Rainforest Tour, Labuk Bay, Sun Bear & Sepilok | Sandakan

If you’re headed to Sandakan and craving an authentic encounter with Borneo’s wildlife, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity. It’s designed for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone keen to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the tiny but fascinating sun bears all in one adventure. What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the opportunity to get up close with orangutans during their feeding sessions at Sepilok, followed by visits to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary—a rare chance to see the oddly adorable proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. Second, experiencing the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre provides insight into conservation efforts for the world’s smallest bears, which is both educational and delightful.

However, a consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking and some waiting, especially around animal feedings. Travelers should also be prepared for tropical weather and a full-day schedule that runs rain or shine. Despite this, it’s a fantastic choice for those who want an immersive, family-friendly, and value-packed wildlife experience. It suits travelers who appreciate nature, want to learn about conservation, and prefer a guided, hassle-free day exploring Sabah’s rainforest treasures.

Key Points

• Comprehensive wildlife experience in one day, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears
• Educational and engaging, with guided visits explaining conservation efforts
• Comfortable transportation and hotel pickup make logistics smoother
• Expect some walking and tropical weather, so pack accordingly
• Flexibility with cancellation and booking options
• Great value considering entrance fees, guided expertise, and included meals

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Wildlife Day in Sandakan

For those visiting Sandakan, this tour offers a convenient way to see some of Borneo’s most iconic animals with a knowledgeable guide by your side. We love the way it combines animal encounters with lush rainforest scenery, giving you both the thrill of seeing wildlife and an understanding of conservation challenges. Plus, the tour’s well-structured itinerary balances sightseeing, learning, and relaxing breaks — ideal for those who want a full, informative day.

On the flip side, this tour is quite packed — you’ll be on the move for around eight hours — so it’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a full day. If you’re more about leisurely exploring at your own pace, this might feel a bit hectic. Still, it’s a fantastic introduction to Borneo’s wildlife and a worthwhile investment for anyone eager for a memorable and authentic experience.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to pack as much wildlife viewing into a single day as possible, with a focus on conservation sites and rainforest scenery. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel in Sandakan, the day begins with a roughly 30-minute bus journey to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, you’ll witness orangutans being fed and observe these intelligent primates in a semi-wild environment. The guided tour at Sepilok runs about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll learn about their rehabilitation, their challenges, and ongoing conservation efforts.

Next, you’ll head to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, a highlight for anyone interested in seeing the unique proboscis monkeys, known for their distinctive noses and amusing faces. This part of the day involves a guided walk and wildlife viewing, giving you a chance to see these monkeys in a naturalistic setting. The sanctuary visit typically lasts around 1.5 hours.

A local lunch is included, often served en route or at the Sepilok Jungle Resort, which helps keep your energy up for the latter part of the day. After lunch, you’ll revisit Sepilok for another short stint, ensuring you don’t miss any wildlife activity.

The afternoon offers a visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre—an adorable, important project to protect the world’s smallest bears. Here, you’ll learn about their habitat, threats, and ongoing conservation efforts, with plenty of opportunities for photos and close-up views.

To cap it all, the Rainforest Discovery Centre offers a peaceful walk along the canopy walkway, providing scenic views and a chance to appreciate the rainforest’s plant and birdlife. This is a calmer, scenic end to an active day.

Throughout the tour, a friendly, English-speaking guide provides commentary, ensuring you understand what you’re seeing and why it matters. Transportation is comfortable, with hotel pickup and drop-off included—making logistics hassle-free.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The tour’s first stop is at this highly regarded conservation centre, where orangutans are cared for while they learn to live independently in the wild. The guided tour lasts about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll see orangutans during feeding times. These sessions are scheduled regularly, and the guides do a good job of explaining the animals’ stories and the centre’s work. We loved the chance to observe these intelligent creatures in a semi-natural environment, especially during the feeding when they’re most playful and active.

Reviews indicate visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the opportunity to see orangutans close up. One reviewer noted, “It was fascinating to watch the orangutans during their feeding; they looked so relaxed and curious.” The centre’s focus on rehabilitation and education makes it more than just a sighting spot—it’s a reminder of the importance of conservation.

