SEPILOK, about 23km from Sandakan, is known worldwide for its Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
It is one of Sabah’s top eco-tourism spots, a haven for wildlife and nature lovers.
But two weeks ago, the rainforest came alive with rhythm.
The Sepilok Jazz Festival struck a high note for conservation, drawing more than 2,200 music lovers to the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC).
Jazz melodies blended seamlessly with traditional ethnic sounds, creating an atmosphere where music and nature intertwined beautifully.
A musician captivates the audience with a flute solo at the Sepilok Jazz Festival.
For two nights, on Sept 5 and 6, the usually serene sanctuary transformed into a vibrant celebration of sound, creativity, and purpose.
Organised by the Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster), the festival is more than a musical event – it channels proceeds directly into sea turtle conservation programmes on Pulau Libaran, funding the protection of nesting sites, hatchling releases, and community education initiatives.
“Sea turtle conservation can be a boring subject, but music is a universal language,” said Foster president and festival organiser Alexander Yee.
“People come for the music, and along the way, they learn about conservation. That’s how we create awareness.”
Yee (third left) with organisers, performers and guests at Sepilok Jazz Festival 2025.
Yee admits that convincing people to care about endangered turtles isn’t easy.
But that’s where jazz comes in.
“When you talk about conservation, not everyone listens,” he said with a laugh.
“But when you talk about music, everyone loves music. Jazz gives us an inclusive, universal way to reach people. It doesn’t just cut boundaries; it brings people together.”
From its humble beginnings in 2022 with just 100 attendees, Sepilok Jazz has grown into an event capable of drawing thousands.
A bassist delivers a smooth groove during the weekend-long festival.
This year, international acts like the Jeremy Monteiro All Star Quartet featuring Tony Lakatos (Singapore/Germany), Fleche d’Or Swing Quartett (Germany), and Seoul Fizz (Korea) shared the stage with local favourites including Sonny B & Wan G, Appy Tot, Cris Aban, Zizi Safira, Suave Swing, Trinity Jazz Band, and Hello Papa.
The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment has also officially recognised Sepilok Jazz as a state-level event and included it in the Visit Malaysia 2026 promotional campaign.
“This recognition shows Sepilok Jazz’s potential to become an iconic Sabah event while attracting more domestic and international visitors,” said Yee.
The festival is also bringing tangible economic impact.
Hotels and lodges in Sepilok and Sandakan reported full bookings, with Ormond Hotel – formerly Four Points by Sheraton – opening up 40 rooms exclusively for festival staff and performers.
A keyboardist mesmerising festival-goers with her soulful playing.
Local food vendors, small traders, and tourism operators also benefitted from the influx of visitors.
Since its founding in 2013, Foster has successfully released approximately 48,000 baby turtles into the sea.
The funds raised from Sepilok Jazz have become a lifeline for its conservation activities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Pulau Libaran’s fragile ecosystem.
“Through this event, we hope Sandakan will be recognised as a meeting point for culture, art, and environmental sustainability,” Yee said.
