Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Man of the Jungle | Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located about 25 kilometres west of Sandakan in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The centre opened in 1964 as the first official orangutan rehabilitation project for rescued orphaned baby orangutans. The aim of Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is to return orphaned, injured or displaced orangutans back to the wild. Today Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is World famous for its Orangutan conservation efforts and it is one of Sabah’s most popular tourist attractions.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve which covers an area of 4,294 ha (10,610 acres), much of which is virgin rainforest. The Forest Reserve provides an ideal environment for rehabilitating the Orangutans with the more mature Orangutans living free in the reserve. At Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre young orangutans spend their time in the ‘Nursery’ learning skills essential to jungle life, for example finding food, building a nest. Once ready, they will join the ‘Outdoor Nursery’ where freedom is increased. Eventually, most achieve total independence and become integrated into the Sepilok wild orangutan population.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orangutan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads to a viewing platform where you can watch apes during their morning or afternoon feeding session. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area. In October 2014 the centre opened a new section where visitors can view the nursery area where the younger Orangutans first learn to be outside and play on a large climbing frame. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre has located next door to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Choosing your Tour to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah with Borneo Dream

At Borneo Dream, we offer a range of tours which include a visit to watch a feeding session at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Choose from a half-day trip to Sepilok Sanctuary, a day trip which includes a visit to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary too or visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre as part of a Kinabatangan River tour.