Matang Wildlife Centre
Orangutans, Sun Bears & Other Animals

circular head office building

Welcome to my review of Matang Wildlife Centre.

Many tourists come to Kuching specifically hoping to catch a glimpse of our lovable, intelligent ginger apes, the orangutans, which can only be found in the wild in Borneo and Sumatra.

However, due to their critically endangered status, sightings of wild orangutans in their natural habitat are rare. Next best alternative is to go to somewhere like the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre where a population of semi-wild orangutans roam freely in a 650 hectare forest reserve. But, depending on the time of year, there is no guarantee that the apes will make an appearance at their feeding platforms and visitors sometimes go home disappointed.

At Matang Wildlife Centre, visits are more or less certain they will see orangutans as they are contained within zoo-like walled enclosures although, as the Centre's management points out, Matang is not a zoo but a dedicated centre where endangered species are rehabilitated and, where possible, released into the forest. Most of the centre's animal residents have been rescued and confiscated from the public who illegally kept them as pets. While the animals are being prepared to fend for themselves in the wild visitors can take a look at them up-close.

After registering at the main entrance, visitors can pop into the circular HQ building where there is a small interpretation centre providing background to the Centre's mission and activities.

wooden walkway surrounded by trees

Next you will take the trail to the animal enclosures, passing a billboard with gruesome photos showing the types of wounds people have sustained from attacks by orangutans. They might be cute and lovable but they are wild, strong and potentially ferocious creatures with very sharp teeth. We are warned to keep our distance.

The path is mostly made of raised wooden decking and winds its way through the jungle.

crocodile seen behind railings

First stop are the crocodile enclosures with muddy ponds and tropical vegetation surrounded by high metal fences.

Next is the enclosure for sambar deers who were either being extremely shy or had been removed as I could not see any during my visit.

male rhinoceros hornbill with red ring around the eyes

The wetland aviary section includes some Rhinoceros Hornbills, Sarawak's iconic state bird. This one is probably a male since it has a red ring around its eyes whereas females have white rings.

macaque lying down behind bars

This monkey (macaque) looked like he would have been happier out in the wild instead of behind bars. In fact I was surprised not to hear any wild monkeys thrashing around in the trees given that this area is covered in thick jungle. There was not much wild birdlife either. Perhaps there is not much for them to eat in this particular location.

binturong trying to stay cool

The Binturong, or bearcat, is another native to this part of the world. Its numbers are in decline due to habitat loss, the illegal pet trade and their role in kopi luwak production (civet cat coffee). Interestingly binturongs are said to give off a popcorn-like odour from their musk glands. I'll take their word for it!

Next you pass a porcupine enclosure before reaching the orang-utan enclosures. A wooden staircase brings you out to a viewing platform from where you can look down on the orangutans.

female orangutan with baby

A mother and a cute infant orangutan entertained us with their antics while in another enclosure was an older female by herself and I could see a large male in a caged-off section.

The enclosures might look grim to us but orangutans seen as having a chance of rehabilitation are regularly taken into the jungle by their handlers and trained how to forage for their own food, how to climb and how to build nests.

sun bear hiding under a platform

The sun bears' enclosure is nearby. Bornean Sun Bears are the smallest bear species in the world and they are adorable. They are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching for bear parts or for the pet trade. They have excellent climbing abilities and rehabilitation involves placing their food high up in the trees to encourage them to climb and to promote natural bear behaviour. To be honest I thought their enclosure was rather depressing and lacking in trees.

Other Facilities

Two jungle trails - Rayu Trail and Sendok Waterfall Trail (2km, one hour each way)

Accommodation

Overnight stays are possible either in one of their chalets, or dormitory style lodge or camping. However there is no restaurant here so you need to bring your own food.
For enquiries, Park Tel: +6011 6572 9228

Opening Hours & Admission Price

Visiting Hours for Animal Enclosure Trail: 9am - 11.30am, 2pm - 3.30pm

2026 Admission Fees

  • Adult RM 10 (MyKad) RM 20 (non-Malaysian)
  • Child RM 3 / RM 7 respectively.

Tips

Covered shoes are compulsory when entering Matang Wildlife Centre, i.e. no flip-flops allowed. If you forget you might be able to rent a pair of shoes at the entrance if they have your size.

Register online on the Sarawak Forestry Corporation website before you arrive to save time at the entrance.

How To Get to Matang Wildlife Centre

The centre is located about 40 minutes drive from Kuching. There is no public bus so the best way to get there is self-driving or by Grab taxi or joining a tour.


Address

Matang Wildlife Centre, Kampung Rayu, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak


The exact location is marked on this map:

Nearby

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