Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (Sabah)
Meet Borneo’s iconic orangutans up close at the world’s first rehabilitation centre, where rescue, care and release programs protect this endangered species.
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (Sabah)
Meet Borneo’s iconic orangutans up close at the world’s first rehabilitation centre, where rescue, care and release programs protect this endangered species.
The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC) is world-famous as the place to meet the “man of the forest.” Around 60 to 80 orphaned and injured orangutans live freely inside a protected slice of the Sepilok forest reserve. According to the IUCN, the population of orangutans on Borneo has dropped by 60% since the 1950s and is projected to decline further. Habitat loss through deforestation remains the greatest threat, making conservation vital for the survival of the species.
History & Location
Located about 30 minutes from Sandakan town, SOURC sits opposite the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Established in 1964, it was the first official orangutan rehabilitation centre in the world. The centre rescues orphaned infants and injured orangutans from logging sites, plantations, or the illegal pet trade. Surrounded by 4,294 hectares of Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve, it serves as a safe haven and natural classroom for orangutans.
Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release
The centre operates under the “RRR” model: Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release. Adult orangutans are treated and returned to the wild, while young ones stay until they have learned survival skills like climbing, nest building, and foraging. Visitors can observe juveniles at the outdoor nursery platform, where they play, feed and train before gaining confidence to explore the forest.
Visitor Experience
There are two feeding sessions daily at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. From the ticket gate, a 10-minute walk along a raised boardwalk leads to the feeding platform. Along the way, towering trees, macaques and hornbills can often be seen, and orangutan nests may be spotted high in the canopy. Occasionally, caretakers bring younger orangutans to the nursery platform, providing visitors with an unforgettable view.
Visitors are not allowed to bring bags, food, drinks or insect repellent beyond the checkpoint, as orangutans and macaques are naturally curious and may snatch items. Lockers are provided at the entrance.
Facilities & Educational Features
The centre includes educational exhibits, a short documentary film, a souvenir shop and a café. Funds raised from visitors support orangutan food, medical care and rehabilitation programs.
How to Support
Visitors can also support conservation through the Adopt an Orangutan program, which provides an adoption certificate and regular updates. Staying nearby at Sepilok Forest Edge Resort or other Sepilok lodges allows more time to explore surrounding attractions such as the Sun Bear Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre.