Full Day Orang Utan Sepilok, Proboscis Monkey, Sunbear, RDC

Exploring Borneo’s Wildlife in a Full Day Tour: Orang Utan, Proboscis Monkey, Sun Bear & Rainforest Discovery

If you’re looking to spend a day connecting with Borneo’s incredible wildlife and lush forests, this full-day tour around Sandakan offers an engaging mix of animal encounters, lush scenery, and insightful learning. From the iconic orangutans to the elusive proboscis monkeys and adorable sun bears, this experience has something for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, it offers close-up wildlife viewing at some of the most renowned centers like Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Second, it combines wildlife with educational insights, thanks to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which reveals the secrets of Borneo’s ecosystem. Third, the inclusion of local, delicious lunch in a rainforest setting adds a refreshing touch, making the day well-rounded.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the timing of the visits—certain encounters like orangutan feedings happen at specific hours, so punctuality is key. Also, while the tour is rich in nature and animal experiences, it involves a fair amount of walking and some vehicle transfers, which might be tiring for some.

This tour suits travelers eager to see Borneo’s fauna in their natural habitats, enjoy a structured day of discovery, and learn from knowledgeable guides. It’s especially ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, family groups, or anyone with a limited time but a big love for rainforests.

Key Points

• Wildlife close-ups: Experience orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears in their natural or rehabilitative environments.
• Educational focus: Learn about rainforest ecology through interactive displays and guided explanations.
• All-inclusive value: Price covers entrance fees, lunch, and transportation, offering a seamless experience.
• Expert guides: Guides like Faisal and Hadi receive praise for their knowledge and friendly approach, enhancing the experience.
• Flexible itinerary: The tour is tailored to fit your schedule, with options to spend more or less time at each site.
• Authentic encounters: Reviews mention the close proximity to animals, making the experience special and memorable.

A Deep Dive into the Day: What You Can Expect

Starting Bright and Early at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The tour kicks off at 8:00 am with pick-ups from Sandakan hotel or airport, ensuring a smooth start. The first stop, at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, is a highlight. This centre, covering a vast 4,294 hectares, is the world’s largest and oldest orangutan rehab facility. It’s a place where orphaned baby orangutans are prepared to return to the wild, which makes watching them being fed quite special.

The feeding session at 10:00 am is the core event here. You’ll witness these intelligent apes munching on bananas and other treats, often in groups. The reviews reflect how worthwhile this is—”even if a bit away, seeing orangutans in the wild-like environment is incredible,” mentions one visitor. Another notes that the guides—like Faisal—are knowledgeable, explaining the orangutans’ rehabilitation process in engaging detail.

Proboscis Monkeys at Labuk Bay

Just a 20-minute drive takes you to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you’ll observe the famous proboscis monkeys at their feeding platform around 11:30 am. These monkeys are distinctive with their large noses and pot-bellied bodies, and the close proximity here allows for some fantastic photo opportunities.

Visitors consistently mention how this is the only place in Borneo where you get such a close-up view of proboscis monkeys. Expect to see a few groups emerge from mangrove trees to feast on the provided food, with some lucky visitors spotting hornbills or silver leaf monkeys nearby, adding to the wildlife spectacle. The reviews emphasize how special it is to see these creatures so near—“the monkeys come out from the mangroves and are surprisingly close,” one reviewer says.

Lunch in the Heart of the Rainforest

After the wildlife encounters, you’ll head to the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort for a well-deserved lunch. The setting is tranquil, amid the greenery of the rainforest, providing a peaceful break from the morning’s activity. The buffet-style lunch includes local dishes, and many reviews praise the quality of the food—”delicious, fresh, and served in a beautiful setting.” It’s a perfect chance to relax and soak in the rainforest atmosphere.

Sun Bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Post-lunch, it’s time to meet the adorable Sun Bears at their conservation centre, which is the first of its kind in the world. These tiny bears, often called honey bears, are the smallest bear species, and seeing them roam in their naturalistic enclosures is delightful.

