Table of Contents
Where is the best place to see orangutans in Malaysia? In this article we will tell you everything you need to know to organize an independent budget trip to see orangutans in Malaysia in 2026. Not only that but we will also give you a secret tip to get really close to these majestic creatures (you won’t read this anywhere else online). Thank us later 😉
Oh yeah – and the whole experience is totally ethical. No bars, cages or fences (well there are fences for the humans at least!) If you want a close proximity orangutan encounter, read this article carefully. We have also included locations, prices, transportation, THE BEST accommodation and top tips for an awesome trip.
Perhaps it is their unique and striking appearance or their sheer physical strength. May be it is their human-like features and behaviours that are truly mesmerizing. Seeing orangutans close up really was one of our absolute highlights of Malaysia. There is something exhilarating and inspiring about these impressive primates.
GET ORIGANISED ON KLOOK – Half Day Sepilok Tour From Sandakan – Including Hotel Pick up and Drop Off
SUPPORT THIS PROJECT – Orangutan Appeal UK Official Website
Check out our adventures at Sepilok and beyond
Where is the best place to see orangutans in Malaysia?
In our humble opinion THE BEST place to see orangutans in Malaysia is at the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary near Sandakan in Sabah (which is in Borneo Malaysia). Sabah is a stunning, wild state packed with adventure and natural beauty. The deep wild jungles of Sabah provide a unique and rich ecosystem for orangutans to live.
Don’t miss our guide on how to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
At the Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation centre there are approximately 60-80 orangutans living across the 43 square kilometers. If you visit at feeding time there is a good chance of seeing around 5 – 10 orangutans at the feeding platform. There is also a nursery where you can see orphaned orangutans.
The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary has a wooden platform that leads through the jungle where you witness orangutans in their natural habitat. There are no cages, fences or bars separating you from the jungle where orangutans live. Sometimes it is possible to see these majestic animals very close up when they actually climb onto the walkway.
Seeing orangutans at Sepilok is one of the most memorable things that you can do in Sabah. This sanctuary has two daily feeding times and the orangutans reliably gather at the feeding platform during these times. One thing that we love about the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is that the orangutans are free and it is the humans that are restricted to remaining on the platforms in the viewing area.
TOP TIP: You are not allowed to bring any bags into the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary. There is however a free locker area available to leave bags.
How much does it cost to see Orangutans at Sepilok?
Prices are as follows: RM15 (2 – 17 year olds), RM30 (adults) and RM10 camera fee (phone cameras FREE of charge).
You can buy your entry tickets from the ticket office when you arrive, however if you are planning to visit on a weekend or public holiday we recommend arriving early to avoid waiting.
How do you get to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary?
The Sepilok orangutan sanctuary is located approximately 25km west of Sandakan. The journey is likely to take around 40 minutes by road. If you have your own vehicle there is FREE parking available at the sanctuary. If you take a taxi expect to pay around RM50 one way (this is roughly £10 or $13). Consider arranging a price for the return journey and remember to agree on a waiting time. Also, you can use the Grab taxi app in Malaysia.
What is the best time to visit the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary?
The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is open daily from 8.45am – 4pm (closed for lunch from 12pm – 2pm).
There are TWO feeding times per day 10am and 3pm. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early as the orangutans also like to arrive early for their food. ALSO be aware that the platforms can be quite crowded at feeding time. If possible avoid weekends and public holidays.
SECRET TIP – How to get close to the Orangutans at the Sepilok
Okay, we mentioned that you could get really close to the orangutans at the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary. If you would like to see these majestic creatures close up we recommend visiting during the afternoon feeding time. Aim to arrive around 2pm, roughly one hour before feeding – and you may be able to see the orangutans climbing on the walkways. The map below shows the exact BEST spot to get up close to orangutans before and after feeding time 🙂
There is actually a section of walkway where you are very likely to see orangutans arriving for their afternoon feeding time. This section of walkway is located just past the viewing deck for the feeding platform. If you walk past this viewing deck, with the feeding platform in the jungle to your right, you will notice that the walkway takes a left turn and then follows a long straight section. There is a good chance of seeing orangutans arriving along this section of walkway just before feeding time. Remember orangutans are strong animals. Always respect their space and be careful if you are trying to film them (they have been known to grab things out of people’s hands!)
