SANDAKAN: Managed by the Sabah Forestry Department and located 20 minutes from Sandakan airport, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Sepilok was established in 1996 (officially opened 2007) as an environmental education facility.
It has since evolved into a key nature tourism destination and Malaysia’s leading birding site, recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2009.
RDC provides exceptional access to lowland mixed dipterocarp forest. Its core attraction is the 620-meter Rainforest Skywalk, elevated over 27 meters amidst giant dipterocarps (up to 75m tall).
This walkway offers unique wildlife viewing: prime birding (including the endemic Bornean Bristlehead), potential sightings of orangutans and gibbons, and spectacular flying squirrel displays at dusk. Guided night walks reveal nocturnal species like slow loris and tarsier.
The Centre fosters conservation awareness and hosts major events, notably the annual Borneo Bird Festival (first held at RDC in 2009, 15th edition this October) and a new Jazz Festival this September.
Visitor facilities enhance the experience, including the Plant Discovery Garden, an exhibition hall, indoor/outdoor theatres, a café, seminar rooms, and interpretative panels. RDC Sepilok offers a complete and accessible rainforest experience. – James Leong
