Day Trip Sepilok Orang Utan & Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey

This tour offering from Kota Kinabalu is a fantastic way for wildlife enthusiasts to tick off three of Borneo’s most iconic animals in just one day. With visits to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sunbear Conservation Center, and the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, it delivers a comprehensive glance at Borneo’s unique fauna—without the hassle of multiple trips or complicated planning.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances up-close animal encounters with comfort, thanks to door-to-door transfers and a small-group setting. The tour also includes a local lunch, giving a taste of regional cuisine amidst the adventure.

One aspect to consider is the early start time—at 4:30am—which can be a bit of a shock if you’re not a morning person. The logistics of internal flights between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan are left to you, but your guide will take care of everything once you’re on the ground, simplifying what might seem like a complex day.

If you’re eager to see orangutans in action, marvel at the bizarre yet adorable proboscis monkeys, and learn from passionate guides, this trip is likely to be a highlight of your Bornean journey. It’s especially suited for nature lovers who don’t mind a long day and a bit of travel, but crave authentic animal encounters.

Key Points

• Wildlife diversity: See orangutans, sunbears, and proboscis monkeys in one day.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Yan and Rezal enhance the experience.
• Comfortable transport: Door-to-door transfers and air-conditioned vehicle make logistics easier.
• Authentic encounters: Close-up views in reputable conservation centers.
• Time efficiency: Combines multiple attractions for a full-day adventure.
• Value for money: Includes lunch, transfers, and entry fees, making it a practical choice.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown and What to Expect

Start Early, Aim for the Stars
The day kicks off with a 4:30 am pickup in Kota Kinabalu, aiming to maximize your time on the ground in Sandakan. While the early start might seem daunting, it’s necessary to ensure you catch your internal flight and make the most of the day’s activities. Most travelers find this manageable, especially with the promise of wildlife sightings that make the effort worthwhile.

Stop 1: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The first stop is the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, about a 30-minute drive from Sandakan Airport. Here, you’ll witness orangutans being fed in the morning, a heartwarming sight as these intelligent primates swing into action for their meal. The feeding platform offers a great vantage point for photographs and observing natural behaviors.

A 25-minute documentary provides background on the rescue and rehabilitation efforts, adding context to the experience. Reviewers rave about the personalized attention they receive here—one called out guide Yan’s enthusiasm and up-to-date knowledge, which made the visit much more engaging. Expect to spend about an hour exploring this center, with admission included.

Stop 2: Bornean Sunbear Conservation Center
Next, a short drive (roughly 10 minutes) takes you next door to the Sunbear Conservation Center. Although not always part of the standard itinerary, it’s a worthwhile addition if time allows, as it offers a close-up view of the world’s smallest bear, famed for its adorable face and distinctive chest patch. Watching the sunbears is a charming interlude that complements the primate focus.

Stop 3: Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
The highlight for many is the visit to Labuk Bay, about 45 minutes from Sepilok. This mangrove forest covers approximately 400 acres and is home to the elusive proboscis monkeys—endemic to Borneo and famous for their bulbous noses and unique appearance. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat from a designated observation area.

Reviewers note how close the monkeys appear during the viewing, making for memorable photos, and comment on the impressive efforts of the sanctuary to protect these creatures. Expect about an hour here, with your admission included.

The Value of the Included Elements

Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Midday, the tour provides a local lunch outside Sandakan. This is a great chance to sample regional dishes and enjoy a break from wildlife spotting, especially after a busy morning. Some reviews highlight the tour’s good value, noting that the meal adds to the overall experience rather than feeling like an extra expense.

Transport and Guide Service
Throughout the day, you’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan, with door-to-door transfers from your hotel or port in Kota Kinabalu, and back again. The small-group format (max 20 travelers) ensures more personalized attention and a less rushed experience. The guides, such as Yan and Rezal, are praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and genuine care for both the animals and your.

Practical Insights and Considerations

Timing and Logistics

The early start is necessary to catch the morning flight to Sandakan, which many travelers arrange themselves. The tour assumes you will set this up independently, so booking flights at least a few days in advance is recommended. Once on the ground, the guide handles all ground transport, making the day smooth and hassle-free.

Group Size and Personal Attention

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour strikes a nice balance between intimacy and social atmosphere. Reviewers like Blanca and Richard have appreciated the guides’ friendliness and professionalism, noting that their knowledge made the experience richer.

Cost and Value

At $176 per person, including lunch, entry fees, and transfers, this tour offers good value, especially considering the exclusive animal encounters. The price may seem high at first glance but is fair when you factor in the transportation, guided commentary, and conservation center fees.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes for walking, a hat, and sunscreen are advisable. Photography is encouraged, but some reviewers mention camera/video fees, so it’s worth checking if these are included or an extra. A current passport is needed, and travelers should be aware of the need for internal flights.

Potential Drawbacks

The main concern from some reviews revolves around logistics—specifically, the need to arrange your own flights and the early start time. Also, one reviewer mentioned an unexpected requirement to purchase return air tickets at an additional cost, which emphasizes the importance of reading the small print carefully.

Authentic Encounters Based on Traveler Feedback

Many reviewers highlight the quality of guides like Yan and Rezal, who bring passion and knowledge, making the experience more meaningful. One wrote, “Yan’s enthusiasm and research make a big difference,” while Blanca appreciated her guide’s friendliness and expertise.

The close-up views of animals, especially the orangutans and proboscis monkeys, are repeatedly praised. Several mention how special it was to observe these animals in naturalistic settings, a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts.

Some critiques focus on logistical misunderstandings or the early start, but travelers generally agree that the animal sightings and personalized attention compensate for these inconveniences.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to see Borneo’s most iconic wildlife in a single day, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want authentic animal encounters. The inclusion of small-group interactions and local guides ensures a more personal and educational experience, elevating it beyond just a sightseeing trip.

If you’re a nature lover or wildlife photographer, you’ll appreciate the chance to get close to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sunbears. Families and older travelers will find the pacing reasonable, though very young children might find the early start challenging.

The tour’s value is significantly enhanced by the knowledgeable guides and the chance to observe these animals in their protected habitats—something that truly makes the effort worthwhile. It’s a perfect option if you want a balanced mix of adventure, education, and comfort, but be prepared for an early morning and the need to coordinate your flights.

FAQs

Do I need to arrange my own flights?
Yes, travelers are responsible for booking their internal flights between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. The tour guide will take care of ground transportation once you’re on the ground.

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers door-to-door transfers in an air-conditioned minivan, guided tours at each site, entry fees, and a local lunch. Fuel surcharge is also included.

Are there age restrictions?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but very young children might find the early start and long day tiring.

How long is the total tour duration?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, starting early in the morning and ending with your return to Kota Kinabalu.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request at the time of booking.

What if my flight gets delayed or I miss my flight?
Since flights are arranged independently, it’s important to coordinate timings carefully. The tour guide handles the ground activities, but missed flights are outside their control.

Can I take videos or photos?
Yes, camera/video fees may apply. It’s recommended to bring your camera to capture the wildlife, but check if any additional fees are involved during your booking.

To sum it up, the Day Trip Sepilok Orang Utan & Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey offers a well-rounded, immersive look into Borneo’s distinctive wildlife, supported by passionate guides and comfortable transport. It’s an excellent choice for those eager to see iconic animals in natural settings, especially if they’re short on time but don’t want to miss out. Just remember to prepare for an early start and organize your flights in advance for a smooth experience.