More Great Tours Nearby

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

This visit provides an excellent opportunity to see proboscis monkeys, which are endemic to Borneo. The sanctuary is set within a mangrove forest, and the guided walk lasts about 1.5 hours. Expect to see these odd-nosed monkeys resting, grooming, or foraging. Their humorous faces and unique noses make them a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. The guided aspect helps you learn about their behavior, habitat, and the threats facing their population.

One traveler commented, “Seeing the proboscis monkeys in their natural environment was hilarious and fascinating. They’re truly one-of-a-kind!” Because these monkeys are most active during early morning and late afternoon, the timing of the visit maximizes your chances of viewing them.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Next, the tour takes you to this important facility dedicated to saving and rehabilitating sun bears. The small but active centre provides an intimate look at the worlds’ smallest bears, which are often misunderstood. The guided tour lasts about an hour, during which you’ll see the bears in their habitats and learn how they’re rescued from illegal pet trade or habitat loss. It’s an engaging, educational experience that emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation.

A review states, “It was a joy to see these little bears up close and learn about their plight. The centre does great work.” The centre’s focus on education and rehabilitation makes it a meaningful part of the day.

Rainforest Discovery Centre

The final stop is at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can walk on a canopy walkway and enjoy scenic views of the rainforest. This peaceful walk lasts about an hour and offers a different perspective on the lush environment. Bird watchers and nature lovers will find this part particularly rewarding, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds, insects, and plants.

Analyzing the Value and Practicalities

This tour, priced at $396 per person, offers excellent value considering the combination of entrance fees, guided expertise, and included meals. The logistics are streamlined with hotel pickup and drop-off, removing the stress of transportation in a foreign environment. The inclusion of two local lunches helps keep the day enjoyable without constantly worrying about where to eat.

While the price might seem steep for some, the value lies in the convenience and quality of experience. Instead of trying to piece together visits to each site independently, this guided tour saves you time, offers insightful commentary, and guarantees you see the highlights.

Expect some walking, especially along uneven rainforest paths, so comfortable shoes are essential. The weather can be tropical—hot, humid, and rainy—so packing insect repellent, a hat, and rain gear is wise. The tour runs rain or shine, which adds to the rainforest experience, but be prepared for your clothes to get a bit damp.

The tour’s schedule is tight, and some reviews mention it’s a long day with a lot of moving parts. If you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to linger longer at each site, this might feel rushed. However, for wildlife lovers eager to maximize their day, it hits the sweet spot.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want an immersive wildlife encounter in Sabah without the hassle of organizing separate visits. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time, families with children, or anyone interested in conservation stories. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see the rainforest’s inhabitants in a guided, educational setting. It’s also a good fit for those who want a balanced mix of active walking, scenic views, and wildlife sightings.

Final Thoughts

In our view, this tour offers a solid introduction to the incredible biodiversity of Borneo. It balances animal encounters, educational insights, and rainforest scenery well, making it suitable for a broad range of travelers. The inclusion of reputable conservation centres and the chance to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears all in one day makes it a compelling choice.

While it requires a full day’s commitment and some walking, the experience of witnessing these creatures in their habitat and learning about their conservation status is truly priceless. If you’re after a value-packed, family-friendly, and well-organized wildlife adventure, this tour from Sandakan is worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from any hotel in Sandakan.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Are meals included?
Yes, one lunch is included, with en route and at Sepilok Jungle Resort.

What are the main wildlife species I will see?
You’ll see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and Bornean sun bears.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families and those interested in wildlife, though expect some walking.

Does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes, it runs rain or shine, so pack rain gear and insect repellent.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking at each site, often on rainforest paths and canopy walkways.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, where applicable, entrance fees are included; guide and transportation are also covered.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour private or shared?
Private group options are available; otherwise, it’s a shared guided tour.

This tour offers a thoughtful, authentic look at Borneo’s wildlife and rainforest. Perfect for travelers eager to see the best of Sabah’s conservation efforts without the fuss, it’s a day that truly showcases the island’s natural marvels.

You can check availability for your dates here: