Semenggoh Orang Utan Sanctuary | Sarawak

JUST as we were about to board our bus outside the Kuching Holiday Inn, we were warned that our trip to see the highly elusive orang utan or Wild Man of Borneo might be an exercise in futility due to a highly successful rehabilitation programme.

Determined not to let anyone pour cold water on our enthusiasm, we decided to go ahead anyway and hoped for the best. After all, we had been looking forward to this trip for a long time.

Semenggoh Wildlife Reserve

The journey to the Semenggoh Rehabilitation Centre took more than half an hour. Finally our chartered bus made its final turn into the main entrance and we alighted happily to stretch out the cramps in our legs.

Orchids And Butterflies

When we arrived and stepped into the compound, we suddenly lost that earlier air of urgency to rush things. The cool morning air had a calming effect on us and many of us opted to stroll leisurely along the meandering path leading to the feeding area at the centre.

There was plenty of time and the indigenous vegetation was an added attraction many of us did not want to miss.

The first thing to catch our eyes was the wild orchid garden where beautiful rare blooms lured us like bees to honey.

The Wild Man of Borneo at Semenggoh Wildlife Reserve

The mind-boggling scientific names attached to their pots did not deter us from venturing further to feast our eyes on their colourful and uniquely shaped inflorescences. Our sense of smell was also stimulated, as many were surprisingly very fragrant.

The path cut through a journey of discovery as we saw all kinds of jungle vegetation at close quarters. I was particularly amazed to see a colourful butterfly emerging out from its pupa right in front of my very eyes.

It was so amazing to be able to watch one of Nature’s creations make its way into the world after a prolonged period of transformation.

No Show Of Orang Utans

I scoured the treetops as we approached the feeding area, hoping to see at least one orang utan swinging up in the trees. It was not to be but I was amply rewarded with the sight of the many nests made by these primates on the tops of the highest trees.

“This is a good sign,” I told myself. So many nests would definitely add up to a thriving population.

The Orang Utan population is thriving at the Semenggoh Rehabilitation Centre.

Finally, we arrived at the feeding area and found a large crowd there already with a good representation of the world’s nationalities. Nearly 400 pairs of eyes were trained on the feeding platform with a wonderful spread of tropical fruit to entice the great apes.

Everyone stood there with bated breath as the lone trainer began his trademark call to his charges. It was reminiscent of Tarzan’s bellow if my childhood memories of Africa’s legendary hero did not fail me.

After a few shouts, we heard a series of hoots in the distance. Our hopes instantly leapt sky high. Would the orang utans of Semenggoh honour us by appearing at the feeding grounds?

Another 15 minutes passed and there was still no sign of the elusive creatures. A few people began to lose hope and resorted to doing things to entertain themselves. Disenchanted children wore a forlorn look while their parents chatted with friends, perhaps about more successful trips in the past. Another half hour passed and one by one, the once eager beavers slowly left.

Many looked downcast but quite a number were unperturbed. Perhaps they too realised the no-show was actually a good show as it indicated that the reserve’s rehabilitation programme worked and that these orphaned or rescued primates no longer depended on humans to provide shelter and sustenance.

Like their cousins in the wild, they have begun to be self-sufficient and are able to look after themselves and their progeny independently. Therefore, it is indeed vital that we fully understand the concept of conservation and rehabilitation.

After all, if you must see an orang utan, drop in at the zoo and you won’t be disappointed.

I came away heartened, assured that the “Wild Man of Borneo” had a promising future. In any case, the many natural attractions in the sanctuary had made my trip well worth the while.

When To Go

The Semenggoh Nature Reserve opens from 8.30am until 3.45pm. While feeding hours are from 8.30am to 9am and 3pm to 3.30pm, the orang utans do not necessarily make an appearance. The feeding area is a 20-minute walk from the main entrance. Adults pay an entrance fee of RM3 while children pay half the amount.

Getting To Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Visitors opting for public transportation can take STC Bus No. 6 from Kuching. It costs RM2 one way and stops right outside the main entrance.

Tour operators who conduct trips there as well as to the surrounding attractions include:

CPH Travel Agencies (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd
Tel: +082-243 708/242 289/414 921
Email: cphtrvl@streamyx.com
Website: www.cphtravel.com

Borneo Interland Travel Sdn Bhd
Tel: +082-413 595/426 328
Email: bitravel@tm. net.my
Website: www.bitravel.com.my

Borneo Fairyland Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd
Tel: 082-420 194/420 195
Email: bftravel@tm. net.my
Website: www.borneofairyland.tripod.com

Article is sourced from http://travel.nst.com.my/

Photo Credits:
Edmund Yung

Location, Driving Direction and Map to Semenggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre