Semenggoh Wildlife Center

If you're looking for a unique and exciting wildlife experience, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre should definitely be on your list! This amazing place is located just 20 kilometers south of Kuching and is home to some of the world's most endangered species.

The Wildlife Centre is dedicated to rehabilitating animals that were once kept illegally as pets, and teaching them how to fend for themselves before releasing them back into the wild. One of the Centre's biggest successes has been with the orangutans - over the years, many of them have been trained and released, and now form a thriving colony in the reserve.

Despite their wild nature, these orangutans are quite used to humans, thanks to their training. They've learned to watch out for their caretakers bringing food every morning, and as regular as clockwork, they swing down from the trees for a free handout of fruit. It's truly an amazing experience to see these shy jungle cousins up close and personal.

Keep in mind though, during fruiting season, the orangutans might not come down for handouts at all since there's plenty of food in the forest. But even if you don't get to see them up close, you'll still be amazed by the rare flora and fauna found in the reserve, such as the giant squirrel, pigmy squirrel, and a variety of beautiful birds.

In the morning, you can also hear the howling of gibbons, another species that has been successfully rehabilitated and released into the forest. The reserve offers trekking trails, making it a perfect destination for those who love exercise, wildlife photography, and nature.

Fun fact: the word “orang” is Malay for “person” and “utan” means forest. Put together, "orangutan" literally translates to “person of the forest". So come visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and meet some of these amazing "people of the forest" yourself!

Note: Extra surcharge applies if pick up or drop off in Damai resorts.