One of only four orang-utan sanctuaries in the world, Sepilok is about 25km north of Sandakan. The centre was established in 1964; it now covers 40 sq km and has become one of Sabah’s top tourist attractions.
Orang-Utans are the only species of great ape found outside Africa. A mature male is an impressive, not to mention hairy, creature with an arm span of 2.25m, and can weigh up to 144kg. Orphaned and injured orang-utans are brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return to forest life, and so far the centre has handled about 100, although only about 20 still return regularly to be fed. The Orang-Utans are fed fruit, such as bananas, twice daily from a platform in the forest, about 10 minutes’ walk from the centre.
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