Sepilok Orang Utan, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey and Sun Bear Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse wildlife of Sandakan, Malaysia, all packed into roughly 8 hours. From the critically endangered orangutans to the elusive proboscis monkeys and adorable sun bears, it’s a well-rounded experience designed for nature enthusiasts. What we especially appreciate is the mix of educational insight and up-close encounters, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a chance to connect with wildlife in their natural environments.

One significant highlight is the opportunity to see orangutans in the shadows of the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, where conservation efforts are clearly making a difference. The inclusion of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre adds a unique touch, as it’s rare to get so close to these tiny bears, often overshadowed by their more famous relatives. Plus, observing the rare proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay is genuinely captivating.

However, a possible consideration is the tour’s pacing. With multiple stops in one day, it’s quite full-on, so travelers should be prepared for a busy schedule. Plus, while transportation and lunch are included, some might find the drive between sites a bit lengthy, especially if you’re prone to travel fatigue.

This tour is ideal for travelers eager to deepen their understanding of wildlife conservation while enjoying authentic jungle and river experiences. It suits those with a moderate level of physical mobility, as some walking on gravel roads and trails is involved. Wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: See orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears in their natural habitats.
• Educational Focus: Gain insights into conservation efforts at Sepilok and Labuk Bay.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and lunch, making it hassle-free.
• Authentic Experience: Trek through natural trails with bilingual guides providing valuable context.
• Time Management: The tour is well-paced but packs multiple stops into one day, so be prepared for a full schedule.
• Value for Money: At $341.96, it offers a comprehensive wildlife experience with all major sights included, though it’s more suitable for serious wildlife enthusiasts.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point & Transportation

The day kicks off with a hotel pickup in Sandakan — a plus for travelers staying in town, as it saves the hassle of arranging transport. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the drive, which we’ll note can take roughly an hour between sites depending on traffic. The small group size, capped at 15, helps keep the experience intimate and allows guides to give more personalized attention.

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

The first stop is the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, a flagship for orangutan conservation in Malaysia. We loved the way the guide explained that the centre rehabilitates orangutans rescued from illegal trafficking or habitat loss, emphasizing their ongoing effort to reintroduce them into the wild.

At 10 am, visitors witness orangutans in the forest during the scheduled feeding time. The viewing platform provides a clear, unobstructed glimpse of these intelligent primates. Watching them swing through the trees or munch on bananas is a highlight. The video presentation at the Nature Education Centre offers an excellent overview of orangutan behavior and conservation challenges, making the visit both entertaining and educational. The on-site exhibition hall further deepens understanding about orangutan plight, which is helpful if you want to bring home more than just photos.

Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Next, a leisurely walk takes us to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, just a short distance away. Here, we loved the chance to see the world’s smallest bear in its natural environment—an adorable creature with a distinctive yellow chest patch. The centre is a sanctuary for rescued sun bears, with informative signage about their diet, habits, and the threats they face, including poaching and deforestation.

The fact that the centre is set up to mimic the bears’ natural habitat makes it a more enriching experience. We appreciated the bilingual guide’s explanations, which helped us understand their behaviors and the conservation initiatives in place. The walk here tends to last around an hour, leaving plenty of time for the next activity without feeling rushed.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

The tour’s pièce de résistance is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. These primates are famous for their large, bulbous noses and orangish fur, making them one of the most distinctive creatures in Borneo. We loved the way the guide described their behavior—how they live in troops along the riverbanks and are surprisingly social.

Reaching the sanctuary involves trekking along gravel roads, trails, and tracks, which adds a bit of adventure. The viewing points are carefully positioned for optimal sightings, and the guides are seasoned at spotting the monkeys in the canopy or lounging on the branches. Several guests mentioned that “seeing the proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat was a real highlight”, and the unobstructed views make it worthwhile.

One reviewer pointed out: “The guide’s insights into their peculiarities and behaviors really enhanced the experience.” It’s worth noting that feeding or touching the animals is prohibited, respecting their endangered status, but the viewing opportunities are still impressive.

Final Return & Additional Details

After the last stop, the group is transferred back to Sandakan either to the airport or your hotel. The entire day is approximately 8 hours, with the flexibility to customize slightly depending on traffic or group pace.

The tour includes lunch at Sabah Hotel, which offers a decent meal to recharge after a morning of wildlife-watching. The inclusion of admission tickets ensures you don’t need to worry about extra costs on-site, adding to the convenience.

Analyzing the Value and Suitability

While the price of $341.96 per person might seem steep, the comprehensive nature of this tour justifies the cost. It covers multiple key wildlife attractions with transport, guides, and lunch included, making it a convenient all-in-one package. For wildlife lovers eager to see a range of animals in a single day, it offers excellent value.

The small group size and bilingual guides help foster a more personal and informative experience, which many travelers value highly. The emphasis on conservation education is another plus for those wanting to learn about local efforts to protect these iconic species.

That said, the schedule is packed, and the drive times can be lengthy. If you’re prone to travel fatigue or prefer more leisurely visits, this might be a bit intense. Also, for those staying outside Sandakan, additional pickup charges apply, so it’s worth factoring that into your budget.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Wildlife enthusiasts wanting a full day of primate and bear sightings.
• Travelers interested in conservation efforts and education.
• Those comfortable with moderate walking and a busy schedule.
• Visitors who value all-inclusive convenience—transport, guides, and meals.
• Photographers looking for unobstructed views of rare animals.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am and ending back at your hotel or the airport.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for Sandakan city hotels and the airport. Additional charges apply for outskirt hotels.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, admission tickets for all three sites, and lunch.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Extra charges may apply for pickup outside Sandakan (USD 15 per person). Food and drinks outside the provided lunch are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking on gravel trails might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I feed or touch the animals?
No. Feeding or touching animals is prohibited to protect the endangered species and their habitats.

What happens if the tour is canceled?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides are bilingual, providing explanations in English and other languages as needed.

How is the wildlife viewing experience?
Guests report excellent sightings, especially of orangutans and proboscis monkeys, with guides skilled at spotting animals in the canopy.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience for anyone eager to see some of Borneo’s most iconic and endangered wildlife. It balances educational value with authentic encounters, all wrapped in a comfortable and convenient package. If you’re looking for an immersive day that prioritizes conservation and genuine animal sightings, this tour hits the mark.

It’s best suited for travelers with a keen interest in wildlife, who don’t mind a full, active schedule. The inclusion of transport, guides, and meals makes it a good value, especially if you want a hassle-free way to explore multiple sites in one day.

For those who want to learn more about conservation efforts while witnessing rare animals in their natural habitat, this tour offers a rewarding, memorable experience. Just be prepared for a day that’s both educational and packed with wildlife sightings—you’ll likely leave with plenty of stories to tell.

Remember, always check the weather forecast and wear comfortable shoes, as walking on gravel and trails is involved. Bring your camera and binoculars if you have them—you won’t want to miss capturing these incredible moments.