Excursion Orang utan & proboscis monkey tour at Sandakan

Observe the care, feeding, and preservation of the most renowned primate species in Borneo during this panoramic, half-day sanctuary excursion.

Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Rainforest, Sepilok Forest Reserve, Feeding Platform

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to the Borneo Rainforest; at 140 million years old, it's one of the oldest-known rainforests in the world. Your first stop is at the Sepilok Forest Reserve. A primary lowland forest, Sepilok is the nearest place to visit a pristine jungle of Borneo, and one of the few remaining rainforests in Sabah where you can observe the feeding of orangutans in their natural habitat from a platform in the forest. Upon arrival, meet your guide and walk to the feeding platform.

Orangutan Feeding and Care, Macaques, Leaf Monkeys, Mammals, Birds, Plants, Trees

From this viewpoint, observe the scheduled feeding of orangutans and 3rd-stage of the rehabilitation program, in which orphaned and injured orangutans are brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated and returned to forest life. In addition to orangutans, look for macaques, leaf monkeys, and other mammals, as well more than 250 bird species. The reserve also boasts a fascinating diversity of plants and more than 450 species of trees. Included are the lianas, which are over 100 years old, and the dipterocarps, which soar to heights of approximately 164 feet-295 feet (about 50 metres-90 metres). The reserve is a source of seed material for the enrichment of other forested areas, and remains a living gene bank of resources.

Palm Oil Plantations, Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary, Monkey Feeding & Care, Wildlife, Hornbills

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary, located on the Sandakan coast. Along the way, pass by an area of palm oil plantations, see workers tending to the farms, and learn how palm oil is processed. Upon arrival at the Sanctuary, a mangrove, or riverine forest, meet your guide and walk to the feeding area. Here, observe the unique and endemic proboscis monkeys during feeding time. In addition to proboscis monkeys, you may also see leaf monkeys, macaques, and a wide array of other native wildlife, including hornbills, roaming this approximately 1,606-acre (about 650-hectare) natural habitat. Your tour concludes with an approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Sepilok Forest Reserve & Orang Utan Sanctuary, Mangrove Forests, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, including a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coast, four-ten steps at the Sepilok Registration Desk and Labuk Bay Feeding Platform, and a 15-minute hike on a wooden walkway with steps and inclines that can become slippery when wet. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable cotton clothing with flat, non-slip, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a raincoat with a head covering, and bottled water from the ship; shorts and bare shoulders and midriffs are not permitted. Guests may opt to leave their bags in the complimentary lockers available at the entrance to Sepilok; however, Sepilok is not responsible for any missing items. Avoid wearing bright colours, as it excites the orangutans, and apply insect repellent before getting on the coach. Bring minimal items for this excursion, as backpacks, handbags, insect repellent, food, drink, and/or any medications are not permitted inside the sanctuary. No smoking is permitted at the feeding platforms. Each guest can bring a maximum of one camera. A fee for additional cameras must be paid directly to the Sepilok Centre (US $5 per camera/video at the time of printing) and the Labuk Bay Sanctuary (US $5 per camera/video at the time of printing); professional/commercial lens cameras are not permitted. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. It is not allowed to enter the center with bottle of waters.

Infrastructure in Malaysia may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less touristic destinations. Although English is very popular language in Borneo, Malaysia, local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility and understanding.