Premium eco-lodge
Situated directly on the boundary of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, this property offers timber chalets around a natural lake and the shortest walk to the orangutan and sun bear centres.
Welcome
Twenty-three timber chalets encircle a natural lake on the immediate boundary of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. A 5-minute walk takes you directly to the orangutan gates, a visit easily combined with the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, while semi-wild apes often visit the resort grounds. Expect to spot resident stork-billed kingfishers from your veranda before stepping out for morning canopy birding.
A 5-minute walk takes you directly to the orangutan gates, while semi-wild apes often visit the resort grounds.
Expect to spot resident stork-billed kingfishers from your veranda before stepping out for morning canopy birding.
Our view
23 air-conditioned timber chalets are built around a central lake.
A 5-minute walk takes you to the orangutan rehabilitation centre.
The sprawling botanical garden features over 150 species of Asian orchids.
Resident orangutans and macaques visit the grounds on most stays.
The resort is a 24 to 30-minute drive from Sandakan Airport.
Accommodation
The resort has 23 timber chalets, including 2 duplex bungalows, all with individual air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold water.
37 sq m · private veranda
The standard rooms are designated as resort-view chalets. Each one offers a generous 37 square metres of space with polished Bornean ironwood floors and traditional wooden cladding.
Traditional wooden interior · private veranda
The 2 duplex bungalows offer traditional wooden interiors and private verandas overlooking the lake or jungle.
family layout
Family chalet configurations are available. High stilts and wide gaps in balcony balustrades require caution with very young children.
air-conditioned · en-suite
The timber chalets offer a comfortable rainforest stay with reliable air-conditioning and hot water. Their wooden architecture feels authentic to Borneo.
lake or jungle view
The chalets stand on stilts around a central lake. Expect to spot resident stork-billed kingfishers from your veranda before stepping out.
The grounds
The main building houses The Lake Bistro and Bar. It is an open-air communal restaurant built from polished timber with panoramic views over the water. The kitchen serves a fusion of traditional Malaysian dishes and Western staples. Halal compliance is strict and vegetarian options are available on request.
Wildlife
Resident orangutans and macaques visit the grounds on most stays. As dusk falls, you have another opportunity to look for nocturnal wildlife.
Property profile
Rates on enquiry: no prices are published.
3 nights at the eco-lodge with time for birding, forest walks, and dawn ascents to the canopy walkway.
EnquireMulti-day wildlife packages through the team include meals and expert naturalist guides for excursions.
EnquireIndependent bookings include breakfast. Standard rooms can be booked for a single night.
EnquireCommon questions
Independent bookings run on a Bed & Breakfast basis. If you book a multi-day wildlife package through the team your meals are included.
The gates to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre are 250 metres away. You can walk there in 5 minutes.
Families are welcome and the resort offers specific family chalet configurations. The chalets sit on high stilts with wide gaps in the balcony balustrades so you need to exercise caution with very young children.
You need a ticket to enter the Rainforest Discovery Centre and the conservation facilities. Walking the deeper trails requires a specific entry permit from the Forestry Department.
Getting there
Sepilok Nature Resort is located roughly 25 kilometres west of Sandakan town and 17 kilometres from Sandakan Airport. The drive from the airport takes 24 to 30 minutes. Round-trip airport shuttles are available, and multi-day packages include them.
Extend the journey
Continue to the Kinabatangan River for wild boat safaris, consider Tabin Wildlife Resort for small cats, or explore the deep reserve via the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Our view
Tell the team when you want to stay at Sepilok Nature Resort to watch orangutans and explore the canopy walkway.
