Step into the heart of Borneo’s ancient rainforest at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, Sandakan. This award-winning attraction is more than just a gateway to Sabah’s biodiversity—it’s a place where adventure meets education, where you can wander through towering trees, listen to exotic bird calls, and connect with the natural world like never before.
Whether you’re a keen birder, a family seeking an educational outing, or a traveler looking for a taste of Borneo’s wild beauty, the RDC promises an experience you won’t forget.
The RDC was created with one mission in mind: to inspire conservation and environmental awareness. Located within the Kabilli-Sepilok Forest Reserve, it’s home to countless flora and fauna unique to Borneo. Here, conservation projects and environmental education go hand in hand with unforgettable rainforest experiences.
The Canopy Walkway is the highlight of the RDC. Suspended 25 meters above ground, it stretches nearly 620 meters through the treetops. From this bird’s-eye vantage point, you’ll enjoy panoramic views, spot hornbills and kingfishers, and experience the rainforest from a perspective few ever see.
Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best birdwatching and photography opportunities.
Borneo is world-famous for birding, and the RDC is one of the best spots in Sabah. With over 300 recorded species, including the rare Bornean Bristlehead and all eight species of hornbills found in Sabah, the RDC attracts enthusiasts from around the globe.
Don’t forget binoculars and a good zoom lens—sunrise and sunset are prime viewing times.
Just next door is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, making the RDC an ideal twin visit. Inside the RDC itself, you might encounter playful squirrels, flying lizards, or even nocturnal creatures during special guided night walks. Proboscis monkeys, giant red flying squirrels, and civets are also occasional visitors.
Over 5 km of trails wind through the rainforest, ranging from easy boardwalks to more adventurous jungle paths. Each trail offers its own surprises, from towering dipterocarp trees to delicate orchids and pitcher plants.
Trails are well-marked, making them accessible for both casual walkers and keen hikers.
The RDC isn’t just for sightseeing—it’s a hub for conservation education. Exhibits inside the Rainforest Discovery Centre Exhibition Hall highlight Sabah’s ecosystems, flora, and fauna, while the Plant Discovery Garden showcases medicinal plants, fruit trees, and native species.
Location: Sepilok, about 23 km from Sandakan town
Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Canopy Walkway open until 7:00 pm for birdwatching)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and better wildlife sightings
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars, water, and a camera
Pair your RDC visit with nearby attractions: the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, or an overnight wildlife experience along the Kinabatangan River. Together, they create one of the most rewarding nature itineraries in Sabah.
The Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sandakan is more than a tourist attraction—it’s a living classroom and a conservation beacon. Whether you’re walking high above the forest on the Canopy Walkway, ticking off rare bird sightings, or learning about Borneo’s fragile ecosystems, every moment here deepens your connection with nature.
At Outback Venture, we craft tours that bring you closer to these experiences while ensuring your journey supports conservation and local communities. Get in touch to plan your Sandakan adventure today.