Matang Wildlife Centre
Matang Wildlife Centre
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
257 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
77
Average
57
Poor
29
Terrible
35
TheGrebes
45 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Place is a bit rundown, however it's a rehabilitation centre first, not a zoo. We saw orangutangs, honey bears, porcupines, bearcat, moneys, amazing birds and a deer. Didn't see crocodiles (area under maint). About 45 mins by Grab from town (50MYR). We arranged for Grab driver to return for us as transport difficult. Must wear closed in shoes. Good interpretation centre and clean toilets
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maj F
98 contributions
Oct 2015
I attended the Asia for Animals conference held at BCCK in Kuching last Oct 6-9, and as part of the conference, we were made to choose 1 out of 4 activities for free. I chose to go to Matang. As was discussed to us by one of the volunteers, Matang Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was built to rehabilitate animals in order to bring them back to the wild; it was not their choice to open it to the public, it was those who funded it that chose to open it to the public. Some of the cages are quite small for the animals, but as was explained, they are short on funds and before they can build additional cages the people who fund it must approve of the project first. The place needs monetary donations and volunteers to get the place going, so for those who are planning to visit the place, please donate!
If you are expecting to interact with the animals, you will be disappointed; the place does not allow interactions with the animals - this is for the animals' and the visitors' safety.
If you are expecting to interact with the animals, you will be disappointed; the place does not allow interactions with the animals - this is for the animals' and the visitors' safety.
Written October 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laugudong
Sarawak, Malaysia13 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
very cool and nice place. just 20 KM from Kuching city. nature and good for relax. located just downhill of Gunung Serapi, which can see the mountain from Kuching City. Can see some local animal, which is habitat at Sarawak forest.
Written September 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni T
Nashville, TN284 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
The Great Projects offered several wildlife volunteer projects, so I volunteered here for 2 weeks with orangutans, sun bears, and other animals. Dom is a great organizer. Personel love the animals and showed us how to make nourishments and food presentations for the animals. Housing included 4 person cabins with fans and mosquito nets. Kitchen facilities were just fine.
Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel B
Leeds, UK3 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
I was recently thinking about my time at Matang as a volunteer and decided to check out the reviews on Tripadvisor.
I am very saddened by the poor reviews for this centre; I felt I had to have a say.
I volunteered at this centre for two weeks and can say that there is a lack of funding. The centre relies on many volunteers along with their donations. We maintained the enclosures and provided enrichment every day.
Due to the lack of funding they are limited to where the animals can be housed but provide the best care possible. Many of the animals there have been rescued and most will not be able to be released into the wild as they would not survive. The ones who have a hope of being released are rehabilitated.
The staff are lovely, work so hard and care so much about the wellbeing of the animals in the centre and the ones threatened in the wild.
If you are in the area or are planning to visit please do so. The cost of entry is very small and these donations help. Do not go expecting it to be like a zoo. Expect to see a centre with limited funding and staff who do the best for the animals. Go wanting to learn more about the animals and why they are there. Your visit will help.
I am very saddened by the poor reviews for this centre; I felt I had to have a say.
I volunteered at this centre for two weeks and can say that there is a lack of funding. The centre relies on many volunteers along with their donations. We maintained the enclosures and provided enrichment every day.
Due to the lack of funding they are limited to where the animals can be housed but provide the best care possible. Many of the animals there have been rescued and most will not be able to be released into the wild as they would not survive. The ones who have a hope of being released are rehabilitated.
The staff are lovely, work so hard and care so much about the wellbeing of the animals in the centre and the ones threatened in the wild.
If you are in the area or are planning to visit please do so. The cost of entry is very small and these donations help. Do not go expecting it to be like a zoo. Expect to see a centre with limited funding and staff who do the best for the animals. Go wanting to learn more about the animals and why they are there. Your visit will help.
Written November 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy Z
Toronto, Canada546 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
This centre is not a zoo and it pains me when reviewers call it that. It is clear they do not understand the work being done here. It is a centre for animals that are rescued, confiscated or sent here, most are older, sick or have high degrees of mental and physical problems. Mostly orangutans, but the majority of these animals are not going to be rehabilitated and released they are going to live out their lives here at Matane and they are loved. Some animals appear to be in small enclosures and that is due to their particular injuries. Many cannot venture out as they may not get back easily. The orangutans are very much loved by all the staff and volunteers as we could see when they took us around, they sat and just watched them in play and we adored them from afar. You could see how the staff enjoyed to be around them and the Orangs at the end of the day were waiting at the doors of their night house (cages), they were in no way distressed or not wanting to come in. In fact, the opposite, they were waiting at the doors to get into their beds for the night. During the day the general population of females are in a very large enclosure. Smaller enclosures are for some males, one in particular who was blinded in an accident pulling hydro lines when mistaking them for a vine. Another cage enclosure is a nursery.
We were so fortunate when we contacted them to get into a program for 1 day. For our education class to become an Orangutan ambassador, we went through the exhibits, then we spent the day with Siali, the director of the centre, what a kind and caring man who gives his days to orangutan education and loving the animals in this centre. He had a story and loved to talk about every animal. The same for the staff and of course, the volunteers and us who pay to be with the animals and learn about their habits and just spend time tending to them. As much as we all wanted to, we could not approach the animals as they are trying not to tame the animals but keep them more semi wild to wild, but we all just wanted to pick up the baby & juvenile apes and hold them. If you are expecting this, it is not going to happen although you will get close enough to see some great behavioral traits and personalities of them.
We then had a morning lecture on various aspects of the orangutan. Afterwards we made the orangutan their lunch (a mixture, of nuts, leaves, honey, seeds and wrapped in a large leaf). We got to feed all of them, what a treat. Then we walked the enclosures and visited the sections of the centre and lastly we made the nests for their beds and witnessed them coming in for the night and then ripping apart and changing what they didn’t like about our nest building!! Way too fun and they are just too cute. Siali would have just watched them all day if he could. At the end of the day we got our honorary orangutan ambassador certificates. What a great day, I really recommend doing this. We just got it by chance as I sent some emails to both Matane and Semenggoh to see what kind of programs we could participate in to get some time with the orangs aside from just going to the feedings. The further in advance you contact them the better your chances, would be my advice.
Some of the programs are; ‘Heart to Heart’ or ‘Upclose with orangutans’ and other volunteer programs from a few days to two weeks in length. We did a special all day program as part of Kubah week celebration in April. There were room for 20 and I got the feeling it was geared to children. When we arrived we had a private day with the director of Matane, Siali, with only another couple of Japanese PhD students. I thought it would have been full. What a wonderful day of learning and discovery of my beloved orangutans. Amazing.
The animals in the largest enclosures are trying to be rehabilitated, ones in the smaller cages and enclosures are just trying to be kept comfortable but they will never be released to the wild. They are trying to rehabilitate the orangutans hopefully to places like Semenggoh where they eventually can go back into the wild. Unfortunately, animals that were confiscated from people keeping them as pets in small cages, most will never be able to find food on their own or be able to fend for themselves outside of cages so they will stay at Matane. Some of the animals you see there other than the Orangutans are; sunbears, civit cat, bear cat, gibbons, hornbills, cockatoos, storks, owls, porcupines and some reptiles like crocs and pythons. Some animals are rare and endangered. Hopefully by reading this you will understand the centre better. You could combine a hike in Kubah with a walk around Matane for a nice day trip. However, I definitely recommend the programs like heart to heart. If you want to see Orangs that are more out in the open and semi- wild or you want more of a quick visit Semenggoh is probably a better place to consider but both are special and I hope you enjoy them like we did.
Matane is about a 30-50 minute cab ride from Kuching.
