“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights.
That is the way of a whole human being.”
(Abraham Lincoln)
It is told that the eyes are the mirror of the soul...
Of course I knew that, according to with the last scientific researches, the orangutans can experience complex feelings such are love, depression, etc.; that they are able to do a lot of things such are riding a boat or washing clothes, use and make some tools; that they express self-awareness and self- recognition and can solve complex cognitive tasks that previously considered to be possible only for humans.
But when I was looking to the eyes of the alive orangutan, I was seeing not only that. I've seen the intelligence and deep sorrow. I've seen the eyes of the creature which resigned himself with the fact that he is, probably, one of the last representatives of his ancient lineage.
It seemed that he knew that there are only two islands in all the world where orangutans still live, which are Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sumatra - and even there they are considered as endangered, according to the IUCN Red List of mammals. The Bornean orangutan population declined by 50% in the past 60 years, and Sumatran one - by 80% in 75 years. There are just about 60,000 species remain in the wild.
The primary factor of their extinction is the deprivation of their natural habitat because of the conversion of tropical forest to palm oil plantations. This dangerous, harmful palm oil, that consists of the saturated fats, which blocked up our blood vessels and caused cardiovascular disease, diabolism and even cancer - but it is so cheap and easy to use for the manufacturers, and what the matter for them are problems of the people or orangutans?!
One of the most accessible places where we and our children still have a chance to see them in the wild - and to help them - as much as we can - is Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Sepilok, Borneo.
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the best for those who is interested in seeing and helping to these magnificent animals, and of course for the children. Orangutans live in the forest, but some of them come to the special platforms twice a day during the feeding time, so the chances to see them in the close distance are very high.
From Sandakan you can reach the Center by car, taxi or bus number 14 in Sandakan city center at the bus terminal in front of the Nak Hotel. The address of the center is:Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Sabah Wildlife Department
Batu 14, Jalan Labuk Sandakan Sabah
WDT200, 9009 Sandakan Sabah
Tel: +60 (0) 89531180
Sandakan has the airport, but if you have time and rental car you can enjoy the driving from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysian Borneo, either through the forest (Routes SA3/22) or along the sea (Routes 1/22). In the first case, you will drive 334 km near Mount Kinabalu and through the places where you can see Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. The road quality is sufficient, covered by asphalt, but has a lot of attractions where you might want to stop, so it is better to plan it as a full-day trip.
The second option is better to split for two days.
What is nearby the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre:
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is situated just near the Orangutan Center, so you will have a chance to see two of very rear species at one day!
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is about 2 hours drive from Sepilok. There you can take a boat trip along Kinabatangan River to see local wildlife in its natural environment. Going there make sure that you have enough fuel - it might be a bit difficult to find the petrol on the way.
Where to stay near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre:
It is a broad selection of the hotels in the area for a reasonable price. Also, there are comfortable lodges in the forest, f.e. Sepilok Nature Resort, Sepilok Jungle Resort, etc.
Weather and climate in Sepilok:
The area has a tropical rainforest climate with the temperature around 30°C all year round (daily variations might be from 23°C to 33°C). The driest month is April while from October till February there are more rains. It might be quite cold in the mountain areas.Money matters:
The entrance fee for non-Malaysian is 30MYR (around 7 EUR); teenagers from 12 to 17 pay half price and the children go free. The Center is open from 9am-4pm and tickets are valid for the whole day so that you can visit two feedings. All prices are subject to 6% tax. The parking is free.
Travel tips:
- The feeding times in the Center is 10 AM and 3 PM every day, and it is naturally the best time to see the orangutans. I would suggest coming at least half an hour before - it takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the platform, and there are a lot of people, so if you have to keep a proper place you should be fast.
- Local Tea Plantations and Rafflesia flower must not be missed: you will see plenty of the signs to them along the road from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
About the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center--->
More about the Center --->
Interesting facts about orangutans --->
About palm oil --->