Sepilok basecamp
A sprawling 60-room lodge built around tropical gardens and lakes. It provides a highly walkable basecamp 5 minutes from the wildlife centres.
Welcome
25 minutes from Sandakan airport, this 60-room lodge borders the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve among landscaped lakes and mature tropical gardens. Walk 5 minutes from the reception to reach the orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries before returning to the large outdoor swimming pool. The estate acts as a practical basecamp for dedicated birdwatchers and active families seeking immediate proximity to the primary Sabah conservation zones.
Walk 5 minutes from the reception to reach the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the sun bear sanctuary before returning to the large outdoor swimming pool.
The estate acts as a practical basecamp for dedicated birdwatchers and active families seeking immediate proximity to the primary Sabah conservation zones.
Why stay here
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre are a 5-minute walk from the resort.
The lodge is divided into air-conditioned and fan-cooled categories built around tropical gardens and lakes.
Extensive gardens, turtle ponds and a large swimming pool are connected by elevated wooden boardwalks.
Resident macaques, hornbills and kingfishers are seen within the property bounds on most stays.
It acts as a highly practical basecamp for birdwatchers and active families close to the trails.
Accommodation
The property has 60 rooms across low-rise blocks: 45 air-conditioned rooms and 15 fan-cooled rooms.
18 to 21 square metres · private balconies
These rooms are air-conditioned and feature private balconies, attached bathrooms with hot showers, free Wi-Fi and coffee-making facilities.
16 square metres · garden views
These air-conditioned rooms look out over the gardens. They have attached bathrooms with hot showers, free Wi-Fi and coffee-making facilities.
16 to 19 square metres
These rooms provide between 16 and 19 square metres of space with air conditioning and attached bathrooms with hot showers.
15 to 16 square metres
These rooms are cooled by wall fans rather than air conditioning. They have attached bathrooms with hot showers and free Wi-Fi.
10 square metres · bunk beds
This 10-square-metre room has bunk beds and wall fans. Guests use a shared bathroom with hot showers.
Dining
Every stay includes a daily breakfast. This is served at the Banana Cafe and Restaurant between 7:30am and 10am. This primary venue operates continuously until 10pm. It serves a menu of local Malaysian dishes and Western meals.
Wildlife
Macaques, hornbills, kingfishers, monitor lizards and squirrels are seen on most stays. With luck, wild Bornean orangutans cross the canopy above the grounds.
Our view
Rates on enquiry: no prices are published.
2 nights provide time to visit all 3 conservation centres and ascend the canopy walkway at dawn.
Enquire3 nights offer a sensible buffer against tropical rain while you visit the sanctuaries and birdwatch.
EnquireKinabatangan River lodges are around 2 to 2.5 hours away by road.
EnquireCommon questions
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre are a 5-minute walk from the resort.
The property features a large outdoor swimming pool and a children's pool set within the tropical gardens.
The team arranges private transfers from Sandakan airport on your behalf to match your flight times.
Air conditioning is available in 45 of the 60 rooms. The remaining 15 rooms including the dormitory are cooled by wall fans. Be sure to ask for an air-conditioned room if you prefer cool air.
Getting there
Sepilok Jungle Resort is 11 to 17 kilometres from Sandakan airport. The road journey takes 20 to 25 minutes depending on the route. The team arranges private transfers from Sandakan airport on your behalf.
Alternatives
Sepilok Nature Resort provides air-conditioned chalets around a natural lake and MY Nature Resort features a flying squirrel viewing deck. Travel 2 hours from Sepilok to reach Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge for wild river safaris.
Accommodation
Tell the team when you plan to visit the orangutan sanctuaries and they will check availability at Sepilok Jungle Resort.
