Hotels near Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)

Established in 1996, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) evolved from small, cozy environmental education (EE) centre to the most popular one in Sabah. Managed by the Sabah Forestry Department, this centre is located within the famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, home of the orang utans at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Opened its doors to the public since August 2007, today the RDC remains as an environmental education centre for researchers, school students, teachers and visitors. The operation hours is from 8 am to 5 pm daily. Entrance fees RM 7 for adults, RM 3 for children aged 5-17 years old and free for children below 5 years old. The entrance fees for foreigner RM 15 for adult, RM 7 for children aged 5-17 years old and free for children below 5 years old.

Tourist Attractions

The Canopy Walkaway

The first of its kind in the country, the Canopy Walkway is about 347 m long with 2 towers (named Bristlehead and Trogon respectively) and a single-column Sunbird Shelter. The Canopy Walkway gives opportunities for nature education and photography, adding value to the overall experience of visitors. With 2-m wide and about 25 m above the ground, the walkway is constructed very sturdy to cater to large crowds.

Plant Discovery Garden

Only about 1 hectare, this garden aims to promote an overall appreciation for plants in terms of their diversity, uniqueness, biological functions and values to society. There are special displays on native and hybrid orchids, arid land plants, aquatic plants, pitcher-plants, economic crops, and tropical American plants, amongst others. Also, this garden features many colourful outdoor interpretive panels, designed to enhance the educational experience of visitors.

Hotels

The Pavillion Hotel

Located at Bandar Labuk Jaya, which is only 5 minutes from the Sandakan airport and 20 minutes to the world renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, The Pavilion Hotel, the most recent and modern hotel in Sandakan. A perfect place for business and leisure travelers, it offers easy access to major industrial areas, commercial centres, government agencies and key tourist attractions nearby. This hotel is equipped with comfortable rooms at affordable prices.

Bilit Rainforest Lodge

Nestled on the bank of the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river, Bilit Rainforest Lodge is located strategically in the heart of countless wildlife and mesmerizing habitats. It offers the best rainforest experience by being a world-leading eco-lodge in the tropical region. Built mostly from local-hardwood material, the lodge is designed to allow visitors experience the best of the nature. Surrounded by the enfolding wildlife of flora and fauna, the lodge provides guest a clean, safe and lovely environment to make the stay here a memorable one.

Kinabatangan Jungle Camp

Established in 2004 in Bilit, Kinabatangan Jungle Camp is an eco-tourism concept vanue ideal for those who yearn to experience the best of the unique local nature. While Kinabatangan Jungle Camp is truly “jungle”, it is very common to see bearded pig, monitor lizards, malay palm civet cat, squirrel and storm's stork near the camp site. At times Borneo Pygmy Elephants do make surprise visit. There are 8 double/twin sharing room with attached bathroom (maximum for 2 persons) and 6 family/honeymoon room and each family room (maximum for 4 persons). All rooms are spaced perfectly for privacy and there is no air conditioner as they are cooled using an impressive traditional method.