Sepilok Jungle Resort, where you can enjoy local dishes in a relaxed setting. After lunch, the tour continues with a second visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, which allows for revisiting the orangutans, perhaps catching different behaviors or seeing them in a different part of their habitat.
Next, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre offers a fascinating look at the world’s smallest bears. This center emphasizes education and rehabilitation, and you’ll see these adorable creatures up close. The guide will walk you through the center, explaining their habits and the challenges they face. One reviewer noted, “It’s incredible to see such tiny bears in such a well-kept environment; it’s a real conservation success story.”
The day concludes with a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Here, a canopy walkway offers panoramic views of the rainforest canopy — a different way to experience the lush environment. The guide may point out various bird species and plant life, highlighting Borneo’s biodiversity. After an hour here, it’s time to head back to Sandakan, closing your immersive day in the rainforest.
Throughout the day, the tour’s guided approach means you’ll gain insights into each animal’s life and the importance of conservation. The tour is well-organized, with enough breaks and time at each site to absorb the experience without feeling overwhelmed.
The Practical Side: What to Expect and Tips
This tour is suitable for most travelers, as it involves some walking, mostly on flat terrain, and is wheelchair accessible. Be prepared for tropical weather — it can rain unexpectedly, so packing insect repellent, a hat, and comfortable shoes is wise. Carry a camera for wildlife shots, but remember some sites may restrict flash photography. Bring socks to protect against insect bites when walking through forested areas.
Transport is by coach, and the group tends to be a mix of families, wildlife enthusiasts, and solo travelers. The pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Sandakan are included, making logistics simple.
The cost of $396 may seem high for a single day, but it covers all entrance fees, a meal, and expert guiding — a good deal considering the number of sites visited and the quality of experiences. Many travelers find the value excellent, especially given the chance to see multiple species in one day, which might otherwise require separate trips.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
Ideal for wildlife lovers eager to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears in a single day. It suits those interested in conservation stories and nature walks, and families or groups looking for a hassle-free way to explore Borneo’s rainforest animals. If you enjoy guided tours, learning about local efforts to protect endangered species, and don’t mind a full schedule, this is a rewarding choice.
Keep in mind that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed — patience and a bit of luck are part of the adventure. If your primary goal is to see specific animals in the wild without a set schedule, you might prefer a more flexible, less structured experience.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with pickup and drop-off included, starting around mid-morning.
What sites will I visit?
You’ll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Is food included?
Yes, one local lunch is included, served en route to the Labuk Bay sanctuary and at the Sepilok Jungle Resort.
Are the sites suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is accessible and suitable for most travelers, including families.
What should I bring?
Bring a camera, insect repellent, socks, sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are animals in captivity?
The centers focus on rehabilitation and conservation, providing semi-natural environments for the animals.
Is the tour private or group?
It operates as a shared group tour, but private options may be available.
How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking, mostly on flat terrain, with some opportunities for seated viewing during animal feedings.
Are there any hidden costs?
Entrance fees and one meal are included; additional drinks, camera fees, and tips are not.
Final Thoughts
This rainforest tour from Sandakan offers a comprehensive snapshot of Borneo’s remarkable wildlife and conservation efforts. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one experience that combines animal encounters, rainforest scenery, and education. The day is well-paced, with enough variety to keep both adults and kids engaged.
While it’s a busy schedule, the ability to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears in one day is a rare opportunity. If you’re ready for an adventure that combines wildlife spotting with learning about ongoing conservation work, this tour will deliver more than just snapshots — it offers a chance to connect with Borneo’s living treasures.
For those with a passion for nature and a desire to see some of the island’s most iconic species, this tour combines value, authenticity, and a taste of the rainforest’s vibrant biodiversity in a single memorable day.
You can check availability for your dates here: