Information
Landmark: Matang Wildlife CentreCity: Kuching
Country: Malaysia
Continent: Asia
Matang Wildlife Centre, Kuching, Malaysia, Asia
Overview
Tucked inside Kubaha National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia, the Matang Wildlife Centre works to rescue and rehabilitate animals, from orphaned orangutans to injured hornbills.Visitors can watch the region’s native wildlife-especially rare, endangered species-moving through forests and open meadows, and learn about them along the way.At the center, staff work to heal wildlife pulled from cages or seized from illegal traders, then train them to survive again in the wild.About 35 kilometers west of Kuching, at the base of the Matang Range near Mount Serapi, lies a reserve managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, dedicated to wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and public education, where you might hear the rustle of leaves as a hornbill takes flight.The center’s standout feature is its orangutan rehabilitation program, where rescued apes learn to swing through the trees again.At the center, orphaned and rescued orangutans get the care and training they need to live in the wild.Visitors can watch them swing through roomy enclosures designed to feel like the jungle, sometimes close enough to hear the rustle of leaves.The grounds also hold spacious habitats for Borneo’s native wildlife-sun bears, civets, porcupines, crocodiles, hornbills, deer, and, when under rehabilitation, the elusive Malayan pangolin.Some animals are healing from injuries; others can’t return to the wild.Set inside a lush tropical rainforest, the center invites visitors to wander nature trails that range from easy strolls to steep, winding treks.On these trails, you might catch sight of a hornbill flashing past or a rare orchid clinging to a branch, all in their natural home, while the Visitor Center offers clear, engaging displays on conservation work, local wildlife, and why Borneo’s biodiversity matters.Visitors can watch animals up close in their enclosures, learning about each creature’s behavior, natural habitat, and the dangers they face in the wild; catch an orangutan’s feeding time and you’ll see their favorite fruits vanish in seconds.For those eager to explore, trails like the Pitcher Plant Trail and Mount Serapi Trail wind through lush forest, revealing rare plants and sweeping views.When it’s time to rest, quiet picnic spots invite you to sit back and enjoy the soft rustle of leaves overhead.Shaded by tall trees, the nearby streams and rivers bring a soft, steady murmur that deepens the peaceful atmosphere, while guided tours and hands-on educational programs welcome schools, groups, and curious travelers eager to explore wildlife conservation and the local ecosystem; the center rescues animals from illegal trade, captivity, and forests scarred by logging, trains and releases orangutans into Kubaha National Park to live on their own, and runs campaigns to teach the public about protecting Borneo’s natural heritage, all supported by a visitor center, overnight chalets or campsites, picnic spots with simple refreshments, and practical amenities like toilets and parking.We’re open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tickets priced at RM10 for Malaysian adults and RM5 for children, while non-Malaysians pay RM20 and RM7-just enough for a quick coffee after your visit.Pack light but smart-wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes that can handle muddy rainforest trails, bring bug repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay, carry a water bottle to stay cool, and don’t forget a camera or phone for that flash of bright hornbill wings overhead.You can get to the Matang Wildlife Centre by car in about 40 minutes from Kuching via Jalan Matang, or join a local half- or full-day tour with transport and a guide included.Visit between March and October for drier weather and easier hiking.While you’re there, never feed the animals, keep your distance and your voice down, leave no trash, and follow the posted rules to protect both wildlife and yourself.It’s a rare chance to see Sarawak’s remarkable creatures up close while helping to preserve them.You might watch an orangutan peel fruit just a few feet away, hike beneath the damp green canopy, or hear stories about the dangers Borneo’s wildlife faces-and every moment leaves you wiser and makes the trip impossible to forget.Families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who cares about protecting wildlife will love it here, where you might spot a heron lifting off from the water.
