Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg,
Kuching 93000, Malaysia
This is a natural reserve, so do not expect seeing the orang-utans as if they were in the middle of the jungle. However, the animals live freely in a large land reserve, and move and act freely within it; in fact, they behave wildly and attack visitors if they feel like it (so very natural!), so mind that this is not a zoo or you are watching tamed animals. Still, if you are lucky enough to see them, they are very cute, entertaining and wonderful to observe. There is is no guarantee that you will see any orang-utans if you go there, but the lack of promise makes the trip much more exciting and seeing even one of them a special treat, especially during the monsoon season, when the forest is full of food and they don't visit the feeding area, which is also the viewing area. Unless you venture into the real jungle in a well-prepared jungle trek you are never going to see orang-utans in the wild, so this sort of rehabilitation centres are the best way to see the animals in an environment that is real and natural, although assisted, protected and curated.
On arrival, you are given some guidelines on how to behave regarding movement of your body, things you carry, tone of voice and level of noise, all safety procedures to avoid attacks and let the animals approach the viewing and photographing area at easy. Still so many tourists ignored that and talked loudly, and disregarded all the guidelines!
The best times for visiting are the feeding hours, i. e, at 9am and 3pm. The entrance fees are 3 Malaysian Ringit for adults and 1.50 for children. The place is easy to reach by local transport or by car, or, if feeling lazy, you can take a cheap organised tour that will take you there and back to your hotel.
I found shocking that there is a smoking area in the reserve, amist the jungle!
Visited January 2012
