Sepilok Orang Utan Feeding Platform — Local services in Borneo

A Truly Eye-Opening Experience at the Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo 🦧❤️

We went to the sanctuary expecting to see these incredible creatures up close… but we walked away with so much more — knowledge, perspective, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Before our visit, many of us had no idea that orangutans are critically endangered. Seeing them in their natural habitat — swinging gracefully through the 🌳 , looking at us with such intelligent and soulful eyes — was magical. But learning about how deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss are pushing them toward extinction broke our hearts.

The sanctuary staff are true heroes. They rescue orphaned and injured orangutans, rehabilitate them, and when possible, return them to the wild. They also educate visitors and local communities about how to protect these gentle giants.

What struck us most was that every little action counts. Choosing products that are palm-oil free, supporting sustainable farming, donating to conservation programs, and spreading awareness can genuinely make a difference.

This wasn’t just a trip — it was a reminder that we share this planet with extraordinary beings who need our help to survive. If you ever find yourself in Borneo, please visit this sanctuary. Your entry fee, donations, and even your social media shares could help give an orangutan a second chance at life.

🦧💚 Let’s not be the generation that says “We almost saved them.” Let’s be the one that

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I ♥️...

I have visited Kuching’s center in Semenggoh twice and thoroughly enjoyed both experiences. After reading positive reviews about the orangutan center near Sandakan, I decided to make it my second priority for this trip. According to their website, the vision and mission of the Sabah Wildlife Department are: “To see people living in harmony with nature and to defend the wealth of natural heritage entrusted to them for generations to come. We, the staff of the Sabah Wildlife Department, are committed to the conservation of intact natural resources and biodiversity, and to ensuring that the country’s wildlife resources are used sustainably and equitably.” Unlike the Proboscis Monkey Center, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre generally receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors and is supported by Orangutan Appeal UK. However, I must admit I was largely disappointed—particularly by the human resources. Many of the staff seemed unhappy, unapproachable, and at times even arrogant. While I understand they manage large crowds twice a day, I don’t believe this justifies such an unfriendly attitude. From the receptionists to the security personnel and rangers, I was not impressed at all. That said, the center itself is fairly well maintained. Still, I found the concrete structure and glass enclosure of Platform 1 quite disappointing. It hindered both visibility and photography, making Platform 2 the only viable option for a proper viewing and photographic experience Despite having had many positive wildlife encounters in the past, this particular visit left me feeling...

A Meaningful Visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

As part of my journey through Borneo, I had the privilege of visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre—an experience that left a lasting impression on me. This incredible sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to witness orangutans living in a semi-wild environment, where they are safe, supported, and given the chance to thrive. It’s a place of hope, especially for young mothers and their newborns, who are nurtured with great care and given the tools they need to survive on their own in the wild.

The centre plays a vital role in protecting and rehabilitating orphaned or displaced orangutans, many of whom have lost their homes due to deforestation or illegal wildlife trade. Watching these intelligent, gentle creatures swing freely through the trees and interact with each other was both heartwarming and eye-opening.

It is time we all recognize just how important it is to protect this species from extinction. Orangutans are critically endangered, and without ongoing conservation efforts like those at Sepilok, their future remains uncertain. Supporting such initiatives is not just about saving a species—it’s about preserving a part of our planet’s natural heritage. I highly recommend a visit for anyone traveling...