Sepilok Nature Lodge
Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve · Sandakan, Malaysian Borneo
The gateway lodge for Borneo's most important rescue sanctuaries, built around a quiet central lake on the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, twenty five minutes from Sandakan Airport.
Enquire About This LodgeSince 1964, the forest bordering this lodge has been a refuge for Borneo's orphaned orangutans, and it still is today.
On the Edge of Sabah's Oldest Rescue Sanctuary
Sepilok Nature Lodge sits directly on the boundary of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, nearly forty three square kilometres of protected lowland dipterocarp rainforest gazetted in 1964. The reserve exists specifically to give rescued and orphaned wildlife a secure place to relearn how to survive in the wild.
The lodge was built around that proximity rather than apart from it, its chalets and walkways arranged around a quiet central lake so guests move between rainforest and rest without ever really leaving the forest behind.
The lake the whole lodge is arranged around.
A Closer Look at Sepilok Nature Lodge
Lakeside chalets, a working rescue sanctuary next door, and one of Sabah's best canopy walkways a short drive away.
One of three sanctuaries reachable directly from the lodge.
Three Sanctuaries, One Base
The lodge sits within reach of three of Sabah's most important conservation centres. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre has cared for orphaned and displaced orangutans since 1964, giving young apes a natural forest environment to relearn survival skills, viewable from an outdoor feeding platform or an indoor nursery pavilion. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, immediately adjacent, rescues the world's smallest bear species, with elevated boardwalks and spotting scopes looking down into forest enclosures built to mirror their natural canopy habitat.
The Rainforest Discovery Centre rounds out the three, a canopy walkway through primary lowland rainforest regarded as one of the best birdwatching sites in Southeast Asia. Naturalist-led excursions to all three can be arranged directly through the lodge.
What You'll See Nearby
Sepilok's wildlife is rescue and rehabilitation led rather than a wild game drive, and that is precisely the point.
Rooms & Chalets
Two distinct collections, both arranged around the lodge's central lake.
Heritage Collection: Jungle Chalets
Standalone chalets in traditional Bornean timber and brick architecture, elevated along the lake edge and winding boardwalks, with high open-beam ceilings and native woodwork throughout.
- Private wooden veranda over the lake or orchid gardens
- Handwoven indigenous textiles and local hardwoods
- Standalone chalet, not a shared block
Contemporary Wing: Lake View Chalets
A newly built circular wing on the lakeside forest edge, spacious suites with full-height glass doors opening onto private terraces with a freestanding bathtub.
- Freestanding outdoor bathtub on a private terrace
- Full-height glass doors onto the lake
- High-ceilinged, modern interiors
A Day at Sepilok Nature Lodge
Most guests stay one to two nights on their way between Sandakan and the interior. Here's roughly how a day unfolds.
The Orangutan Feeding Platform
A guided visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to watch rescued, orphaned orangutans on the outdoor feeding platform as they relearn life in the forest. An early morning gibbon tracking can be arranged with a private guide.
The Sun Bear Boardwalks
A short walk next door to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where elevated boardwalks and spotting scopes look down into forest enclosures built for the world's smallest bear.
Rest, Lakeside
Lunch and quiet hours at the lodge, chalets and walkways arranged around the central lake.
The Rainforest Discovery Centre Canopy Walk
A guided walk through the Rainforest Discovery Centre's canopy walkway, regarded as one of the best birdwatching sites in Southeast Asia, followed by a guided night walk to see flying squirrel, slow loris and western tarsier.
Before You Go
Fly to Sandakan, then twenty five minutes by road
Sandakan Airport has daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. The lodge is a short, comfortable transfer from the terminal, which can be pre-arranged directly with the lodge.
Private guiding arranged by Safari Acacia
Beyond the naturalist-led excursions already built into a stay, we appoint specialist guides for guests who want to go deeper into any one of the three sanctuaries.
Continue Your Borneo Journey
Other Safari Acacia addresses worth pairing with Sepilok Nature Lodge.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
A private mangrove wilderness reached only by water, the natural next stop after Sepilok.
View Resort →
Lankayan Island Dive Resort
One island, one resort, and a protected reef, the coastal close to a Sabah rainforest itinerary.
View Island →Begin Your Sepilok Journey
We arrange every detail, airport transfers, private guiding across all three sanctuaries, and the right chalet for how you like to travel.
Enquire About Sepilok Nature Lodge