Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch

Exploring Sandakan’s Wildlife and Culture: A Day with Orangutans, Monkeys, and More

If you’re visiting Sandakan and want a taste of Borneo’s incredible native wildlife alongside some cultural sights, this tour offers a compelling package. For $147.37 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, visiting Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, and stopping at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Plus, there’s a scenic hilltop temple and a lively local market thrown in for good measure.

What we love most is the chance to see these iconic animals in naturalistic settings—like watching orangutans being fed or spotting proboscis monkeys swinging through mangroves. The tour’s small-group atmosphere, capped at 15 travelers, ensures you won’t be lost in the crowd, making for a more personal experience. Also, the included lunch is a real bonus, saving you time and money while enjoying authentic local cuisine.

One thing to consider is that the itinerary can vary, especially if some sites like the orangutan centre are unexpectedly closed—something we saw mentioned in reviews. That’s a reminder to stay flexible and check ahead if specific animals are your priority.

This tour suits animal lovers, families, and travelers who appreciate convenience, as it includes hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s especially good for those who want to maximize a single day of sightseeing without the hassle of organizing transportation or entry tickets.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: See orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears in their natural habitats.
• Convenience: All logistics, including transport, are handled, making it easy to focus on the experience.
• Authentic Cultural Sights: Visit a hilltop Buddhist temple and bustling market for local flavor.
• Family Friendly & Small Group: Suitable for all ages, with personalized attention.
• Included Lunch: Enjoy a local set meal without extra hassle.
• Flexible & Reliable: The tour runs with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a comfortable pace.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The tour begins early at 8:00 am, giving you a full day of exploration. The Sepilok Orangutan Centre is a highlight—famous for rescuing orphaned orangutans from illegal logging and pet trade. We loved the way the center combines education with conservation, allowing us to observe orangutans being fed from specially designed platforms amid lush rainforest. The admission is included, so all you need to do is enjoy the moment.

Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s knowledge. One said, “Great guide and driver. Eight hours well spent with plenty of variety,” highlighting how seamless and informative the experience is. The orangutan feeding, which occurs twice daily, is especially captivating, providing excellent photo opportunities.

A potential downside is that if the orangutan center is unexpectedly closed—something that happened to some travelers—you might be diverted to alternative sites like the Rainforest Discovery Centre. While disappointing, the substitution still offers a valuable rainforest experience.

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Next up is the Sun Bear Centre, which focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating Malayan sun bears. This part of the tour sheds light on conservation efforts—something we appreciated, especially since the bears are often misunderstood. The centre has informative displays, and you’ll get to see the bears in enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. The hour-long visit is both eye-opening and engaging, especially if you’re a wildlife enthusiast.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

The star of the afternoon is the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary at Labuk Bay. These peculiar monkeys, with their large noses and pot-bellied appearance, are unique to Borneo. You’ll take a stroll through mangrove forests, watching for these creatures swinging from tree to tree. We loved the way the sanctuary offers a glimpse into their wild habitat—though some reviews note that the monkeys are fed at specific times, so keep an eye out for feeding sessions.

One reviewer summed it up: “Absolutely awesome day… the orangutans, proboscis monkeys, snakes, butterflies, etc., just amazing.” While the chance to see silver leaf monkeys and other wildlife varies, the proboscis monkeys are reliably visible during the tour.

Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple

A peaceful break from wildlife spotting is the Puu Jih Shih Temple, perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of Sandakan Bay. Built in 1987, this Buddhist temple provides a quiet moment for reflection and picture-taking, with beautiful architecture and lush surroundings. It’s a short stop—about 30 minutes—but one that enriches the cultural aspect of the day.

Sandakan Central Market

The tour wraps up with a visit to Sandakan’s lively market, a bustling hub of local life. Here, you can browse stalls full of fresh produce, handicrafts, and local snacks. One reviewer called it “great to see what Sabah people eat and wear,” and it’s a perfect spot for observing daily life and maybe picking up some souvenirs.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to booking separate tours or arranging your own transportation, this all-in-one package simplifies your day and often costs less. The inclusion of entrance fees and lunch means no hidden costs—just a straightforward, well-organized day. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, which enhances your experience.

The reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides, like Adil, make a difference, blending education with humor and friendliness. Many travelers mention that the day passes quickly because there’s so much to see and do, and the variety keeps everyone engaged.

Transportation & Logistics

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle makes moving between sites comfortable, especially considering Sabah’s tropical climate. Pickup from your hotel or airport adds convenience, saving you the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads or public transport.

Duration and Timing

Starting at 8:00 am, the tour offers a full-day itinerary—about 8 hours in total. This means you have enough time at each site without feeling rushed, although some reviews note that weather or site closures (like orangutan centre closures) may affect the plan.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wildlife lovers, families, and curious travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to Sandakan. It’s suitable for all ages, given the family-friendly nature and moderate walking involved. If animals and local culture are your priorities, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Take This Tour?

If you’re eager to see Borneo’s iconic wildlife—orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears—this tour delivers. The combination of wildlife encounters, cultural stops, and local flavor offers a balanced view of Sandakan in just one day. It’s especially valuable for travelers wanting a hassle-free way to explore multiple attractions with expert guides.

The inclusion of lunch and hotel pickup makes it a convenient choice, and the small-group size ensures a more personal experience. While it may not offer the same level of animal encounters as a private safari or overnight adventure, the value and variety here make it a worthwhile option for most wildlife enthusiasts and culture seekers.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, with discounts for children and no charge for infants, making it a good choice for families wanting a packed day of wildlife and cultural sights.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, a set lunch at a local restaurant, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a set tour, customization isn’t typically available. However, the tour offers some flexibility in site substitutions if certain attractions are closed.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Camera fees may apply at parks, so check if you need cash for photos.

How long do stops last?
Most stops range from 30 minutes to an hour, with the orangutan and proboscis monkey visits typically being the highlights.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. Poor weather might lead to cancellations or site changes, but you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What if I want a longer wildlife experience?
You might consider other tours, like multi-day jungle camping or private safaris, but this tour offers a great overview for a single day.

How do reviews rate this tour overall?
With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5, travelers generally find it a worthwhile, enjoyable day, especially praising knowledgeable guides and the chance to see animals in the wild.

To sum it up, this tour from Sandakan provides a well-organized, engaging introduction to Borneo’s wildlife and local culture. It balances the excitement of animal encounters with cultural insights, all delivered in a small-group setting that fosters connection and ease. Perfect for those who want an authentic, memorable day without the hassle of planning, it’s a solid choice for animal lovers and curious travelers alike.