Guide Hadi is lauded for his deep knowledge and friendly manner—”he explained so much about the bears and their plight, which made the experience even richer,” a visitor notes. Expect to spend about an hour here, observing the bears during the day, and learning about conservation efforts that help protect them.

Exploring the Rainforest at RDC

The final stop at the Rainforest Discovery Centre extends the day with an immersive walk through one of Borneo’s most biodiverse forests. The highlight is the 150-meter canopy walkway, where you’ll be 25 meters above ground, offering a unique view of the treetops and the many plants and birds that inhabit this ecosystem.

You’ll also find informative displays along the trails, making this an educational walk. Visitors mention that the trails are well-maintained, and the chance to see the forest from above provides a different perspective. As one reviewer shared, “walking among the rainforest trees and looking up at the canopy was mesmerizing.”

The RDC walk usually lasts about 2 hours, giving you enough time to soak in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

Transportation and Timing

Transport between sites is included, with a comfortable vehicle that makes the transfers smooth. Starting early ensures you hit all the key spots at optimal times, especially the orangutan feeding. The entire tour lasts around 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

Group Size and Guides

Most reviews mention small group sizes—up to 30 travelers—allowing for personalized experiences. Guides like Faisal and Hadi stand out for their friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging style, often tailoring the tour slightly based on weather or timing constraints. Their insights make a significant difference, transforming a sightseeing day into an educational adventure.

Cost and Value

At $180 per person, this tour covers all fees, taxes, transportation, and lunch, which is quite good considering the number of highly-rated sites visited. The reviews reinforce that it’s good value, especially for wildlife and nature lovers who want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing multiple visits themselves.

Additional Fees

A camera fee of RM10 at Sepilok and Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary might come as a surprise but is relatively modest. Photography enthusiasts will find these fees worth paying for the chance to capture memorable moments.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re passionate about wildlife, rainforest ecology, or conservation, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Borneo’s natural treasures. It’s suited for families, solo travelers, or groups looking for a full-day adventure with expert guides. Those who appreciate delicious local food and prefer a structured, worry-free itinerary will find this especially appealing.

Travelers with limited time will value the ability to see a wide variety of animals and rainforest scenery in just one day, while nature enthusiasts will enjoy the detailed explanations and close encounters.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour in Sandakan offers a rich blend of wildlife encounters, rainforest exploration, and educational insights, making it a fantastic value for anyone eager to experience Borneo’s natural beauty firsthand. The inclusion of reputable centers like Sepilok and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre ensures high-quality interactions, while the guided commentary adds depth to each stop.

The tour’s carefully curated itinerary maximizes wildlife sightings and rainforest immersion—perfect for travelers who want both memorable animal encounters and a meaningful understanding of Borneo’s ecosystems. With friendly guides, excellent logistics, and a generous lunch, it’s a well-rounded package that balances adventure with comfort.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply eager to see Borneo’s iconic species in one day, this tour is a dependable, enriching choice. It’s especially ideal for those who value expert guidance, authentic experiences, and seamless organization in their rainforest adventure.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am with pickups from Sandakan hotels or the airport, setting you up for a full day of exploration.

Are all entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour fee covers all fees and taxes for the various centers you visit, including Sepilok, Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sun Bear Centre, and RDC.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a delicious buffet lunch at the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort is included, giving you a chance to enjoy local dishes amid rainforest surroundings.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

Can I take photos?
Yes, photos can be taken at all sites, but note that there is a camera fee of RM10 at Sepilok and Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Is transportation provided?
Absolutely; the tour includes comfortable transfers between sites, saving you the hassle of arranging your own transportation.

Are guides experienced and friendly?
Reviews highlight guides like Faisal and Hadi as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, which greatly enhances the overall experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, most travelers of all ages can participate, though some walking and standing are involved, so consider mobility needs if traveling with young children or elderly.

This tour offers a well-rounded peek into Borneo’s captivating wildlife and lush rainforests, with enough flexibility and expert guidance to make your day both enriching and fun.