Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Located just 20 km south of Kuching in Borneo’s Sarawak state, the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is a sanctuary for orphaned and rescued Orangutans. Established in 1975, the center now spans 749 hectares of protected forest, home to over 20 semi-wild Orangutans. Some of these great apes regularly visit the center for feeding, offering visitors a rare chance to observe them in their natural habitat.
About Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
The primary mission of the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is the conservation and expansion of the Orangutan population on the island of Borneo. The center has celebrated several successful births, contributing to the growth of this endangered species. The public areas are kept minimal to reduce human impact, ensuring the Orangutans can thrive in their semi-wild environment. Some of the Orangutans return regularly for a free meal, while others live independently within the protected forest. Visitors can observe the feedings from designated platforms at a safe distance, with information boards highlighting the critical issues Orangutans face, such as deforestation for palm oil plantations, mining, and wildfires. Rangers, who oversee the feeding sessions, are available to answer any questions. After the feeding, it’s worth exploring the trails that, though somewhat worn, lead to unique plant species.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Graffiti in Kuching Red Blossom Pitcher Plant Orang Utan
Admission to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Admission fees are very reasonable, with “foreigners” charged 10 MYR (~€2.20). Local residents pay half the price. Children and teenagers under 18 are charged 5 MYR, and entry is free for children under 6. Individuals with disabilities also benefit from the reduced rate of 5 MYR.
How Does the Feeding Session Work?
Feeding sessions at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre take place twice daily. The Orangutans are fed at 9:00 AM and again at 3:00 PM, although we noticed the session began at 2:00 PM. To get the best experience, it’s advisable to arrive by 2:00 PM. The rangers start by calling the Orangutans, signaling that food is ready. Gradually, the Orangutans appeared, including the dominant male, Ganya. The Orangutans took turns on the feeding platform, where they enjoyed a diet of bananas, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, and coconuts. Watching them open coconuts with such human-like skill was fascinating. They remove the fibrous husk, then smash the nut against a tree until the juice flows out, which they expertly drink before cracking open the nut to eat the flesh.
Getting to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
There are two main ways to reach the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre: by bus or by taxi.
Bus:
Taking the bus is simple and cost-effective. Start from Jalan Masjid, and board the K6 bus. After about 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at the park entrance. From there, it’s a 1 km walk to the feeding platforms. Don’t worry, though; the walk is scenic, with side trails and beautiful plants like orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants to discover. The bus schedule is perfectly timed with the feeding sessions, with a bus departing at 7:00 AM for the morning feeding and another at 1:00 PM for the afternoon session. The return bus leaves at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The one-way fare is just 1 MYR (~€0.20), and the return journey was even free.
Grab:
A Grab ride to the wildlife center costs about 30-40 MYR (~€6.50 to €8.50) each way.
