Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve covers a significant portion of lowland dipterocarp forest in northeastern Borneo, near the town of Sandakan, Sabah. Established to protect one of the last remaining tracts of rainforest in the region, this reserve provides critical habitat for endangered species including the Bornean orangutan, pygmy elephant, and various rare birds and reptiles. The reserve is adjacent to the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and injured orangutans are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. The reserve features dense tropical rainforest with a canopy often exceeding 30 meters, understory trails suitable for guided nature walks, and observation platforms for wildlife viewing. Visitors come primarily to witness the orangutans but can also enjoy birdwatching, photography, and forest ecology tours. The Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve was originally gazetted in the mid-20th century in response to extensive logging in Sabah, aimed at preserving forest integrity and biodiversity. Its proximity to accessible roads and infrastructure enables a steady flow of visitors while maintaining conservation-focused management practices. The reserve complements other protected areas in the region to form a network critical for biodiversity protection on Borneo. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover, Kabili-Sepilok offers an intimate encounter with one of Southeast Asia’s most important forest environments and its iconic inhabitants.
