
Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu worth booking?
Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu is a 10-hour experience in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from $131 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (7)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $131 per person
See orangutans in the rainforest at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This unique wildlife sanctuary specializes in caring for baby orphan orangutans and teaches them the survival skills they would have learned from their mothers under normal conditions. The young orangutans are not kept in captivity, but rather come and go as they please while adjusting to their natural habitat. Lunch and a city tour of Sandakan are included. We support animal care centers, your booking helps us in contributing USD10 to the center's affords. Whitesocks Pay It Forward Initiative
What you get
About this experience
See orangutans in the rainforest at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This unique wildlife sanctuary specializes in caring for baby orphan orangutans and teaches them the survival skills they would have learned from their mothers under normal conditions. The young orangutans are not kept in captivity, but rather come and go as they please while adjusting to their natural habitat. Lunch and a city tour of Sandakan are included. We support animal care centers, your booking helps us in contributing USD10 to the center's affords. Whitesocks Pay It Forward Initiative
What's included
Included
- Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- Lunch
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Airfares/flights
What you'll see and do
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The facility provides medical care for orphaned and confiscated orangutans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Some of the other animals which have been treated at the center includes sun bear,gibbons,Sumatran rhinos and elephants.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Sandakan Heritage Trail
At Sim Sim water village where houses are all built close to the water surface while observing the fascinating view of the sea.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Outskirt Hotel Pickup
Kota Kinabalu Outskirt : Surcharge for pickup & drop off Hotels located outside of Kota Kinabalu City Center. Outskirt Hotels: Radius of 10 km and above from City Center. Pickup included
City Center Pickup
Kota Kinabalu Hotels: Pickup & Drop off from Kota Kinabalu City Center Hotels. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Magunatip Holidays Sdn Bhd
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Contact the tour provider for recommended flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
- Recommended Flight to Purchase AK6490 BKI 0630 - SDK 0720 / AK6499 SDK 1900 - BKI 1950
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing day!
This was an amazing day! The orangutans are semi-wild, so you’re not guaranteed to see any at the feeding platforms, but we were lucky enough to see an alpha male and his potential girlfriend. Our guide was friendly, informative and considerate of our interests and needs. From confirming dietary requirements to making slight agenda changes to enable us to see the Australian war memorial for the death march. This was such a special and informative day, and we loved every minute of it. Our guide did say the orangutans aren’t a fan of rain- so be weary in the wet season. But certainly worth the chance to see the beautiful kings of the jungle in the freedom they deserve.
via Tripadvisor
lovely day full of...
lovely day full of interesting places to visit. The tour guide Sahar, was the nicest, most accommodating man ever. It is a very long day but worthy
via Viator
A little disappointed to what we were expecting due to nursery being closed
Lovely walk through the forest Great conservation work in their semi nature environment Feeding is on a table that you watch from distant At the time of visiting we had to wear face masks due to possibility of contamination The path down to the nursery was cut off due to fallen tree so we couldn’t access that which was disappointing Then after watching them feed that was the end and exited to see the sun bears which was lovely
Response from the operator: Dear Mr Leonard Didcote Ms Lisa Thomas Good Day It was in early March after a two year closure of Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary , the management did advice to wear a face mask. Animal Sanctuary were still recovering from the pandemic when you visited , hence the extra precaution. Due to a heavy rain the previous night, the path -way to Orangutan nursery was blocked due to a fallen branches and trees. Sorry for the disappointment, Guide Idayani Nahar only knew of the closure in the morning of your arrival. We thank you for taking the extra initiative to visit the Sun Bear Conservation & Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary. Please on your next trip visit Sukau Kinabatangan River , nature at it's best. Madam Barbara Harrison works and teaching as it was establish in the early 1960"s are still being carried diligently until today. Once again please accept my sincere apology for the Nursery's closure, it takes a great effort to make flight arrangement from Kota Kinabalu and waking up at 3.00am just to visit this wonderful creatures. Edwin #Magunatip Holidays
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful creatures great project
Such a great place, the work they undertake to protect the species is fantastic far more than a centre. Learn around the work / the project and the care that goes in to this program. We were lucky enough to get close to a min inquisitive mother and baby. Such beautiful animals. Wear grippy shoes as the boardwalk can become skippy with humidity and the moss on floor
Response from the operator: Dear Ms Victoria , We are glad you enjoyed a good tour of Sepilok Orangutan in Sandakan. Although it mean to fly from Kota Kinabalu , we really appreciate you taking the time to visit Sepilok Sanctuary. This helps us to work towards objectives set by founder Barbara Harrison. To rescue , rehabilitate and release back to the wild forest reserve. Guide Idayani Nahar convince you to also visit Sun Bear Conservation Center. We look forward to your next trip with us , please on your next trip visit Kinabatangan River and Sukau.
via Tripadvisor
Was OK
There were only 5-6 orang utans in the morning feeding time. When we came back at 3pm, none were around. It was a disappointment. When asked a caretaker, he mentioned they were full from eating all day. Then why have the 3pm feeding time??? I came here 20years back where there were more than 20 males and females that came to feed. It was a good experience
Response from the operator: We are truly sorry that you did not enjoy your experience with us. While we are happy to take guest in the morning or afternoon session , the feeding time is the best part of the trip. Semenggoh Rangers has successfully graduated many Orangutans and return them back to the forest. If we encounter no Orangutans during feeding time , hence they are able to forge fruits for themselves in the forest. A successful rehabilitation program. Thank you for the feedback and we hope to see you again.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $131 to $142
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Magunatip Holidays Sdn Bhd, who run 34 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.8.
See everything Magunatip Holidays Sdn Bhd runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kota Kinabalu.
How much does Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu cost?
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Prices start at $131 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kota Kinabalu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kota Kinabalu is not rushed.
Is Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kota Kinabalu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kota Kinabalu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kota Kinabalu and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kota Kinabalu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu?
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On Outty we rank every Kota Kinabalu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Learn to Dive | RAID Open Water 18 Diver Course | Kota Kinabalu. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kota Kinabalu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu?
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Included: Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off; Driver/guide; Lunch; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Not included: Airfares/flights. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Kota Kinabalu. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kota Kinabalu. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan and Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Outskirt Hotel Pickup, City Center Pickup. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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