Is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Worth the Price? (Full Budget Cost Breakdown & Feeding Times)

Is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Worth the Price? (Full Budget Cost Breakdown & Feeding Times)

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the most famous place to see Borneo's Orangutans. But is the RM 30 entrance fee plus the travel worth it for a budget traveler? We break down the mandatory fees and the non-negotiable feeding schedule that determines if your visit is a success or a disappointment.

Full Budget Cost Breakdown (The Mandatory Fees)

Mandatory Fees:

• Foreigner Entrance Fee: This is RM 30 (approximately £5.50 or $7 USD). This single ticket is valid all day, allowing you to attend both feeding sessions.

• Camera Fee (Crucial Hidden Cost): This fee is RM 10 (approximately £1.70 or $2.30 USD). This fee is mandatory for any device that takes photos, including mobile phones and GoPros.

• Locker Fee: Budget RM 1 for a locker, which is required for storing bags and backpacks before you go onto the viewing platform.

Time Slots (The Key to Seeing Orangutans)

The question of whether it's "worth it" is entirely dependent on your timing. The orangutans are wild and free to roam; they only come to the platforms if they feel like grabbing a snack.

• Morning Feeding: The first feeding session is at 10:00 AM.

• Afternoon Feeding: The second feeding session is at 3:00 PM.

Plan to arrive before 10:00 AM, then use the time between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to visit the neighboring Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre or explore the trails, returning for the 3:00 PM feed.

We managed to catch a mother and her tiny baby during the morning feeding slot. It was absolutely adorable seeing the little one clinging to its mother's back and crawling around her body whilst she stopped for a snack. It was a really heartwarming experience.

Cheapest Transport to Sepilok from Sandakan

Sepilok is about 25km from Sandakan (the nearest city hub). Skip the expensive tour packages - it's very simple. 

There is a local bus which runs 4x per day, but in Malaysia, Grab taxis & scooters are so cheap when you consider how convenient they really are. Expect to pay around RM 25 for the ride.

In the end, we chose to rent a moped, as we did for most of our Southeast Asia itinerary. If your goal is truly flexible, budget-friendly sightseeing across multiple stops, you simply cannot beat the cost and freedom of hiring a scooter. Just remember to check your travel insurance covers motorbike rental before you start the engine!

Borneo Travel Advice!

Your visit to Sepilok is just one part of the Sabah adventure. Check out some of pur other Borneo guides below:

• The Jungle Experience: If you are coming from the river or going next, you need to plan that long journey. Click HERE to see our guide on travelling to the Kinabatangan river.