Sabah is a natural playground for the adventurer, with Mount Kinabalu to hike, Organtuan’s to see and The Kinabatangan River to explore there is no shortage of experiences to be had. However, each of these adventures are spread across the Malaysian section of Borneo. With most travellers flying into Kota Kinabalu (KK) we share how to travel from KK to Sepilok or Sandakan where you can find some of Sabah’s top things to do.
Want to know how to get from Kota Kinabalu to Sepilok? Below we share the different routes you can take including, flights, buses and cars.
Travel Options
Flight via Sandakan
45 Minutes
From $30 -80 pp
Direct bus to Sepilok
8 Hours
From $11 pp
Rent a Car
4 Hours
From $22 pp
Private Car
4 Hours
From $40-50 pp
Chapters
No time to read now?
Save this guide on Pinterest
Where Is Sepilok?
Sepilok is a small town located in the area of Sabah, Malaysia. Sabah is a state in Northern Borneo and is described as a natural playground. For the adventurous traveller there is the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Mount Kinabalu.
Sepilok is a small town in the east of Sabah, near the main town of Sandakan. Nestled between palm oil plantations and immaculate rainforest the town stands strong as one of the last frontiers protecting the natural world.
Option 1: For The Time Cruncher – Fly To Sandakan
Flight via Sandakan
45 Minutes
From $30 -80 pp
Our first route is via an internal flight to Sandakan. The flight takes roughly 45 minutes and costs as little as £25 plus baggage.
Departures are frequent with AirAsia having 5 to 6 flights per day, you can also check out other airlines such as Malaysian Airlines and Firefly.
Then from Sandakan to Sepilok, you can follow the section below, by getting a private car or bus. Taking a flight is definitely the more expensive option but also much more time efficient.
Option 2: The Budget Friendly Way And The Route We Took – Kota Kinabalu Bus to Sepilok
Direct bus to Sepilok
8 Hours
From $11 pp
The second way, and the way we chose, was to get an 8 hour bus across Borneo, much more suited to couples who are on a budget. The bus passes through the Mount Kinabalu National Park so provides some impressive views, it also shows you the vast scale of the never ending Palm Oil Plantations that have taken over Sabah. Book Your Bus Here.
The second way, and the way we chose, was to get an 8 hour bus across Borneo, much more suited to couples who are on a budget. The bus passes through the Mount Kinabalu National Park so provides some impressive views, it also shows you the vast scale of the never ending Palm Oil Plantations that have taken over Sabah. Book Your Bus Here.
The bus goes to Sandakan, if you want to go to Sepilok you need to tell the driver or conductor, make it clear so you don’t miss your stop. The driver will drop you off at the closest roundabout to the town. From here you need to get a Grab Taxi which cost us £0.67 (RM4) or it’s a 40 minute walk which we don’t recommend in the heat.
The buses vary and although are by no means luxury ours had aircon, a space for our large rucksacks and a toilet. Don’t worry if your bus doesn’t have a toilet as there are pre-planned rest stops along the way for you to use the toilet and grab lunch.
Top Tip: Get the earliest bus you can to avoid arriving too late in Sepilok
How To Book The Bus From Kota Kinabalu To Sepilok Or Sandakan
Online via Easybook
The Easybook website will allow you to book your bus a couple of days in advance. The advantage of booking online means you’ll be guaranteed the time of bus you want, plus you can book seats meaning you can choose where you sit on the bus.
In Person At The Bus Station
You can book your ticket directly from the ticket booth at Imanam Bus Station, in peak season it might be best to book beforehand online.
Where Does The Bus To Sandakan Depart From?
The bus leaves from Imanam Bus Station which is 9km from the city centre. The easiest way to get here is to book a Grab Car.
Option Summary
- Book your bus via Easybook Online
- For your dedicated time book a Grab Car To Imanam Bus Station
- Board your bus, if you’re going to Sepilok tell the conductor and driver
- Get off the bus at the Sepilok roundabout and order a Grab or continue the journey to Sandakan.
Option 3: For Adventurous Drivers – Hire A Car
Rent a Car
4 Hours
From $22 pp
If you want to be independent in your travels, break up the journey or explore further we recommend hiring a car for your journey. The roads are windy but in pretty good condition compared to other countries in South-East Asia.
