For birdwatchers or photographers who want a simple and convenient place to stay near the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sandakan, I have done a Sepilok B&B review for birders, which you may find handy before booking your stay here.

Sepilok B&B is a guesthouse located very near the RDC and the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Malaysia. It is also one of the popular choices for visitors looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay while exploring the area for birding or bird photography.

Sepilok B&B Review For Birders

The Sepilok Bed and Breakfast offers a cosy, relaxed atmosphere and amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a local restaurant that serves some Western food upon request.

When I stayed here during the Borneo Bird Festival, I found that this accommodation is just a five-minute walk to the entrance of the RDC, making it the closest hotel or resort within walking distance. For birders or photographers who love an early start, this place is so convenient, and there is no need to rely on transport.

Since 2006, Sepilok B&B has been a welcoming haven for budget-conscious travellers seeking an authentic yet comfortable experience. It provides more than just a bed and breakfast—it’s a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature’s wonders.

For hardcore birders or photographers, you will be happy to know that several bird species can be found throughout the B&B area. During the fruiting season, some fig trees attract bulbuls, other birds, and the unique Rhinoceros hornbills.

On my last stay here in October 2024, I saw the Rhinoceros and the Black Hornbill in one tree, among the many smaller birds. All of these were just outside the Sepilok B&B. My new birding photographer friends from Vietnam were ecstatic and spent around an hour trying to get the best photos of the pair of Rhinoceros hornbills.

On the last night of my stay, the birding community for the Borneo Bird Festival held a small farewell dinner at one of the open-function areas within the B&B. Overall, I have to say that this bed and breakfast is well prepared for all kinds of situations, which is very impressive.

Rooms at Sepilok B&B

The room units are simple and sweet because they are not commercial. I was put in a quad-sharing air-conditioned room for my room, which was simple and not trying too hard. To me, when you visit places like this, you want a comfortable bed as most of the time, you will be out looking for birds, walking around and so on.

When I return from birding, I want to take a nice hot shower, cool down in the air-conditioned room, and slowly settle into a comfortable bed for the night. It’s quite straightforward. As I have noticed, some may want to open a nice cold can of beer before calling it a night.

The B&B offers several categories of rooms catering to singles, couples, and even groups or families. They provide one-bedroom chalets, superior rooms, twin rooms, and quad rooms, all well-spaced from one section to another.

Check-in is at 3.00 PM, while checkout is at noon, and if you arrive early, you can always leave your baggage at the reception and visit the RDC, Orangutan or Sunbear Centre and come back after lunch to check-in.

Facilities and Amenities at Sepilok B&B

While I never expected much from this place, I was pleased to learn that several things were available for guests, including laundry, tour services, and even special needs for dietary cases.

• Breakfast: All bookings come with complimentary breakfast, which includes vegan or vegetarian options. This place is Muslim-friendly because pork is not served here or at all other accommodations around Sepilok.
• Lunch and Dinner: Home-cooked meals are prepared, while pre-order meals can be arranged. Special requests can also be made, provided the cooks can accommodate them.
• Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the B&B for all guests. It may not be the fastest, but it suits travellers’ needs. This means no remote working here.
• Transportation: If you need to travel into town or to a supermarket or pharmacy to get last-minute items, you can arrange this with the reception, but a fee is charged for this service.
• Tour Services: Guests who want to continue their journey to other parts of Sabah can also inquire about other tours available at the reception.
• Laundry Service: There is a laundry service where clothes are weighed by the kilogram for those who require this service.
• Parking: For those self-driving here, there is free parking all over the B&B area.
• Campers or RV Service: There is a special charge for these types of guests, but there is no complimentary breakfast for this category.
• Mini Event Area: Two sections of the B&B provide an area to hold a mini event or dinner function catering to up to 50 to 60 people.

How to Book a Room or a Dorm at Sepilok B&B?

I have made it easy for you to make your booking. As I am affiliated with Agoda, you can book Sepilok B&B using the link to the main Agoda website. From there, you will save some money because they always offer deals on bookings.

Because of its popularity, the rooms tend to sell out fast here but don’t worry—neighbouring hotels and resorts are also available nearby. I recommend booking well in advance to avoid disappointment.

And one more thing: Avoid booking hotels outside the Sepilok area as you be required to travel up and down, eating into your birding or photography time. Some of the larger hotels are located at Miles 6 and 7 of Sandakan and also in the city area, but it takes 20 to 30 minutes to travel to the RDC and Sepilok by car.

Additional Helpful Information

If this is your first visit to Sepilok or Sabah, I have also written an article on what to do in Sepilok, which may help you decide how long you want to stay. In any case, I do not recommend staying just for one or two nights; a minimum of three to four nights would be optimum.

For those who may want to experience other hotels or resorts, I have also done another article on where to stay in Sepilok, highlighting all the main accommodations here.

Conclusion

A family-run establishment, Sepilok B&B prides itself on offering a warm, friendly atmosphere. It ensures guests have a memorable and comfortable stay while exploring the area’s natural beauty. In addition to providing accommodation, guests can also contact the front office for transportation or the Kinabatangan River Cruise tour packages.

I hope you enjoyed my simple Sepilok B&B review for birders and if you are looking for convenience, this is probably one of the best places to stay when you visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sandakan, Sabah.