Sepilok is the most popular attraction in the Sandakan area. To get to Sepilok from Sandakan you can take a bus, taxi, or use Grab.
While a bus will be cheaper – Grab is the absolute best option if you are making this journey. You can also use Grab when you arrive in Sandakan, and use it to visit other attractions in the area after Sepilok.
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Bus: Budget option
Taking a bus from Sandakan to Sepilok is the cheapest option. There are 4 public buses which make the trip there and back each day. The journey takes around 45-minutes and costs 4 MYR. Pick the bus up from the local bus station in Sandakan.
Direct bus from Sandakan to Sepilok:
- 09:30AM
- 11:30AM
- 2:00PM
- 5:00PM
Direct bus from Sepilok to Sandakan:
- 06:30AM
- 10:30AM
- 12:30PM
- 4:00PM
Taxi: Avoid
Avoid taking a taxi. Taxi fares in the Sandakan area – compared with the cost of a Grab ride – are twice the price. A taxi ride from Sandakan town to Sepilok will cost 50 MYR one-way.
If you are heading from Sepilok back to Sandakan, especially in the evening, the fare will be quoted as even higher than twice as much as a Grab ride. This is because local taxi drivers will know that you have no choice but to use them if you are in this situation. The answer – use Grab!
Grab: Best option
A Grab ride from the popular Harbour Mall area of Sandakan town to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre will cost between 23 – 26 MYR one way. The journey will take around 30-minutes.
Be aware – you will need a local sim card and data connection to order a Grab for your return journey from Sepilok to Sandakan. Alternatively, you may plan to spend the day visiting the other great attractions in Sandakan after Sepilok – Grab is great for this too!
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