Rent cars at the best prices all around the world with Rentalcars.com. Explore the surrounding areas at your own pace and enjoy the flexibility of having your own vehicle with Rentalcars.com.
Option 4: For Families Or Large Groups – Private Taxi
Private Car
4 Hours
From $40-50 pp
If you’ve landed in KK with your family or in a big enough group of friends then it makes more sense to get a private taxi, for only $40-50 you can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey in half the time as the bus. It also takes the stress away from renting a car.
How To Get To Sepilok From Sandakan
The first option is to get the Sandakan to Sepilok bus that leaves four times a day and takes around 40 minutes costing RM4 per person. The bus will drop you directly outside the Sun Bear Centre Sepilok. Another option is a private car for RM50 or a Grab for RM25.
Bus Times From Sandakan To Sepilok
9:30, 11:30, 2pm, 5pm
Bus Times Sepilok To Sandakan
6:30, 10:30, 12:30, 16:00
Alternatively if you’re travelling in a group or a family, it would make more sense to book a private car to get from Sandakan to Sepilok.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Borneo Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Borneo. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
How To Get From Sepilok To Kota Kinabalu
You can choose any of the options above just in reverse. On the way back we booked the bus through our accommodation, this was easy and done the day before we left. We got a Grab back to the roundabout where we got dropped off, there is a bus shelter for you to stand in and look out for the bus.
Best Time To Visit Sabah
Best Places To Stay In Sepilok
Sepilok town sits on the edge of the Sabah Jungle Reserve and acts as a gateway to the Rainforest; it is also home to some of Borneo’s Conservation efforts to protect the exceptional wildlife and educate us on the threats to their habitat. Sepilok is a small town with only a handful of accommodation options meaning we advise you to book in advance.
We use Booking.com and HostelWorld for all of our stays around the world!
Best Places To Stay In Sepilok
$ Budget
Sepilok B&B
Located near the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok B&B is in a a prime location. With both private rooms and shared dorms this is a great place for solo travellers or couples.
$$ Mid-Range
Sepilok Jungle Resort
A top choice for families with a large swimming pool and delicious onsite restaurant. Sepilok Jungle Resort is close to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
$$$ High-End
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Situated on the edge of the jungle, the property is surrounded by nature. You can choose between a private room or a bed in a shared dorm plus there is a plunge pool and restaurant.
Spacing
Top Things To Do In Sepilok
Top Pick: Rainforest Discovery Centre
A bridge between human civilisation and the dense Bornean jungle, home to some of the last wild orangutans left on planet earth, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Sepilok is a true gem and a must visit on your trip to Borneo.
Best Experience: Orangutan Sanctuary
On the edge of the Sabah rainforest reserve in Sepilok, you can find the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In our eyes, an ethical centre that helps reintroduce Orangutans to the jungle.
Most Educational : Sun Bear Conservation Centre
In the middle of the Bornean Jungle lies a Conservation Centre for the world’s smallest and cutest bear, the Sun Bear.
Off The Beaten Track: Head to Tungog Eco Camp
Fancy an adventure? Head deep into the jungle and find on the banks of the Kinabatangan River the Tungog Eco Camp. Spend your days on the river looking for wildlife such as the proboscis monkey, trekking in the jungle and uncovering hidden caves.
Essential Items You Need For Borneo
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
The week sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high DEET percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes.
Binoculars To Spot The Wonderful Wildlife
You’re most likely heading to Borneo for the wildlife. Don’t miss out on seeing these amazing animals up close and pack a good pair of binoculars!
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Tips For Travelling Borneo
If you’re visiting Borneo, here’s our top tips:
- Try Nasi Lemak – The national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is fresh grated coconut and steamed rice served on banana leaves.
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… Also don’t forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags.
- Don’t skip the Kinabatangan River – It may be pricey but this is where you’re going to see most of Borneo’s wildlife, including wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
- Dress for the jungle – Pack long sleeve, lightweight materials that cover you from mosquitos but will also keep you cool. Don’t forget your Raincoat as tropical downpours are frequent.
