Only a short drive from Kuching, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is one of the most accessible places in Southeast Asia to observe wild orangutans in their natural habitat.
Borneo is famous for many things, but arguably its most recognisable residents are the beautiful, but critically endangered, orangutans. As a result of their increasingly rare status, any encounter with them is magical, and the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, only thirty minutes from Kuching, is an ideal place to spend some quality time in their company.
Especially if you’re visiting Kuching with kids, then Semenggoh really should be at the top of your to-do list.
How to get to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Semenggoh is only thirty minutes from the centre of Kuching, and it’s cheap, safe and straightforward to take a Grab directly to the entrance.
You might not realise when you’re strolling along the riverfront, but Kuching can suffer from some unexpected traffic jams on the way in and out of the city during the rush hour, so factor in some extra time if you’re coming for the morning feeds (45 minutes should be plenty).
Due to Grab’s dynamic pricing, you can expect to pay RM35 to get here (as opposed to RM25 coming back) and your driver may offer to wait and drive you home for an extra charge (we were quoted RM75). This really isn’t necessary though as it’s very easy to book a return Grab ride (the drivers know the feeding schedule and plan to be waiting around just after it finishes).
Arriving to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
As with all the other national parks in Sarawak, you need to register online before you can buy a ticket and enter the park. It can be a nuisance, especially if you’re filling the form out several times for each family member, so try to register online before you arrive. This will save you time at the ticket counter and you can then just show them the QR code to scan.
The prices are very reasonable considering what an amazing experience you’re having: RM10 for adults and RM5 for kids (cash only). You can also pay RM15 each for a buggy (recommended) for the 1.6km trip to the feeding area. This saves you a sweaty walk uphill at the beginning, although it’s a pleasant enough walk on a road through the rainforest with a few places to rest and take in the views.
If anyone hears the (other) call of nature, there are toilets just behind the ticket counter and also at the main feeding area.
Feeding times
The centre has two opening periods: 8.00am-10.00am and 2.00pm-4.00pm.
Feeding is scheduled to start one hour after opening (e.g. 9.00am and 3.00pm) but this of course depends on the wild orangutans and when they choose to show up.
From around half an hour before feeding time, the rangers enter the rainforest near the feeding area and call out to the orangutans to let them know it’s almost time to eat. As with your own children though, it’s hit-and-miss as to whether they heed the call for dinner time.
What to expect
The buggy will drop you off and it’s then a short walk downhill to the main area.
Aside from wandering around and trying to spot any early arrivals in the trees, there’s not much to see before the feeding areas come to life and gradually fills up with other tour groups. During our visit in the morning, by the time 9.00am arrived there were perhaps sixty other people patiently waiting.
There are plenty of shady places to sit and wait but it does get hot and some younger kids might start to lose their patience before the main attraction starts. You’re more likely to see orangutans once the feeding starts, so consider if you’ll have a better experience if you arrived after opening time to limit the amount of time you’re waiting around.
Rangers open the pathway to the feeding area but, as this isn’t a zoo, there’s no guarantee you’ll see anything. We were eagerly at the front of the group and staked out our position at the front of the viewing platform but nothing happened for several minutes.
We had to return back to main area after about ten minutes when news came across the walkie-talkies that five orangutans were back at the initial feeding area.
Once back at the initial feeding area, we could immediately see three orangutans swinging along the ropes and sitting on the feeding table, tucking into their fruit.
While this isn’t a zoo, it’d be a stretch to call it a true wild encounter either. Surrounding the feeding areas are toilet blocks and concrete buildings, so you never really feel like you’re alone in the rainforest. But, as far as these places go, it’s still an excellent experience.
Will you definitely see orangutans?
After a patient hour long wait, we were delighted to see five orangutans, which is considered a good result in October.
The fruiting season runs from November to March when you’re much less likely to see any orangutans at all, as all the fruit they need to eat is out in the forest. It’s a good thing they’re not reliant on humans of course. The best time to visit is May and June when you may see up to 15 orangutans at a time.
But, it’s important to remember this is a (largely) natural setting with wild animals and there are never any guarantees. The staff do their best to balance the human eagerness with the orangutans need for a natural habitat, but it does sometimes mean you’ll leave with an empty Instagram reel.
If the orangutans do arrive close to the park closing time, the staff are able to extend the opening hours by a few minutes so you get more time witnessing the orangutans. Otherwise you’re politely shepherded back onto the buggies or asked to start walking back.
Food, drink and the gift shop
Drinks and food are not allowed near to the orangutans, including bottles of water. This is for their welfare and your safety; in the past, the orangutans have grabbed food and drink from visitors. In practice, a small bottle of water in your bag can be sipped from if you are hidden from view.
There is a small gift shop next to the buggy drop-off area but it’s lightly stocked. They do have some cool orangutan t-shirts but they’re only available in adult sizes. Also the drinks sold here are limited to hot drinks and water. If you can, it’s best to hold on until you get back to Kuching.
How does Semenggoh compare to Sepilok?
This place felt as busy as Sepilok in Sabah, which we have previously visited, but the feeding area is much more spread out, so it’s easier to view the orangutans and you don’t need to fight for a space.
We personally preferred Semenggoh to Sepilok, but it’s not as well maintained and swish as Sepilok, which has a huge, glass-fronted viewing area. This gives you a clear view of the orangutans, but it does feel more zoo-like.
Also, the wider Sepilok area has more to offer for visitors after they’ve left the orangutans, with canopy walkways, sun bears, hotels, resorts, etc.
Final thoughts on Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
The opportunities for viewing and spending time in the company of orangutans are sadly becoming increasingly rare. Semenggoh Wildlife Centre provides an accessible and natural place to visit these beautiful creatures, all within a short drive of Kuching.
While it never feels like you’re on a remote wilderness adventure, the national park staff manage to maintain a good balance between providing a safe space for the orangutans, and an interesting and successful visit for the humans. If you’re visiting Kuching with kids, it’s a must-do visit and something you’ll all remember for years to come.
You may also like to read:
Things to to in Kuala Lumpur with kids
Borneo with kids travel guide
Hilton Kuching REVIEW: the best hotel in Kuching for families