Sandakan: Sepilok, Sun Bear & Labuk Bay Tour with Lunch – A Detailed Review

If you’re looking to spend a day immersed in Sabah’s incredible wildlife, this Sandakan tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining the chance to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears—all in their natural or semi-wild environments. It’s a fantastic way to understand conservation efforts firsthand while enjoying some of Borneo’s most iconic creatures.

What we love about this tour isn’t just the wildlife sightings, but the smooth organization, the variety of locations visited, and the educational value packed into a manageable 8-hour window. The tour’s highlights include feeding sessions at Sepilok, the playful proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay, and the adorable yet critically endangered sun bears at the conservation centre. One possible consideration is the weather, as much of the tour involves outdoor walking, so packing rain gear and suitable shoes is wise.

This experience is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone wanting an authentic look at Sabah’s conservation efforts—all in a day. It’s a good choice if you prefer a guided, structured day that covers multiple key habitats without the hassle of planning each visit independently.

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Key Points

Comprehensive wildlife experience in just one day, covering orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears.
Educational insights about conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides.
Comfortable transportation included, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Sandakan.
Flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Balanced mix of activities, from feeding sessions to walking tours.
Ideal for nature lovers seeking authentic encounters in Sabah.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This full-day guided tour encapsulates the best of Sabah’s wildlife sanctuaries, with a well-thought-out itinerary that balances educational moments, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences. Starting from Sandakan, the tour typically kicks off with a hotel pickup—conveniently included—making logistics easier for travelers already staying in the area.

Visiting Sepilok Orang Utan Centre

Our first stop is the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, which is one of Sabah’s most renowned conservation projects. Here, the focus is on rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans, many of whom have been orphaned or rescued from captivity. You’re likely to arrive just before the morning feeding session, which is a highlight for many visitors. Watching these gentle giants climb trees and interact during feeding provides a rare glimpse into their natural behaviors.

The Center also offers an educational film and short presentations at the Nature Education Centre, giving visitors a better understanding of the ongoing efforts to protect these endangered primates. Reviewers mention the guides are very knowledgeable, often pointing out behaviors or small details you might miss on your own.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Next, the tour travels to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, situated in a mangrove forest near Samawang Village. This is where you’ll see the famous long-nosed monkeys in a semi-wild environment. The sanctuary is particularly good for observing their playful and curious nature, especially during the guided tour and walk.

You’ll also have the chance to spot other wildlife, such as silver leaf monkeys, macaques, hornbills, otters, and kingfishers, making it a rich bird and animal-watching spot. The proximity to the mangroves offers a unique landscape — expect a lush, wet environment that’s both scenic and bustling with activity.

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Lunch in the Heart of the Rainforest

A highlight for many is the local lunch at the Sepilok Jungle Resort or a similar spot en route. The meal is usually straightforward, offering local dishes that give you a taste of Sabah’s cuisine. Reviewers appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a hearty meal amidst the greenery, which provides a pause before the afternoon activities.

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The Sun Bear Conservation Centre

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), home to the world’s smallest bears. The centre is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sun bears, which are often victims of illegal pet trade and deforestation.

Visitors can observe these bears exploring their forested habitat, and learn about their behavior, diet, and threats from the guides. Many reviews note how engaging the guides are, sharing stories about the individual bears and ongoing conservation projects. The centre’s feeding session allows visitors to see these adorable creatures up close, providing insight into their shy yet curious nature.

Final Sepilok Orang Utan Session

The day wraps up with a second visit to Sepilok for an afternoon feeding session. This reinforces the chance to see orangutans in a different part of their habitat and observe their social behaviors. Reviewers often mention that seeing orangutans in both morning and afternoon sessions offers a fuller picture of their daily routines.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Transportation & Logistics

The tour uses comfortable coach transportation, with pickups from your Sandakan hotel. The entire day is designed to be smooth, with approximately 30-minute travel times between sites, allowing plenty of time for wildlife viewing without feeling rushed. The small group size, sometimes private, adds a more personalized feel.

Duration & Timing

Spanning around 8 hours, the tour typically starts mid-morning and concludes in the late afternoon. This schedule allows you to avoid the midday heat while still catching key feeding sessions and wildlife activity. The timing of the feeding sessions is crucial—they usually occur in the morning and late afternoon—so the guides plan accordingly.

Guide & Educational Content

The guides are fluent in English and Malay, and many reviewers mention their extensive knowledge about wildlife and conservation efforts. This adds value, turning what could be a simple sightseeing trip into a mini-educational experience.

Value & Cost Consideration

At a reasonable price point, this tour packs in a lot of value: multiple sanctuary visits, a delicious local lunch, transportation, and expert guiding. It’s especially good for those wanting a comprehensive wildlife experience without spending multiple days or venturing into more remote areas.

Accessibility & Comfort

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs. Comfortable shoes, light clothing, and sun protection are recommended, given the outdoor nature of the stops. Reviewers have noted that the entire day involves walking, sometimes on uneven terrain, so packing accordingly is wise.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re keen to see iconic Bornean wildlife up close in a single day. Nature lovers, families, and conservation enthusiasts will find it enriching. It’s suited for those who appreciate guided educational experiences in comfortable, accessible settings. If you prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of wildlife viewing and learning opportunities, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

This Sandakan wildlife tour offers an authentic, well-organized way to connect with Sabah’s famed creatures without the need for extensive travel or multiple bookings. The combination of orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears ensures a diverse and memorable day. The guides’ expertise and the focus on conservation education add depth that enriches the experience beyond simple sightseeing.

While the day is packed, it’s flexible enough for most travelers, and the inclusion of transportation, lunch, and multiple sanctuaries makes it a true time-saver. It provides a balanced, insightful look into Sabah’s wildlife and conservation efforts—ideal for those eager to see in the wild what they’ve only seen in documentaries.

In summary, this tour delivers excellent value for anyone wanting a comprehensive, authentic glimpse of Sabah’s rainforest inhabitants, especially wildlife fans and families wanting a meaningful day out.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sandakan, transportation between sites, a local lunch, guided visits and feeding sessions at Sepilok, Labuk Bay, and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts around 8 hours, typically starting mid-morning and ending in the late afternoon, covering three main wildlife sanctuaries.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
Yes, the tour is generally accessible and suitable for all ages, but consider the walking involved and outdoor conditions. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable walking shoes, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, raincoat, hat, and cash for small purchases.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ expertise, especially in explaining animal behaviors and conservation efforts.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour private or group?
Both options are available, with private groups providing a more personalized experience.

Is food included?
Yes, a local lunch is included, giving you a taste of Sabah’s cuisine in a rainforest setting.

This tour offers a well-rounded, educational, and authentic peek into Sabah’s incredible wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or a curious traveler, it’s a day packed with meaningful encounters and beautiful scenery that won’t disappoint.

Sandakan : Sepilok, Sun Bear & Labuk Bay Tour with Lunch