Attractions in Malaysia

Location

Only approximately 23 kilometers from the Sandakan Town and just close by from the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center, is the Rainforest Discovery Center. This is the gateway to learn more about the uniqueness and importance of Borneo's rainforests.

Overview

The main highlights of the Rainforest Discovery Center are its exhibition halls, the plant discovery Garden, the Kapili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, environmental education programs and a small lake for boat rides. There is a network of elevated steel walkways that allows visitors to view life from above the canopy. These steel walkways and three towers enable visitors to the center to view over 250 species of colorful birds from 100 feet above the ground. Visitors are able to watch the extremely rare Bornean bristlehaeads, trogons, pittas, brahminy kites and kingfishers from the observation tower. On some occasions, visitors get to see orang utans too. There are sightings of orang utans because the center is actually inside the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve which is the home of the renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center.

The center was established back in 1996 as an Environmental Education center and later opened its doors to the public 10 year later in 2006. Despite being open for tourism, the center stays true to its primary mission of educating people about the importance of conserving the rainforest.

Other than birds, visitors can also take a stroll at the beautiful Plant Discovery Garden which is full of sweet smelling plants and interesting plants. Visitors are also able to see the pitcher plants, orchids and an extensive collection of flora all neatly labeled with educational signs. If you have some time to spare, you can also spend some time below the canopy walkway. The trails are well=groomed and can be completed in about 2 hours. Accommodations in Sabah are plentiful and are available in a wide range. Do make reservations in advance to disappointment.

Transport

The Rainforest Discovery Center can be reached by bus and taxi. Get on the bus number 14 from the Sandakan town to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Center. The bus fare is about RM3.