About Rainforest Discovery Centre
The Rainforest Discovery Centre is an environmental education centre located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve near Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah. Operated by the Sabah Forestry Department, it showcases Borneo's lowland rainforest through exhibition halls, botanical gardens and extensive steel canopy walkways. Notable for birdwatching, with over 300 bird species recorded, it serves as a centre for rainforest interpretation, conservation awareness and nature-based tourism adjacent to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore an indoor exhibition hall with rainforest ecology displays, a Plant Discovery Garden with native flora, and a network of elevated steel walkways including a canopy walkway up to 28 meters high and observation towers. The site is set within lowland dipterocarp rainforest with well-marked jungle trails, lake and birdwatching areas. Facilities include interpretive signage, shelters and viewing points for observing birds, insects and rainforest canopy.
Key highlights
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620-metre elevated steel walkway with 147-metre canopy walkway at 28 metres height
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Exhibition hall with interactive displays on rainforest ecosystems and biodiversity
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Plant Discovery Garden showcasing native Bornean plants and traditional uses
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Birdwatching towers and observation points with over 300 recorded bird species including Bornean Bristlehead and hornbills
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Network of jungle trails through Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve including Kingfisher Trail and Pitta Trail
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Night walk experiences for observing nocturnal wildlife
History of Rainforest Discovery Centre
Located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, which was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1931. The Rainforest Discovery Centre was established and is operated by the Sabah Forestry Department to provide environmental education and promote awareness of Borneo's rainforest conservation. It was developed as an interpretation centre for the lowland rainforest ecosystem.
Culture & Context
Serves as a key environmental education and nature interpretation centre for Sabah, promoting understanding of Bornean rainforest biodiversity, traditional plant uses and conservation. It is a major eco-tourism and birdwatching destination that supports community awareness of forest protection.