Matang Wildlife Centre “Orang-Utan Project”

Orangutan Project Sdn Bhd is a conservation company, unique in its endeavors to offer alternative solutions and sustainable funding opportunities for the endangered wildlife on Borneo. It is also specialized in ethical volunteering and tourism experiences working with the magnificent Orang Utan and other protected species such as the clouded leopard, binturong, sun bear and false gharial, among others.

Joining their team for three days gives you an exceptional opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes insight into Orang Utan conservation and rehabilitation. You will have the chance to spend time with experts in the field, who will be happy to share their experiences and knowledge with you. A typical tour can be expected to progress as follows, though please note that all activities are subject to change dependent upon the animals, weather or other work taking place at the center.

Day 01: Semenggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre – Matang Wildlife Centre (L/D)

0800hrs. depart from your hotel in Kuching to commence Semonggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre situated about ½ hour drive from Kuching. It provides a rare opportunity to be at close range with the “Wild Man of Borneo” and to observe their behaviors and activities in their natural habitat. Before arriving at the feeding platform, you will have a brief experience walking through the amazing untouched rainforest. On the return trip, you may opt for a short trek along some trails in this Semenggoh Nature Reserve.

After this visit continue your program with an approximate 1.5h drive to Matang Wildlife Centre in time for lunch at the center.

In the afternoon you will be given a presentation on the subject of orangutan rehabilitation specifically and conservation generally by resident field expert, Leo Biddle. Leo is the CEO and Founder of Orangutan Project, with more than 15 years of experience in the field of great ape conservation. He is an inspiring and extremely knowledgeable speaker on a wide range of topics, and regularly lectures internationally.

During the afternoon you will be given a guided tour of Matang, which is unique in being a rescue center for all protected species in Sarawak. You will meet a range of different species, and learn about the threats to their survival and the reasons they find themselves in centers like Matang.

After dinner, you may have the opportunity to take part in the on-going conservation projects and observe field teams at work tracking and monitoring ex-captive wildlife. Should there be no on-going projects to observe, or should observation not be appropriate at the time of your visit, you will be taken on a night-walk through the forest to look for nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight at Matang Wildlife center.

Day 02: Matang Wildlife Centre (B/L/D)

Between 9am and 12pm, you will take part in an enrichment workshop – many of the animals at Matang are long-term captive, for reasons that will be fully explained when you are with us on site. Boredom can be a huge stress for captive animals, and the importance of enrichment cannot be overstated. Volunteers can help create many enrichment items for the animals here – you will also get to distribute what you make and observe the orangutan and sun bears demolish your hard work!

Break for lunch

Afternoon activity – there are two orangutans living semi-wild in the national park surrounding Matang Wildlife Centre, and there are sometimes younger orangutan undertaking short trips into the park with their keepers, progressing on the road to rehabilitation. Viewing these orangutans is not an opportunity that tourists to the park are given as the presence of large, uncontrolled groups of people is of detriment to the rehabilitation process.

In an exclusive opportunity, members of these trips to Matang will be taken on a trek in Kubah National Park for the chance to find and observe the semi-wild orangutan of Matang. Small groups of people will be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking member of staff at all times whilst on these treks into the forest and if lucky will be able to observe the orangutan living freely in the forest. If you are able to find the orangutan:

• You will keep a minimum distance of 25m from the orangutan at all times, or perhaps further under the discretion of your guide
• Noise will be kept to an absolute minimum – there will be a time for questions and answers at the end of the day
• Length of time watching the orangutan will not be guaranteed – if your presence distracts and they become fixated on your group, you will leave the area and be guided back to the centre
• Flash photography will not be permitted
• There will be no physical contact with any of the orangutan. Please see the attached ‘No Contact Policy’ for more information on this point.

Dinner & Overnight Matang Wildlife Centre

Day 03: Matang Wildlife Centre – Kuching (B)

After breakfast, depart from the center and travel back to your hotel in Kuching.

Please read our Terms and Conditions

Package Rate is inclusive of:

• English speaking Guide
• Tours & Transfers as stated in the program
• Meals as stated in the program
• 2 Nights Accommodation Matang Wildlife Centre (Forest Lodge)
• Entrance Fees
• Automatic Donation of RM 1,150.00 per person for the continuous conservation work of “Orangutan Project”.

Package Rate is exclusive of:

• Any airfares and –taxes
• Insurance
• Tipping
• What is not stated above

Please note:

• The group size for above program has been fixed to a maximum of 6 clients
• “Orangutan Project” will present receipts of food etc. invested for their efforts in animal conservation, paid by the received donation of the participants of this program

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