Sepilok Orangutan & Sun Bear tour from Sandakan with lunch

Two sanctuaries, two endangered species, one morning feeding you won't forget

A shared day tour from Sandakan to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, with an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, lunch and minivan transport. The tour centers on a 10am orangutan feeding in the jungle and a documentary about the rehabilitation work, plus a separate visit to the sun bear centre to learn about rescue and release efforts for the world's smallest bear species.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear

• Watch orangutan documentary video
• Walk into jungle to orangutan feeding
• Visit Borneon Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The experience

The day starts with a visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you'll see the work that goes into caring for and rehabilitating orphaned and captive sun bears. The Malayan sun bear, found only in southeast Asia, weighs far less than other bear species and faces pressure from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. The centre's staff explain both the individual rescues and the broader conservation picture: why protecting these animals matters and how your visit funds that protection.

You then move to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where a short documentary sets the context before you walk into the jungle. At exactly 10am, rangers feed the orangutans at a designated stop along the trail. The centre houses orphaned and injured orangutans, and the feeding is part of their gradual transition back to independence. You'll watch from an observation platform as the animals come down from the canopy.

The tour runs eight hours total and includes lunch, an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned minivan transport, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off. It operates on a shared basis, so you'll travel with other visitors. A vegetarian meal option is available if you request it when you book. Domestic flights to Sandakan are not included. The operator recommends booking those separately online to compare fares.

What’s included

• Shared minivan transport with air-conditioned comfort.
• English-speaking guide.
• entry to both Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
• lunch with vegetarian option available.
• hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by BORNEO TRAILS TOURS TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Book this shared tour if you're traveling with others or don't mind joining a group: the fixed schedule and shared minivan keep the cost down while the 10am feeding time is set, so you'll know exactly when the orangutans appear.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What time do the orangutans get fed at Sepilok?

The rangers feed the orangutans at 10am, and you'll watch from a jungle stop along the walking trail at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Is lunch included in the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included. Vegetarian options are available if you let the operator know when you book.

Do I need to arrange my own flight to Sandakan?

Yes, flights are not included. The operator suggests booking domestic flights online yourself so you can compare prices before fares change.

What is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre?

It's a rescue and rehabilitation facility for orphaned and captive sun bears, the world's smallest bear species, found only in southeast Asia. The centre works on both individual care and broader awareness of the species and its habitat needs.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, the minivan picks you up from your hotel or port in Sandakan and drops you back at the end of the day.