Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre with Kids & Babies – Family Guide (2025)

Sepilok is one of the most family-friendly places in Borneo to see orangutans. The Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is safe, well-organized, and designed so even babies and toddlers can enjoy it. Wooden boardwalks take you through the jungle, the trails are short, and the viewing platforms give you clear views without the hassle of long hikes. It feels like a proper jungle adventure, but one you can actually manage with little kids.

Before traveling with kids, we visited orangutans in Tanjung Puting, Ketambe, and Bukit Lawang. Those experiences were magical in their own way – but they also involved multi-day boat trips, sweaty jungle treks, and unpredictable conditions. Perfect for adventurous parents or families with older kids, but not exactly baby- or toddler-friendly.

Sepilok is different. You still get the excitement of seeing orangutans in their natural environment, but without the long journeys or tough treks. Trails are short, facilities are close by, and you can do it all in just a few hours. That’s why Sepilok is probably the best place in Borneo to see orangutans with kids. If you’re looking for a family-friendly wildlife experience in Southeast Asia, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops to add to your itinerary.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, just outside the city of Sandakan. It’s an easy day trip from Sandakan, which makes it ideal for families traveling with kids and babies.

We stayed in Sandakan city in a cozy apartment, but if you prefer, you can also stay closer to Sepilok in one of the family-friendly resorts like Sepilok Nature Resort. Both options work well, depending on whether you want to be near restaurants and city amenities or right next to the orangutans.

Getting to Sepilok is simple. We booked a Grab from our apartment in Sandakan, which only works smoothly if you have mobile internet. With a local e-SIM, you can order Grab rides from anywhere, making it super easy to get to Sepilok without needing a taxi or shuttle. The drive takes about 25–30 minutes, so even toddlers and babies can manage it comfortably.

If you’re visiting Sepilok with kids or babies, choosing the right place to stay can make your day much easier. There are two main options: staying close to Sepilok for convenience or in Sandakan city for more amenities and dining options.

• Sepilok Nature Resort – right next to the orangutan centre, family-friendly rooms, easy access to feeding platforms. Perfect if you want minimal travel with toddlers or babies
• Sepilok Jungle Resort – nice pool, jungle views, kid-friendly facilities.

If you prefer staying in Sandakan city, you have several family-friendly apartments and condos that make visiting Sepilok easy while giving access to restaurants, supermarkets, and local attractions.

• Sri Indah Condominium – spacious condo, great for families, close to shops and restaurants.
• Muji Wi-Fi & Aircond Homestay – cozy, air-conditioned, ideal for families with young kids.

• Ask about baby-friendly amenities like cribs, high chairs, or pool fences.
• Choose a place with easy check-in/out if you plan an early visit to the orangutans.
• Look for air-conditioned rooms – Borneo can be hot and humid, especially for babies.

💡 Crew Tip: Staying near Sepilok is ideal if your priority is minimal travel and maximum time at the orangutans, while Sandakan city works if you prefer more dining and city comforts.

Visiting Sepilok with our two toddlers was a really great experience. The trails are short and easy, mostly over wooden boardwalks, so little legs can manage and babies can comfortably join in a carrier or sling. Strollers aren’t practical here at all, the paths are too narrow and bumpy.

• Best ages: Toddlers and older kids get the most out of the feeding times, but babies can join safely in a carrier or sling.
• Toilets & changing: Facilities are near the entrance and the nursery. There isn’t really a dedicated changing area, so you’ll need to improvise a bit if you need to change diapers. One toilet even had a spider on the seat, which gave us a good scare, so we just used the next one 😅!
• Trails: Wooden boardwalks, easy to walk, but keep an eye on your kids. You might even spot an orangutan on the path itself, so always supervise your children.
• Snacks: You aren’t allowed to bring food inside, so our usual little snacks to keep kids happy weren’t an option; plan accordingly!

• Morning and afternoon sessions (10:00 AM and 3:00 PM) – arriving early helps secure a good viewing spot. The platforms are designed so kids can see well without climbing. Watching orangutans swing down from the forest was truly very special.
• Camera note: You need to pay if you want to use a camera.

• Proboscis monkeys, macaques, and colorful birds appear along the short jungle trails. Even if you don’t see an orangutan on the path, the walk still gives kids a real sense of being in the rainforest.

• Dry season (March–October): Best for wildlife spotting and more predictable weather. High season is usually July–August, so expect more visitors. Arriving early helps secure a good spot at the feeding platforms.
• Wet season: Fewer crowds, but more insects and slippery paths.
• Feeding chances: Slightly higher in the dry season, though sessions happen year-round.

Visiting Sepilok with kids and babies is easy, but a few practical tips – like using a carrier instead of a stroller and watching the feeding times – will make your day even smoother.

• 👶 Bring a carrier – Strollers don’t work at all on the boardwalks, so we always use our favorite baby carrier, which makes it easy to take babies and toddlers along.
• 🦟 Dress for the jungle – We saw quite a lot of mosquitoes, so long sleeves and trousers are a good idea. Don’t forget insect repellent.
• ⏱️ Timing is everything – Feeding times are the highlight, so plan to arrive a little early. It keeps the kids entertained and saves you from rushing through the trails.
• 💰 Cash on hand – Entrance tickets and the small fee for bringing a camera can’t always be paid by card. Having a few ringgit ready avoids extra hassle.
• 🚽 Toilets but no changing room – Facilities are near the entrance and the nursery, but there isn’t a proper changing area. If you need to change diapers, be prepared to improvise a bit.
• 🤫 Prepare kids for quiet observation: The feeding platforms require calm and patience, so let them know what to expect before you go.
• ⚠️ Keep expectations realistic – Toddlers won’t sit still for long, babies may need a nap, and wildlife is never 100% guaranteed. For us, seeing the orangutans was already very special, but the adventure also came with hungry kids and a quick retreat back to Sandakan for food and a swim.

💡 Crew Tip: Since no food is allowed inside, make sure the kids have eaten well beforehand – it keeps everyone happier while watching the orangutans.

Sepilok is such a family-friendly destination in Borneo, offering close-up encounters with orangutans, short and easy jungle trails, and lots of wildlife to spot along the way. With babies in a carrier and toddlers by your side, the visit feels exciting but very manageable. Even first-time visitors with kids can enjoy it without stress.

We had already seen orangutans in places like Tanjung Puting, Ketambe, and Bukit Lawang, which were more adventurous trips. Sepilok is less adventurous, but by far the most suitable place for families with young children. The short trails and feeding platforms made it easy for our two toddlers to enjoy the orangutans safely and have a really fun experience.

👉 Helpful guides for planning your next trip:

• Carry-on essentials when flying with kids
• 5 Reasons to Visit Lombok with Kids
• 2-Week Bali Itinerary with Kids
• Bali with Kids
• Best Beaches in Bali with Kids
• Lombok with kids

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Enjoy your Sepilok family adventure! 🐵
– The Little Passport Crew