Anyone heading to this part of Sabah may want to know where to stay in Sepilok. Many different resorts and lodges are available around the Sepilok-Kabali Nature Reserve.
As the Borneo Bird Festival takes place here at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in October, many travelling birders from Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Southeast Asia will be coming, and the accommodation location is essential for many.
Where to Stay in Sepilok?
I have been coming here since 2007, mainly to do birdwatching and attend the Borneo Bird Festival, and over the years, I have personally stayed at many of the resorts and lodges here. Therefore, this time, I am creating this article for anyone who plans to visit this place.
For non-birders, there is, of course, the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre located near this place, attracting thousands of visitors.
Before you continue, I would like to clarify that each of the hotels and resorts listed below have booking affiliated links, taking you directly to Agoda, a reputable worldwide hotel booking site. I will earn some commission from any bookings made through the links here and appreciate if you can support my work by booking through here. Thank you.
My Nature Resort
It’s one of the closest resorts to the RDC and probably one of the best in Sepilok. It’s well-designed and has a beautiful central swimming pool. You can also walk to the RDC from here and spot some birds. You can read my My Nature Resort review from 2019.
This is one of the most convenient resorts or accommodations located closest to the RDC and probably one of the higher-end places to stay in Sepilok. It’s not your 5-star resort, but it’s good enough for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Sepilok B&B
This commercial, cosy, budget-friendly accommodation is also closest to the RDC. Because of the distance to the event, many birders, bird guides, vendors, organisers, and locals will stay here as it takes only five minutes to walk to the RDC car park.
The Sepilok B&B also offers decent accommodations, dorm-style and chalet units. The food is local and Western but straightforward and easygoing with free WiFi, laundry service and most importantly, a homely feel that is family operated. Check room rates or book a room at Sepilok B&B.
Nature Lodge Sepilok (Tanini Resort)
One of the new lodges is more of a B&B-style accommodation with clean and simple rooms, which are dorm or chalet units. The air conditioning is controlled from 8 PM to 10 AM.
The location of this lodge is about 800m from the RDC, so walking over there is not a problem for anyone. Go here to check rates or book a room at Nature Lodge Sepilok.
Sepilok Nature Resort (SNR)
It is one of the popular resorts close to the Orang Utan Sanctuary but a little far from the RDC. You need to take transport to the RDC from this resort. The rooms are excellent here; the food is also great. Read my Sepilok Nature Resort review, which I did some time ago.
Anyone interested in staying at this beautiful resort can check the rate or book a room at Sepilok Nature Resort.
Sepilok Jungle Resort (SJR)
Another well-known resort, often called SJR, is close to the Orang Utan Rehab Centre but far from the RDC. This resort is one of the closest accommodations to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, about a 500-meter walk.
The concept makes you feel like living in a jungle, with almost everything made entirely from wood. There is a swimming pool and an open-aired restaurant with lovely views. Two options are private chalets, a longhouse with bunk beds, or dorm-style rooms. You can book a room at Sepilok Jungle Resort here.
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
The furthest resort from everything is, as the name says, forest edge, but it is a beautiful and peaceful place to stay. This place is also known as Longhouse Labuk B&B. You need transport to travel to the RDC, and you can walk to the Orang Utan centre.
I’ve stayed here before and managed to do some morning or evening birding around the resort. It is secluded and peaceful if you love privacy. Book a room at Sepilok Forest Edge Resort.
Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort
Located along Jalan Sepilok and about one kilometre from the RDC, the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort is one of the new accommodations that opened recently. It also has private rooms and dorms and is managed by a tour company from Sandakan.
Their restaurant serves simple meals. Shuttle services are provided to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Borneo Bird Festival. Book a room at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort.
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat
This is probably the furthest accommodation from the RDC, which you must drive to for the event. The Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat offers dorm-style rooms and private cottages. It also has Wi-Fi, air conditioning rooms, and a small restaurant.
I am unsure if there is a shuttle service to the RDC or other places, but you can always check with the retreat. You can also book a room at Paganakan Dii Tropical Resort and Retreat.
Alternative Places to Stay in Sandakan
For those who are unable to book a room or chalet around Sepilok or RDC during the Borneo Bird Festival or for any other reason, there are alternatives in the Sandakan City area. However, the journey to the event will take around 60-90 minutes one way.
Several hotels and guest houses are found throughout the city area. The 2-3 star hotels are Sabah Hotel, Sandakan Hotel, and Elopura Hotel. Most other hotels are budget-type or OYO hotels and guest houses.
You can also rent a car and self-drive to the Borneo Bird Festival, and again, it takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes one way, depending on the traffic. Usually, on weekends, the traffic can be quite bad on the main road.
Conclusion
If you plan to spend some extra time after the bird festival, you can check out this article I wrote about 10 things to do in Sandakan, which highlights all the popular places to visit here.
If you love eating, check out this article about the must-eat food in Sandakan. I am quite a foodie when I travel, constantly exploring the local places to eat. I hope you found this article on where to stay in Sepilok helpful, and have a great time if you visit this part of Sabah.
