Semenggoh Nature Reserve

In addition to observation decks and hiking routes, Semenggoh Nature Reserve is home to an Orangutan Gallery, which showcases the close DNA links between humans and the primates, and a Botanical Research Centre with a fruit orchard and bamboo garden. Semenggoh Nature Reserve is a popular day trip destination from Kuching; excursions typically include hassle-free round-trip transfers and increase your chances of spotting wildlife by coinciding visits with feeding time. Some also include time to kayak through the mangroves.

• As well as orangutans, the forests are home to rescued gibbons, crocodiles, and porcupines, which you may spot during your exploration.
• Should a semi-wild orangutan approach you, remember that touching, feeding, or making any other direct contact is not permitted.
• The center has restrooms and snack kiosks.
• Although visiting at feeding times increases your chance of spotting orangutans, it is not guaranteed.

The reserve is located 14.9 miles (24 kilometers) south of Kuching, and takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. While the #6 bus line from Kuching can take you close, most tours of the reserve include round-trip transportation from your hotel in Kuching.

The center is open year-round, Monday to Friday, from morning until late afternoon. Feeding times occur twice daily, in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Check the center website to ensure you arrive at the correct time.

So many orangutans were successfully reintroduced into the forest surrounding Semenggoh that the habitat reached capacity and all rehabilitation activities were moved to the Matang Wildlife Centre, inside Kubah National Park. Here, you can observe sun bears and orangutans undergoing rehabilitation, and follow hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and rock pools.

The easiest way to get to Semenggoh Nature Reserve is by joining a tour or taking a taxi from the nearby city of Kuching, located about a 40-minute drive away (traffic permitting). Bus No. 6 also runs from Kuching to the reserve, but the journey can take much longer.

Yes, you can go to the Semenggoh Nature Reserve on your own. However, it's much easier to visit as part of a guided tour that includes transportation from your hotel in Kuching. Some tours also include a visit to the nearby Sarawak Cultural Village or a kayaking excursion.

The best time to visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve is feeding time, when you'll have the best chances of viewing orangutans up close. The orangutans are fed twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Check the reserve's website for up-to-date details on timing.

Semenggoh Nature Reserve measures around 1,614 acres (653 hectares), giving the rehabilitated orangutans who live here plenty of room to roam. While parts of the reserve are off-limits to visitors, you can still expect to see plenty of primates during your visit, particularly if you come around feeding time.

The best time of year to visit the Semenggoh Nature Reserve (and the best time of year to visit Kuching) is in the dry season from April–October. The wettest months are December–February while June–September tend to see the least amount of rainfall.

It doesn’t take very long to tour Semenggoh Nature Reserve, and most people don’t stay for more than an hour. The reserve is typically open for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, an hour of which is designated feeding time.