Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Sandakan, Malaysia, and want a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife, culture, and local flavors, this tour is hard to beat. It’s a full day packed with encounters with some of Borneo’s most iconic creatures—orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears—plus cultural stops that reveal the region’s vibrant history. With a small group size, knowledgeable guides, and included meals, it offers a convenient way to see much of what makes Sandakan special.

What we really like about this experience is how smoothly the day is organized, with pickup from your hotel or airport making it hassle-free. The variety of stops means you’re never stuck in one place for too long, and the guide’s insights help you understand both the animals and the local culture. One potential drawback is that, depending on park schedules or weather, some plans might shift—like the recent closure of the orangutan rehab center, which was cleverly replaced with a rainforest discovery center. But overall, the value for money is clear when you consider the number of different sites and the inclusion of lunch.

This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone eager to explore Sandakan beyond the usual. It offers a guided, curated experience that’s ideal for those with limited time but a big appetite for authentic encounters. If you’re after a deep dive into Borneo’s nature and culture without the hassle of organizing multiple visits yourself, this is a strong contender.

Key Points

Comprehensive wildlife experience: Encounters with orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears, all in one day.
Small group intimacy: Group sizes are capped at 15, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed experience.
Inclusive convenience: Transport, entrance fees, and lunch are included, making this a straightforward option.
Cultural highlights: Visits to a hilltop temple and bustling market add a local flavor.
Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides, like Adil, enhance the experience with insider insights.
Good value for money: Multiple major sights packed into an 8-hour tour at around $147—an accessible price for such variety.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The day kicks off early with pickup from your hotel or the airport, which we found to be a major plus for convenience. The drive to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is about 25 kilometers west of Sandakan. Established in 1964, this site is more than just a sanctuary; it’s a pivotal effort in reintroducing orphaned orangutans back into the wild.

Here, you’ll spend roughly two hours exploring the boardwalks through lush rainforest. The highlight is watching orangutans being fed from designated platforms—a moment that feels both joyful and poignant, knowing these creatures are recovering from human threats like logging, hunting, and illegal pet trade. Several reviews mentioned how seeing orangutans during feeding time is a real highlight, with one reviewer noting, “It was great to see the orangutan at feeding time,” adding that the guide, “Adil,” was especially helpful in explaining their behaviors.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Next, you’ll visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where these uniquely Bornean primates are in their natural mangrove habitat. About an hour is spent here, and the chance to observe proboscis monkeys with their distinctive noses in the wild is a treat. Reviewers have described it as “a must-see,” emphasizing how these monkeys are true icons of Borneo.

This stop demonstrates the importance of conservation efforts and provides an authentic glimpse into the monkeys’ natural behaviors. Expect to see them lounging in the trees or foraging, and the sanctuary provides informative commentary to help you understand their ecological role.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

A short drive takes you to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, dedicated to the welfare and rehabilitation of sun bears. Spent about an hour here, you get a close look at these adorable, yet endangered, bears. Visitors often comment on how cute and expressive the sun bears are, and how the centre aims to raise awareness about their plight. “The Sun Bear Centre is a highlight,” one reviewer shared, noting the guides’ passion for educating visitors.

Cultural Highlights: Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple

Midway through the day, you’ll stop at the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, perched on a hilltop overlooking Sandakan Bay. Built in 1987, it offers panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere. Spending around 30 minutes here, you can soak in the scenery and appreciate the spiritual architecture. Reviewers appreciated the brief but scenic stop, with one mentioning how “the views from the temple are stunning,” perfect for a quick photo break.

Sandakan Central Market

Wrapping up your day, you’ll stroll through the bustling Sandakan Wet Market. With hundreds of stalls, the market is a feast for the senses—vivid colors, lively chatter, and local flavors everywhere. It’s a fantastic place to see what locals eat and wear, and to pick up souvenirs or snacks. Some reviewers found this to be a delightful, authentic experience, with one saying, “You learn what Sabah people eat and wear,” which adds a layer of cultural insight to your trip.

Lunch and Practicalities

Included in the tour is a delicious set lunch at a local restaurant. Reviewers have praised both the quality and variety of the food, noting it’s a great way to experience local cuisine without any hassle. The entire day runs roughly 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am, with pickup and drop-off included for maximum convenience. The group size is limited to 15, ensuring you’re not lost in a crowd and that guides can provide attentive service.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many travelers have highlighted how the guides, especially “Adil,” enhance the day with their extensive knowledge and friendly manner. One reviewer mentioned that the guide helped them with language barriers and made the animals’ stories engaging and easy to understand.

Despite some minor hiccups—such as the orangutan rehab center temporarily closing—the staff’s quick thinking and substitution with the rainforest discovery center kept the experience fulfilling. Guests also appreciated the good value for what they received, with some noting that they paid extra for private tours but still found the overall experience worthwhile.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At $147.37 per person, this tour offers significant value considering the number of key sights covered and the inclusive nature of transport, entrance fees, and lunch. Compared to organizing individual visits or private trips, this package provides a cost-effective, time-efficient way to see Borneo’s wildlife and culture in one day.

The small group format enhances the experience, allowing for more personalized interaction and better opportunities to photograph wildlife. The inclusion of meals and transportation reduces the need for separate bookings and logistics, making it especially appealing for travelers who prefer a hassle-free day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits wildlife enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking an immersive, yet manageable, look at Sandakan. It’s ideal if you want to balance animal encounters with cultural insights in a single day. The tour’s family-friendly approach, with discounts for children and no charge for infants, makes it accessible for all ages. If you’re short on time but want a rundown of the region’s highlights, this guided day trip checks many boxes.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

In brief, this tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Sandakan, combining wildlife conservation, natural beauty, and local culture, all wrapped into one convenient package. You get to see Borneo’s most iconic animals—orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears—under the guidance of passionate, knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of lunch, transport, and entry fees makes it a straightforward choice, especially for those new to the area or short on time.

While there’s a small chance of schedule changes due to weather or park operations, the overall experience is highly regarded for its value and authenticity. The small group size ensures you won’t feel rushed, and the variety of stops keeps the day lively and engaging.

For animal lovers, families, or anyone eager to explore Sandakan beyond just the city, this tour offers an authentic, enjoyable, and educational taste of Borneo’s incredible wildlife and culture. It’s a smart pick for making the most of a single day in this fascinating part of Malaysia.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from your hotel or the airport, making it very convenient for travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, with discounts for children and no charge for infants.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?
No, lunch is included in the tour, served at a local restaurant, so you don’t need to worry about packing food.

What sights will I see?
You’ll visit the orangutan rehabilitation center, proboscis monkey sanctuary, sun bear conservation center, a hilltop temple, and Sandakan market.

Is the group size small?
Yes, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and flexible experience.

Can I expect to see orangutans during the tour?
Most likely, as the ocassion for orangutan feeding is a highlight, but schedule changes may affect this.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
Wildlife conservation and cultural insights, providing both educational and memorable moments.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Sandakan tour is perfect for those looking for a well-balanced, engaging day with plenty of chances to encounter Borneo’s native wildlife while exploring local culture. It’s a smart, reliable choice for making your visit truly memorable.