Sepilok OrangUtan, Sun Bear & Labuk Bay Full Day Trip

The Sepilok OrangUtan, Sun Bear & Labuk Bay Full Day Trip offers a well-rounded glimpse into Borneo’s unique wildlife across three key sites near Sandakan. At $222 per person, this guided tour takes roughly a full day and combines wildlife encounters, conservation education, and a tasty lunch—all with the convenience of hotel or airport pickup.

We particularly appreciate the chance to see orangutans in their natural rehabilitation environment and observe proboscis monkeys in a semi-wild setting. The knowledgeable guide enriches the experience with insights, while the lunch at the rainforest resort provides a relaxing break amid lush surroundings.

One thing to keep in mind is that the price might seem high compared to booking directly on-site, which could be a consideration if budget is your main concern. However, for those seeking a comfortably organized day with knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a solid, authentic experience suited to wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: See orangutans at the rehabilitation center, proboscis monkeys, and sometimes silver leaf monkeys and hornbills.
• Conservation Focus: Learn about ongoing rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts through centers like Sepilok and Labuk Bay.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, and lunch, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Guided Insight: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of the wildlife and conservation work.
• Potential Cost: While the experience is comprehensive, some travelers find cheaper options available directly on-site.
• Best for: Wildlife lovers, families with children (not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with allergies), and travelers wanting a structured, educational day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

This full-day tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport in Sandakan, which is a real convenience. From there, the group heads out to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a place renowned for its dedicated efforts to rescue and rehabilitate orangutans displaced by habitat loss or illegal pet trade. The timing is structured so you arrive for the 10:00 AM feeding session, a highlight that allows close-up views of orangutans as they gather to eat.

Visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a living conservation project. You’ll see orangutans in a semi-wild environment, often climbing and foraging in the trees, which offers a natural perspective on these intelligent apes. The nursery may also be open, giving you a glimpse of younger orangutans being cared for and prepared for eventual release back into the wild.

Authenticity is key here. We loved the way the sanctuary emphasizes education and rehabilitation, not just viewing. You’re encouraged to follow rules like not using flash photography and keeping a respectful distance—important details that preserve the animals’ well-being.

The Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Next, the tour takes you to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Home to over 30 sun bears, this facility is dedicated to rescuing bears from captivity, poaching, and illegal pet trade. The enclosures are thoughtfully designed to mimic their natural environment, and you’ll see bears climbing, foraging, and resting in their habitats.

The guide’s insights here add depth—learning about the welfare rehabilitation and education efforts helps you appreciate the broader importance of wildlife conservation. This site is particularly eye-opening for visitors unfamiliar with these shy, often misunderstood creatures.

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A Relaxing Lunch

After absorbing so much wildlife info, a lunch at the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort provides a well-deserved break. The menu is generally good and plentiful, with some reviews mentioning the quality of the meal as a highlight. It’s a relaxed atmosphere where you can reflect on the morning’s sights and prepare for the afternoon.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Post-lunch, the tour ventures into Labuk Bay, located within an oil palm estate, where you’ll see proboscis monkeys—the distinctive “long-nosed” primates endemic to Borneo. The habituated troop often comes close, especially during the afternoon feeding time. The wooden platform allows for a close-up view, and you might even catch a glimpse of the silver leaf monkeys and hornbills that also frequent the area.

The proboscis monkeys are often the showstopper here—quirky, amusing, and uniquely Bornean. The opportunity to see them in their natural habitat, yet habituated enough for good viewing, is a highlight for many travelers.

Final Return and Reflection

After the wildlife viewing, you’ll be transported back to Sandakan, with plenty of time to process your day. The entire experience is designed to be manageable within a single day, combining wildlife, education, and some leisure.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviews provide valuable context. One traveler, Laura, mentions that “Darwis, our guide, was very knowledgeable and entertaining,” which many agree is a key part of the experience. She notes that the tour’s overall high price might be a deterrent, especially considering the availability of cheaper options directly on-site.

Conversely, another reviewer highlights that “we were able to get up close to orangutans and proboscis monkeys” and appreciated the friendly guide and driver, emphasizing the value of guided insight and comfort.

Analyzing the Value

While the $222 price tag might seem steep, it includes all entrance fees, transportation, a substantial lunch, and a knowledgeable guide, which simplifies logistics and enhances the experience. The convenience of pickup and drop-off also saves you from navigating local transportation, especially since some sites are a fair distance apart.

However, some travelers have found that booking directly at the centers can be cheaper, but you’ll lose the ease and insider knowledge of a guided tour. The tour’s strength lies in combining wildlife viewing with education and comfort, making it ideal for those who prefer a structured day rather than DIY logistics.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits wildlife enthusiasts eager for close-up encounters with orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, educational outing with a guide to deepen their understanding of conservation efforts. Families might find it suitable, but note the restrictions for pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those with allergies.

If you’re on a tight budget, you might find cheaper options, but if convenience, expert guidance, and a well-rounded experience matter to you, this tour provides good value.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Sandakan hotel or airport, simplifying your day.

Are the entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for Sepilok, Labuk Bay, and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre are covered in the price.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are recommended. Avoid bringing valuables and smoking is not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While generally family-friendly, it’s best to check if your children meet the age and health requirements, especially since the tour involves walking and exposure to animals.

Can I book the tour on the day?
It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, but you can reserve and pay later with flexible booking options.

What about the guide’s role?
The guide, like Darwis mentioned in reviews, is knowledgeable and adds value by explaining animal behaviors and conservation work, enhancing your understanding.

Final Thoughts

This Sepilok OrangUtan, Sun Bear & Labuk Bay Full Day Trip offers a comprehensive, engaging look at Borneo’s amazing wildlife while supporting critical conservation efforts. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided tours that combine wildlife viewing with education, all within a comfortable setting.

If you’re keen to see orangutans in a semi-wild environment, observe proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, and learn about ongoing conservation work, this tour ticks those boxes. The inclusion of a good lunch and transport makes it a convenient, well-organized choice—though it’s wise to weigh the cost against other options if budget is your top priority.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for wildlife lovers wanting a reliable, informative, and memorable day out in Sabah.

You can check availability for your dates here: