Where To Stay In Sepilok, A Guide For Every Budget and Traveller 2025
Sepilok is a small town that sits on the edge of the Borneo Jungle, a gateway to the rare diverse but fragile jungle that is left on the island. The area is one of our favourite places to visit due to the array of activities on offer, from spotting wild orangutans to the sun bear conservation centre, plus our Kinabatangan River Rainforest Adventure. There are a few choices of where to stay; below we share the best places to stay in Sepilok, from the popular Sepilok Nature Resort to the budget Sepilok B&B.
Sepilok is one of the main tourist towns alongside Sandakan and the capital Kota Kinabalu. The town is the centre of wildlife tourism in Borneo and a popular place with animal enthusiasts and photographers.
Due to Sepilok being a small town there are only a handful of places to stay, but how do you pick the right one? We’re here to help, after spending two weeks in Sepilok and trying out a variety of accommodations we’ve got all the information you need to decide which Jungle getaway is right for you. Read on!
Contents
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Types of Accommodation Overview
As backpackers, we found Malaysia to be a bit on the pricier side for our budget however there are lots of dorm rooms available. We found Sepilok Jungle Resort the best place to stay for backpackers like us but there are also a few more luxury options with air-conditioning, outdoor showers and balconies. If you’re looking for something more adventurous you can even stay in the Jungle on the banks of the Kinabatangan River with Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp.
Budget Accommodation In Sepilok $
Sepilok Jungle Resort: Backpackers, Families, Couples | $
Our first accommodation is a great choice and versatile for different travellers needs. There are cheaper dorm style rooms which we stayed in, or more expensive air-conditioned chalets. Although the resort is starting to get a little run down we loved the large pool which is set amongst jungle fauna and the onsite restaurant served some of the best food we had in Malaysia. Sepilok Jungle Resort is only 500m from The Orangutan Sanctuary and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, making it a prime location for tourists.
Sepilok B&B: Backpackers, Solo Travelers | $
We also stayed at Sepilok B&B which is located closer to The Rainforest Discovery Centre. Just a 5 minute walk will see you up high on the canopy skywalk, making this accommodation popular among travellers. Sepilok B&B is more basic than Jungle Resort with no pool and a smaller Restaurant. The location makes this accommodation popular with bird watchers and people wanting to visit the RDC early or attend the RDC nightwalk.
Tahini Sepilok aka Nature Lodge Sepilok: Backpackers, Solo Travelers | $
Nature Lodge is another budget option close to attractions with dorms and private rooms surrounded by a lush natural setting. Tahini is a twenty minute walk from the Orangutan Centre and ten minutes from the Rainforest Discovery Centre. This is a great choice for solo travellers as they have male and female dorms.
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat: Backpackers, Nature Lovers | $
With rooms open to the jungle you can fall asleep immersed in nature, this unique accommodation is set further back than other places but they provide a complimentary shuttle services to nearby attractions like the Sun Bear Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Mid-Range Accommodation In Sepilok $$
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort: Families, Couples, Nature Lovers | $$
You can choose one of the Malay Chalets or the Longhouse which consists of dorms, either way you’ll be surrounded by hills and incredible views. The Chalets are built with recycled wood and have an indoor, outdoor shower allowing you to appreciate the location. The location means the resort is frequently visited by kingfishers, broadbills and pittas, plus the occasional orangutan!
The Pavilion Hotel: Families, Business Travelers, Mid-Range | $$
Although the Pavilion Hotel isn’t immersed in nature and it’s a short drive to the key attractions it is a good choice for business trips due to the meeting room facilities. This mid-range accommodation has an on-site restaurant, spacious air con rooms and free parking making it ideal for families as well.
Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort: Couples, Families, Mid-Range | $$
Guests can relax in an outdoor pool, explore the gardens and enjoy on-site meals before retiring to their spacious chalet or cosy standard room. With its tranquil setting and comfortable facilities, Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort is an excellent choice for travellers looking to unwind in nature without compromising on amenities. You can walk 15-20 minutes or take transportation to the attractions in the heart of Sepilok.
Luxury Accommodation In Sepilok $$
Sepilok Nature Lodge: Couples, Luxury, Nature Lovers | $$$
Just a five minute walk from the Orangutan Centre is Sepilok Nature Resort, the luxurious accommodation on our list with jungle or lake views from your veranda. Great for couples and nature enthusiasts you’ll be surrounded by a serene lake and tropical gardens. The food at the on-site restaurant is delicious.
Summary Of Where To Stay In Sepilok
Best For Families: Sepilok Jungle Resort
Best For Solo Travellers: Tahini Sepilok aka Nature Lodge Sepilok
Best For Couples: Sepilok Nature Lodge
Best For Backpackers: Sepilok Jungle Resort or Tahini Sepilok aka Nature Lodge Sepilok
Alternative Places To Stay Nearby In Sandakan
Around an hour away you can stay in the larger city of Sandakan. This is a good option if you would like a day trip tour or if there is no other option available.
The main hotels in the area are The Sabah Oriental Hotel, Four Points and Hotel Sandakan. There are also more budget friendly options available such as an OYO and Sandakan Backpackers Hostel.
Looking To Stay In The Jungle?
Looking for something more adventurous? Stay on the Kinabatangan River with Tungog Eco Camp! We spent two memorable nights on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Nothing compares to going to sleep on our camp platform listening to the sound around us and waking up to monkeys right above our heads. This was truly a bucket list stay and one we highly recommend.
Best Places To Eat In Sepilok
Sepilok is a strange place for eating out, there are few restaurants and instead most travellers opt to eat at their accommodation.
When visiting we loved the food at Sepilok Jungle Resort, their restaurant is known as the Banana Cafe. We found the food here much better than Sepilok B&B. Other places you can eat include The Lake Bistro, Mango Garden Restaurant and the Cafes around the attractions.
Top Pick: Rainforest Discovery Centre
A bridge between human civilisation and the dense Bornean jungle, home to some of the last wild orangutans left on planet earth, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Sepilok is a true gem and a must visit on your trip to Borneo.
Best Experience: Orangutan Sanctuary
On the edge of the Sabah rainforest reserve in Sepilok, you can find the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In our eyes, an ethical centre that helps reintroduce Orangutans to the jungle.
Most Educational : Sun Bear Conservation Centre
In the middle of the Bornean Jungle lies a Conservation Centre for the world's smallest and cutest bear, the Sun Bear.
Off The Beaten Track: Head to Tungog Eco Camp
Fancy an adventure? Head deep into the jungle and find on the banks of the Kinabatangan River the Tungog Eco Camp. Spend your days on the river looking for wildlife such as the proboscis monkey, trekking in the jungle and uncovering hidden caves.
 | Jungle Formula - High Deet Mosquito Spray The weak sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high deet percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes. |
 | Lifestraw - Filtered Water Bottle Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment! |
 | Universal Travel Adaptor With Multiple USBs Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country... game changer. |
 | Binoculars To Spot The Wonderful Wildlife You're most likely heading to Borneo for the wildlife. Don't miss out on seeing these amazing animals up close and pack a good pair of binoculars! |
Top Tips For Travelling Borneo
If you’re visiting Borneo, here's our top tips:
Try Nasi Lemak - The national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is fresh grated coconut and steamed rice served on banana leaves.
Book flights in advance - they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… Also don't forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags.
Don't skip the Kinabatangan River - It may be pricey but this is where you're going to see most of Borneo's wildlife, including wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
Dress for the jungle - Pack long sleeve, lightweight materials that cover you from mosquitos but will also keep you cool. Don't forget your Raincoat as tropical downpours are frequent.
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Borneo adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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