We were so fortunate when we contacted them to get into a program for 1 day. For our education class to become an Orangutan ambassador, we went through the exhibits, then we spent the day with Siali, the director of the centre, what a kind and caring man who gives his days to orangutan education and loving the animals in this centre. He had a story and loved to talk about every animal. The same for the staff and of course, the volunteers and us who pay to be with the animals and learn about their habits and just spend time tending to them. As much as we all wanted to, we could not approach the animals as they are trying not to tame the animals but keep them more semi wild to wild, but we all just wanted to pick up the baby & juvenile apes and hold them. If you are expecting this, it is not going to happen although you will get close enough to see some great behavioral traits and personalities of them.
We then had a morning lecture on various aspects of the orangutan. Afterwards we made the orangutan their lunch (a mixture, of nuts, leaves, honey, seeds and wrapped in a large leaf). We got to feed all of them, what a treat. Then we walked the enclosures and visited the sections of the centre and lastly we made the nests for their beds and witnessed them coming in for the night and then ripping apart and changing what they didn’t like about our nest building!! Way too fun and they are just too cute. Siali would have just watched them all day if he could. At the end of the day we got our honorary orangutan ambassador certificates. What a great day, I really recommend doing this. We just got it by chance as I sent some emails to both Matane and Semenggoh to see what kind of programs we could participate in to get some time with the orangs aside from just going to the feedings. The further in advance you contact them the better your chances, would be my advice.
Some of the programs are; ‘Heart to Heart’ or ‘Upclose with orangutans’ and other volunteer programs from a few days to two weeks in length. We did a special all day program as part of Kubah week celebration in April. There were room for 20 and I got the feeling it was geared to children. When we arrived we had a private day with the director of Matane, Siali, with only another couple of Japanese PhD students. I thought it would have been full. What a wonderful day of learning and discovery of my beloved orangutans. Amazing.
The animals in the largest enclosures are trying to be rehabilitated, ones in the smaller cages and enclosures are just trying to be kept comfortable but they will never be released to the wild. They are trying to rehabilitate the orangutans hopefully to places like Semenggoh where they eventually can go back into the wild. Unfortunately, animals that were confiscated from people keeping them as pets in small cages, most will never be able to find food on their own or be able to fend for themselves outside of cages so they will stay at Matane. Some of the animals you see there other than the Orangutans are; sunbears, civit cat, bear cat, gibbons, hornbills, cockatoos, storks, owls, porcupines and some reptiles like crocs and pythons. Some animals are rare and endangered. Hopefully by reading this you will understand the centre better. You could combine a hike in Kubah with a walk around Matane for a nice day trip. However, I definitely recommend the programs like heart to heart. If you want to see Orangs that are more out in the open and semi- wild or you want more of a quick visit Semenggoh is probably a better place to consider but both are special and I hope you enjoy them like we did.
Matane is about a 30-50 minute cab ride from Kuching.
Written March 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aviva G
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam25 contributions
I have read some comments about how people didn't like this wildlife center because the animals were in cages, but after talking to some of the workers at the center, I now understand that most of the animals are there to be rehabilitated and then set out into the jungle. They are in cages in order to keep them safe. The staff there really cares about the animals, and after seeing them working closely with them I saw their passion. I would highly recommend this wildlife center! Great experience!
Written March 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue C
London, UK10 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
Wonderful place to visit. Orangs, Sunbears, Gibbons, Macaques and more. This is a rescue centre and the work there is done by a small group of very dedicated staff aided by volunteers. I worked there for 2 weeks and was completely blown over by the commitment of the workers and fell in love with the animals who have all been rescued from horrendous conditions in shows or kept as pets. Please go there and support the work by making a donation
Written December 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison P
Yeosu, South Korea19 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
I do not understand the purpose of this place. If, in fact, the goal is to provide rehabilitation to the animals in the dingy, pathetic cages, then that was not conveyed at all. It was a really sad day to see the terrible state in which these animals live in.