Where is the best place to see orangutans in the wild in Malaysia?
The orangutans at the Sepilok sanctuary are semi-wild. This means that the orangutans live in the open jungle without any cages, fences or physical boundaries. But they are protected and monitored by the Sepilok sanctuary and they always know when to turn up for breakfast and lunch.
If you would like to see orangutans in the wild you can also organize orangutan tours in Sabah. A tour to see orangutans in the wild is likely to take a couple of days and maybe quite expensive. One of the best ways to see orangutans in the wild is to take a Kinabatangan River Cruise. We recommend taking a longer trip (3-4 days) to increase your chances of seeing orangutans. You are also likely to see other wildlife such as proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
TOP TIP: You can buy Orangutan trekking packages. Many of these tours sound like they will take you trekking into the deep jungle to see wild orangutans. BUT check your itinerary carefully. Very often they just take you to sanctuaries. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a sanctuary.
It’s just that Sepilok is cheaper. If you’re paying hundreds of dollars hoping to see wild orangutans and you only visit a sanctuary, this could be disappointing. Treks can be surprisingly expensive costing $300 per night or more. BUT actually you don’t get a lot for your money. The food and accommodation may still be very simple. So before you shell out for a really expensive package be careful to check exactly what you are getting for your money.
What facilities do they have at the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary?
At Sepilok there are good facilities. You can find public toilets, secure lockers (free to use- you are not allowed to take bags into the sanctuary). They also have a cafe and car park at Sepilok. Next to the sanctuary there is also a resort.
What else is there to do at Sepilok?
There is also a Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). Many people attend the morning feeding and then visit the Sun Bears.
You may also be interested to know that there is a Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary near Sepilok. Those are the monkeys with the super long noses.
Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss these AMAZING things to do in Sandakan AND ALSO don’t miss these AMAZING things to do in Sabah
What is the best place to stay near the Sepilok?
1 The Sabah Hotel
First up, don’t miss the Sabah Hotel. This stylish mid range hotel offers luxury for a great price. The Sabah Hotel is probably the best option for families in Sandakan. They have very good facilities. And some rooms include a bathtub (quite unique for the area). The Sabah hotel also includes an excellent breakfast (check this when you book). They also have an outdoor pool and very good facilities and amenities. This is a great option if you want something fairly luxurious for a great price.
You can find out the latest price for the Sabah hotel on Agoda. Also make sure you compare prices for the Sabah Hotel on Booking.com. Go on, be savvy and shop around.
2 Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Combining the wild with luxury don’t miss the Sepilok Forest Edge Resort. This lovely accommodation is immersed in the jungle right next to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. They offer luxurious wooden nature lodges and chalets including a gamping pool villa and chalets with a bathtub.
RESERVE Sepilok Forest Edge on Agoda OR RESERVE Sepilok Forest Edge on Booking.com
3 Nature Lodge Sepilok
The Nature Lodge Sepilok offers affordable accommodation very close to Sepilok. They have dorms, double rooms and twin rooms for competitive prices.
Book Nature Lodge on Agoda OR Book Nature Lodge on Booking.com
4 Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Located in Sandakan town center the Backpackers Hostel offers a range of low cost accommodation including dorms and private rooms. Rooms range from around £7 for a bed in a shared dorm to around £25 for a family room or triple room.
RESERVE Sandakan Backpackers Hostel on Agoda OR RESERVE Sandakan Backpackers Hostel on Booking.com
Looking for more inspiration?
Don’t miss our guide to THE BEST things to do in Malaysia
