25km west of the waterside town of Sandakan is Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, a rehabilitation centre which runs popular pay-to-volunteer programmes.

Founded in 1964, the first rehab centre for orphaned orangutans in the world, Sepilok provides medical care for orphaned and displaced orangutans, along with dozens of other species, including elephants, gibbons and sun bears.

Alongside their four-week volunteering schemes, Sepilok is a popular day trip from Sandakan. Feeding time is the main attraction here, with the centre operating feeding platforms that draw in the released orangutans, especially when food is scarce in the wild. Guests can follow the boardwalks to spot orangutans in the trees, passing through an area where they can watch young orangutans playing on swings and climbing.

The centre is easily accessible by car, taxi or by bus from Sandakan.