Written August 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gideon_Lam
Singapore, Singapore229 contributions
Jul 2019
I spent 2 weeks (19th July to 2nd August 2019) volunteering at Matang Wildlife Centre under the Great Orangutan Project. We work with rescued animals like Borneo Orangutan, Malayan Sun bear, Malayan Porcupine, Asian Civet Cat, Binturongs, Macaques, Turtles, Tortoise, Reticulated Python and many other animals surrendered due to illegal wildlife trade. We did enclosure maintenance, assist in animal quarantine, construction, feeding, enrichment and release of animals surrendered from the illegal wildlife trade.
It was a super enjoyable and fulfilling experience when you watch how animals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
NOTE: This is a rehabilitation centre, not a zoo! There is ZERO PHYSICAL CONTACT with animals. I have read reviews where people arrive at this centre, expecting this place to be the zoo they perceived in their home country. Animals should belong to the wild, not in captivity, to perform for our amusement.
I am not happy when such naive, superficial reviews appear to cause negativity the the public. It does not do much justice to the staff and full-time volunteers who gave their heart, soul and time to give the best to these wonderful animals.
It was a super enjoyable and fulfilling experience when you watch how animals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
NOTE: This is a rehabilitation centre, not a zoo! There is ZERO PHYSICAL CONTACT with animals. I have read reviews where people arrive at this centre, expecting this place to be the zoo they perceived in their home country. Animals should belong to the wild, not in captivity, to perform for our amusement.
I am not happy when such naive, superficial reviews appear to cause negativity the the public. It does not do much justice to the staff and full-time volunteers who gave their heart, soul and time to give the best to these wonderful animals.
Written August 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arif N
Pontianak, Indonesia
Is the entrance ticket in Matang also include Kubah National Park?
Written May 23, 2019
Hi. I booked a private tour, so the ticket prices were included in the tour fees. If I remember correctly, our tour guide had to purchase tickets at both entrances. If you look up the Sarawak Forestry Corporation website, you will find the entrance fees in the National Parks and Nature Reserves tab. It's 20 ringgit per adult for the national parks, and 5 ringgit per adult for the nature reserves. That's the entrance fees for foreigners, taken from the website. Hope this helps.
Written May 23, 2019
Hi, like to know if it'll be suitable for elderly who can't walk far? Thanks!
Written August 21, 2018
If you are dropped off at the front steps of the Matang Wildlife center, and you can walk some, then it should be fine. There isn't much walking. Much less than at Semmogong (I can't remember how to spell it) Rehab Center.
Written August 22, 2018
Is there wifi at the center or in the park so we could get an Uber back to Kuching? How do people get back to Kuching when they have hired a taxi to get to the park?
Written August 8, 2017
No wifi. May ask taxi to come back later to pick you up. Or he can wait for you.
Written August 8, 2017
Is there wifi at the center or in the park so we could get an Uber back to Kuching? How do people get back to Kuching when they have hired a taxi to get to the park?
Written August 8, 2017
No Wifi. Doubtful there's Uber. Hire your taxi for the whole day.
Written August 12, 2017
Redouan G
Antwerp, Belgium
Hello there,
I'm planning to stay for a few days with my children there.
Is it a mistake to stay for a few days? Like what is there to do or see beside visiting the animals in the centre? And also, are there some restaurant or cafetaria like in Bako NP that serve food in the area?
Thanks for sharing. Terima kasih banyak.
Written June 8, 2017
Matang is a small wildlife centre. Certainly not a destination to spend more than a few hours at. There is no restaurant or cafetaria. We went as a day trip and spent about 3 hours there.
Written June 8, 2017
Does anyone know of any details regarding volunteering at this place? My gf and I are interested in helping out
Written April 17, 2017
Hi, check out Borneo Great Orangutan project, held in Matang centre. Google up!
Written April 23, 2017
HI , I am looking to do the same thing, can you tell me how to book this or who to book through? Thanks
Written July 3, 2015
All the local travel agencies run this tour...
Written March 30, 2017
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