Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)

The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is the gateway to getting to know the uniqueness and importance of Borneo’s rainforests. Look around and you will enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna found within this area.

Situated 23 kilometres from Sandakan Town, RDC is within walking distance from the renown Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre. The main highlight of this green place is of course its skywalk with an extensive lenght of 620 meters, the longest in Sabah. Among other attractions in RDC are the opportunities to walk around the many loop trails around the Kabili-Sepilok forest reserve, Sepilok Giant, Plant Discovery Garden, exhibition hall and marvel at the breath-taking nature view around their iconic lake.

In 2009, RDC was recognized internationally as Important Bird Area (IBA) and will often be a stopover point for birding tours in Sandakan. Among the endemic species, one may be fortunate enough to observe the Bornean Bristlehead, Blue-headed Pitta, Sabah Partridge, Bornean Banded Kingfisher, Cream-eyed Bulbul, Charlotte’s Bulbul and Bornean Black Magpie. Other significant sightings are the various species of hornbills, pittas, flycatchers, and raptors; especially Wallace’s Hawk Eagle. It’s no surprise that the annual Borneo Bird Festival, which attracts birdwatchers from all over the world, usually chooses RDC as a host venue.

The Nature Experience program at the RDC provides visitors with an opportunity to develop a close connection with nature. This program features activities both indoors and outdoors, such as a guided walk to the plant discovery garden and rainforest walk. Around twilight, the majority of visitors would take pleasure in the prospect of watching the Red Giant flying squirrel emerge from its hiding place.

If you want to have a good look at the most of the rainforest panorama, the night walk programme is highly recommended. Booking is necessary and simply register for this activity at the ticketing counter, inquire via their social media or call directly to the office. Night walk allows visitor to encounter rarely-seen nocturnal animal such as tarsiers, slow lorises, civets and more.

The Rainforest Discovery Centre is open daily with admission fee.

Entrance Fee (Non-Malaysia Resident) : RM 30 (Adult), RM 20 (Child 5-17 years old)
Entrance Fee (Malaysia Resident): RM 7 (Adult), RM 3 (Child 5-17 years old)
*FOC for children below 5 years old

Night Walk Fee: RM 30 (Adult), RM 15 (Child)

Product Contact

Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Forest Research Centre,
Sepilok, P. O. Box 1407,
90715 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia.
Contact Person: Ms Cecilia

Article last reviewed: May 14, 2024

Total word count: 682

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