Day Trip Sepilok Orang Utan & Proboscis Monkey (Flight Excluded)

Exploring Borneo’s Wildlife in a Day: Sepilok Orang Utan & Proboscis Monkey Tour

If you’re heading to Sandakan and want an immersive day into Borneo’s famously unique creatures—orangutans, sunbears, and proboscis monkeys—this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse without the need to linger in multiple locations. Priced at $176 per person and lasting about 10 hours, it is an efficient way to see some of the island’s most iconic wildlife in their natural-ish environment, with the added convenience of door-to-door transfers and a group size capped at 15 for a more personal experience.

What we love about this trip is the focus on close-up animal encounters at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where the orangutans are fed right in front of you—an unforgettable sight. Coupled with the chance to observe elusive proboscis monkeys in their mangrove habitat and to visit the Sunbear Conservation Center, it satisfies both wildlife enthusiasts and casual observers alike. The lunch included adds a welcome break, especially after an early start, giving you a taste of local flavors.

A key consideration is the early start time—a 4:30 am pickup from Kota Kinabalu (if you include your flights), which might be a challenge for some. Also, the internal flight arrangements are on your own, meaning you’ll need to book your flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan separately. While the tour offers excellent value for a full day of diverse wildlife encounters, some reviews have pointed out issues with communication and logistics, making it essential to stay alert and well-prepared.

This tour suits travelers who value guided expert insights, want a comprehensive snapshot of Borneo’s top animals in one day, and appreciate door-to-door service. If you’re eager to see orangutans in action and enjoy a small-group setting, this trip has plenty to offer.

Key Points

Wildlife Diversity: See orangutans, sunbears, and proboscis monkeys all in a single day, providing a broad snapshot of Borneo’s unique fauna.
Small-Group Experience: With a maximum of 15 travelers, expect more personalized attention and opportunities for questions.
Inclusive & Convenient: Lunch and transportation are included, with transfers from your accommodation making logistics smoother.
Early Start: The tour begins at 4:30 am, ideal for maximizing your day but may be demanding for some.
Self-Arranged Flights: You need to organize your internal flights separately, which offers flexibility but requires planning.
Authentic Encounters: Expect close views of animals in naturalistic settings, with knowledgeable guides enhancing your understanding.

A Closer Look: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a well-rounded experience by combining visits to key wildlife centers with convenience. It begins with a drive from Sandakan Airport to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll witness orangutans being fed in a forested environment. The admission tickets are included, and you’ll also watch an informative short documentary—a great way to understand the rehabilitation efforts behind these intelligent apes.

Next, your journey takes you to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, a mangrove forest covering about 400 acres. Here, you’ll get to observe these elusive monkeys—especially the distinctive nose of the males—at close range from an observation platform. This visit typically lasts about an hour, and the admission fee is included.

Finally, the tour includes a visit to the Bornean Sunbear Conservation Center, which is a delightful addition for animal lovers. You’ll see sunbears, the smallest bear species, known for their long tongues and love of honey, in a setting that aims to give these animals a second chance.

The tour is all-inclusive in terms of transport—using air-conditioned minivans—and includes lunch at a local restaurant outside Sandakan. It’s a full day of activity, with pickup and drop-off services from your hotel or port, making it easier for travelers who want to avoid logistics headaches.

What’s not included? Your return flights to and from Sandakan, camera or video fees, beverages, and any personal expenses. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention confusion about transport, especially regarding flight timings, so careful planning is recommended.

What You Can Expect During the Day

The day begins early, with a 4:30 am pickup (assuming you’re in Kota Kinabalu or have arranged your internal flight). This early start maximizes your wildlife viewing opportunities, especially since some animals are most active in the cooler morning hours. The half-hour drive to Sepilok from Sandakan Airport is smooth, giving you a chance to settle in and get excited.

At the Sepilok Orangutan Centre, you’ll witness orangutans in the midst of their feeding time. The platform offers a vantage point into the trees, where these great apes swing and munch on their breakfast, giving you a rare close-up experience. Watching orphaned orangutans in a semi-wild environment offers both spectacle and education—an ideal start to your day. As one reviewer put it, “Our guide, Yan, is one of the best guides we have had anywhere in the world. Her enthusiasm and detailed knowledge truly elevated the experience.”

