# Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and Sepilok by Car: a 3-Day Route

> Drive from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and the Sepilok orangutan centre in three days: the route through Ranau, drive times, what to see and which car to hire.

Language: en
Published: 2026-11-11 (November 11, 2026), 5 min read
Source: https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-kinabalu-to-sandakan-sepilok-by-car/

Sandakan is on the east coast, and it is where many visitors go to see orangutans at Sepilok. The drive from Kota Kinabalu crosses the middle of Sabah, past the mountains and through forest. It is long, so plan three days and enjoy the road.

## At a glance

- **Distance:** about 380 km each way, usually 6 to 7 hours before stops.
- **Route:** Kota Kinabalu, Ranau and Kundasang, Telupid, then Sandakan and Sepilok.
- **Best for:** wildlife, forest scenery and the old port town of Sandakan.

## Day 1: across Sabah

Leave very early. Stop at Kundasang for a break and the mountain views, covered in our [Kinabalu Park and Kundasang guide](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car/). Fill the tank in Ranau, because the forest stretch after Telupid has few stations. Aim to reach Sandakan before dark.

## Day 2: Sepilok and Sandakan

Spend the morning at Sepilok. The orangutan rehabilitation centre runs feeding sessions at set times, so check the current schedule before you plan the day. The sun bear centre and the rainforest discovery centre are close by. In the afternoon, explore Sandakan town and its heritage sites, then eat seafood by the waterfront.

## Day 3: drive back

Leave early for the 6 to 7 hour drive back to Kota Kinabalu. Planning to fly home from Sandakan instead? Ask us on WhatsApp before you book, because a one-way return is not something to assume.

## Which car

This is a long drive, so pick comfort and a steady engine. The Proton X50 1.5 Turbo (RM280 a day) and Honda HR-V 1.5 Turbo (RM330 a day) suit it well. A group of six to eight can take the Toyota Innova 2.0 (RM330 a day). See all cars on the [fleet and prices](https://northborneorental.com/fleet/) page.

![Honda HR-V 1.5 Turbo](https://northborneorental.com/cars/hrv-640.webp)

*Honda HR-V 1.5 Turbo, RM330 a day*

## Tips

- Avoid driving the forest stretch after dark.
- Take a break every two hours. Long drives tire the driver.
- Rain can come quickly, so slow down and keep your distance.
- Read [driving in Sabah as a tourist](https://northborneorental.com/blog/driving-in-sabah-tourist-guide/) before you go.

Tell us your dates and we will build the plan into your [free itinerary](https://northborneorental.com/blog/free-itinerary-with-every-booking/).

[Plan my Sandakan trip on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/60168400017)

## Read next

- [Rent a Car in Kota Kinabalu: Which Car Should You Hire?](https://northborneorental.com/blog/best-rental-car-kota-kinabalu.md)
- [Free Itinerary with Every Kota Kinabalu Car Rental](https://northborneorental.com/blog/free-itinerary-with-every-booking.md)
- [Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang by Car: Kinabalu Park Day Trip](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [Corporate and Long-Term Car Rental in Kota Kinabalu](https://northborneorental.com/blog/corporate-long-term-car-rental-kota-kinabalu.md)
- [Driving in Sabah as a Tourist: Licence, Roads and Car Hire Tips](https://northborneorental.com/blog/driving-in-sabah-tourist-guide.md)
- [3 Days in Kota Kinabalu by Car: A Self-Drive Itinerary](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-kinabalu-3-day-self-drive-itinerary.md)
- [Kota Kinabalu to Kudat and the Tip of Borneo: a 2-Day Drive](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kudat-tip-of-borneo-2-day-drive.md)
- [Kota Belud and Tuaran Day Trip by Car from Kota Kinabalu](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-belud-tuaran-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah: Getting Around by Car During the Harvest Festival](https://northborneorental.com/blog/pesta-kaamatan-sabah-harvest-festival-by-car.md)
- [Best Time to Visit Sabah by Car: Weather, Holidays and When to Book](https://northborneorental.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-sabah-by-car.md)
- [Driving in Sabah in the Rain: Safe Tips for Tourists](https://northborneorental.com/blog/driving-in-sabah-in-the-rain.md)

## Other languages

- [English](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-kinabalu-to-sandakan-sepilok-by-car.md)
- [简体中文](https://northborneorental.com/zh/blog/kota-kinabalu-to-sandakan-sepilok-by-car.md)
- [日本語](https://northborneorental.com/ja/blog/kota-kinabalu-to-sandakan-sepilok-by-car.md)
- [한국어](https://northborneorental.com/ko/blog/kota-kinabalu-to-sandakan-sepilok-by-car.md)
- [Bahasa Melayu](https://northborneorental.com/ms/blog/kota-kinabalu-to-sandakan-sepilok-by-car.md)

## Contact

North Borneo Rental Car, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

- WhatsApp (bookings): [+60168400017](https://wa.me/60168400017)
- Email: northborneorental@gmail.com
- Website: https://northborneorental.com/