The One and Only Sepilok Orangutan Centre
The Sepilok Orangutan Centre is indeed a distinctive place to visit in Borneo. It is within 4,300-hectare land area of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. It takes about a 20 minute drive from Sandakan. It is advisable to get a tour guide as your interpreter during your visit to the centre where you can have a clear view of the famous Orangutans of Borneo.
The best time to head out to the Sepilok Orangutan Centre is before 10am to enable you get a chance to view the baby orangutans being fed. To avoid distractions to the orangutans, tourists are prohibited from being within close proximity to the feeding area. Nevertheless, one can view the feeding time from a viewing deck which has been strategically placed to allow a panoramic view of the area. After the feeding time, visitors are allowed to explore the reserve as long as they keep within the structured walking planks.
The orangutans are used to the presence of humans but some may feel threatened if you are at close proximity to them and don’t be surprised that they may act violently if you try to touch them. After the tour around the centre, there will be an educational video presentation at the indoors regarding the centre and the orangutans.
Prior to your visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Centre, you are recommended to do a research on the policies and guidelines set by the centre for the visitors. This is to ensure your safety and at the same time not to disrupt the peace of mind of the orangutans. It is advisable not to wear anything too colorful as this catches the attention of the orangutans. Do wear high cut boots and long shorts as you will be trekking along the jungle. This is to ensure that you would not be getting any insect bites and minimizes scrapes and cuts as you will have to move among plants. Please bring along extra shirt, raincoat. Sunhat, insect repellant and drinking water.
Before you are allowed to enter the sanctuary of the orangutans, you are to deposit your belongings at the reception area. Make sure you do not bring valuables with you during your visit. Nevertheless, you need to bring cash when you visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Centre for the entrance payment as well as the fees charged for photo taking and video footages of the orangutans.
More about the Sepilok Orangutan Centre check out http://www.aboutborneotravels.com.