The drive to Labuk Bay takes about 45 minutes, passing through lush Malaysian scenery. Here, the proboscis monkeys are a highlight—an animal that looks like it belongs in a cartoon but is very real. The observation platform allows for especially good views of these monkeys, which are endemic to Borneo. They’re often seen lounging in the mangroves, and the chance to see males with their notable noses is what makes this stop so special.

Lunch is typically at a local restaurant, offering a chance to enjoy regional dishes in a relaxed setting. Many reviews mention that the lunch adds good value and provides a necessary break after the morning’s early start.

The final stop is the Sunbear Conservation Center, where you can learn about these adorable bears and the conservation challenges they face. The center is well laid out, allowing you to observe the bears in naturalistic enclosures, and many visitors appreciate the informative guides who explain the bears’ behaviors and conservation efforts.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Challenges

One of the main strengths of this tour is the expert-guided wildlife viewing. As one reviewer noted, “The 3 experiences were all unique, allowing for close viewing of the animals in a safe environment,” highlighting the personalized attention and quality of encounters. Guides like Yan and Rezal are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the day both informative and enjoyable.

However, a couple of reviews point out logistical issues—communications that fell short or misunderstandings about transport. One traveler expressed frustration over pickup failures, and others noted that the “door-to-door” transfer might not include return flights, which could be a surprise if not clarified beforehand. It’s important to double-check flight arrangements and communicate clearly with the tour operator.

The value for money is generally rated highly, especially considering all the included visits, lunch, and transfers. The tour strikes a balance between guided expertise and self-managed logistics—you’re paying mainly for the experience and convenience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Wildlife enthusiasts who want to maximize their chances of seeing orangutans, sunbears, and proboscis monkeys in a single day will find this tour appealing. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer guided experiences with small-group intimacy, ensuring that you’re not lost in a crowd. If you’re comfortable with an early start and organizing your internal flights, this tour offers a comprehensive and accessible way to see Borneo’s wildlife.

Those anxious about logistics should be aware of flight arrangements and communication, and travelers looking for a more flexible or leisurely pace might prefer to spread out their activities over multiple days. Still, for a full-day snapshot of Borneo’s wildlife with professional guides and included meals, this tour provides good value.

Final Words: Is It Worth It?

In the end, this tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, convenience, and knowledgeable guiding. You’ll see orangutans in action, proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, and cute sunbears—all in a single day, making it perfect for busy travelers or those with limited time. The small-group setting ensures a more personalized experience, and the early start makes sure you don’t miss the animals’ most active hours.

While logistics can be tricky if you’re arranging your own flights, the value and quality of encounters tend to outweigh those concerns for most travelers. Expect a well-organized day with plenty of opportunities for close-up views, guided insights, and a taste of local life through regional cuisine.

If you’re seeking an easy, engaging, and educational wildlife adventure in Borneo, this tour is a strong choice—especially if you appreciate expert guides and authentic animal encounters amid lush forest and mangrove scenery.

FAQ

Do I need to arrange my own flights to Sandakan?
Yes, you need to book your internal flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan separately, as it’s not included in the tour price.

What is the starting time?
The tour begins very early at 4:30 am, with pickups in Kota Kinabalu or other specified locations.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes lunch at a local restaurant outside Sandakan, giving you a taste of regional cuisine.

Is this suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but consider the early start and walking involved.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sunbears up close—each in their natural or semi-wild habitat, offering memorable views.

What’s not included?
Return flights, camera/video fees, beverages, and personal expenses are not included.

How big are the groups?
The maximum group size is 15, which allows for more personalized attention and better animal viewing.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transfers are by air-conditioned minivan, making the long day more comfortable.

Can I get a vegetarian meal?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if you advise at the time of booking.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat—good for outdoor activities and animal viewing.

To sum it up, this tour is an excellent choice for anyone eager to see some of Borneo’s most iconic wildlife in one day, with guides who know their stuff and a schedule designed to maximize animal sightings. It’s best suited for curious, active travelers who don’t mind an early start and are comfortable managing their own flight logistics. Expect an engaging, educational, and fun experience that leaves you with stories of close encounters and vibrant rainforest scenery.