Visiting Matang Wildlife Centre In Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Last Updated: August 31 2024
Matang Wildlife Centre is a rehabilitation centre in Sarawak that works to rescue and rehabilitate orangutans. It’s a great addition to any Borneo itinerary, and you can easily get there from Kuching.
For those who don’t have much time in Borneo, you’ll get a chance to see native species up close. Unfortunately, these animals have previously been kept in the illegal wildlife trade and will remain at this centre, until they are ready to be re-released (if they can be).
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this wildlife centre. That includes how to get there, entrance fees, and its popular volunteer programme.
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Where is Matang Wildlife Centre?
Matang Wildlife Centre is located in Kubah National Park, within the state of Sarawak. You’ll find the centre around 35 km (21 miles) from the capital of Kuching. The drive takes around 40 minutes.
To access the park, you’ll need to first purchase a national park ticket from the ticket office.
Information About Matang Wildlife Centre
Matang Wildlife Centre is a dedicated establishment that works to rescue and rehabilitate endangered animals. These animals have been kept illegally as pets or orphaned and must be taught how to fend for themselves in the wild. During this process, they remain at the centre.
Matang is home to a variety of wildlife including orangutans, sun bears, gibbons, crocodiles, and more. While these creatures reside in the centre, you can get up close to animals you might not otherwise see in the wild.
As you walk around Matang Wildlife Centre, there’s a small possibility that you might even see orangutans that have previously been released. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any but you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled!
The great thing about visiting this centre is that the focus isn’t on tourists for once! Even with a lack of funding, it’s clear to see that the staff are trying their best to provide the animals with a better life. Unfortunately, many of the cages are relatively small but again, that’s due to a lack of funding. Nonetheless, it’s a better alternative than being kept illegally as a pet!
Just be aware that walking around Matang Wildlife Centre can be quite upsetting, as the centre is surrounded by rainforest, and, sadly, some of these animals may never be released due to behavioural and medical issues. This is all down to the individuals who have captured and kept them illegally.
The Orangutan Adoption Program
A highlight of Matang Wildlife Centre is its orangutan adoption program which is run by Sarawak Forestry Corporation. These adoption packages are in place to help raise funds for conservation and rehabilitation. This is where orangutans are taught how to survive in the wild after being orphaned or kept illegally as pets.
It costs 200 MYR (around £33) for a year-long adoption and you’ll receive a certificate of adoption. As Matang works closely with Semenggoh Nature Reserve, you’ll receive updates about the orangutans found here too.
Adopting an orangutan through this program is a great cause so make sure you check it out!
Volunteering At Matang Wildlife Centre
For those who have extra time, it’s also possible to volunteer here. The Great Orangutan Project is an award-winning project where you’ll get to assist in the everyday running of the centre.
During the program, you’ll work to improve husbandry standards, possibly construct new enclosures, help with maintenance, and provide enrichment for the orangutans who call this place home.
It’s possible to join this volunteer project for 1-4 weeks, where you’ll stay in a rustic jungle chalet. You’ll also get two consecutive days off every week, so you can explore more of the surrounding area. Prices vary depending on the duration, but be aware that you’ll need to cover flights, travel insurance, and visas yourself.
Helpful Information about Matang Wildlife Centre
How To Get To Matang
Since there is no regular bus service that will take you directly to the centre, we’d recommend hiring a taxi. Your best bet is to use the taxi app GRAB. Prices are reasonable and it’s easy to book a taxi journey.
As Matang Wildlife Centre is only around a 40-minute drive from Kuching, we headed here on a day trip. After booking a taxi from Sarawak’s capital, we arrived at the centre. As Matang is only small, it doesn’t take long to walk around. The ticket office advised us that our driver should wait or come back for us at an organised time.
We organised with our taxi driver to come back 1.5 hours later, This gave us plenty of time to walk around the centre. For those looking to stay in Kuching like we did, QuiikCat, Meritin Hotel and Puteri Wing – Riverside Majestic Hotel are all great options!
Matang Wildlife Centre Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday (including public holidays) – 8 am to 5 pm.
Entrance Fees
As Matang Wildlife Centre is located in Kubah National Park, you’ll have to pay for an entrance ticket. There’s no extra cost for the centre, and the ticket will allow you to hike some of the surrounding jungle trails as well.
When purchasing your national park ticket, you’ll need to give your details, including your first name, surname and passport number. They take these details so they have a record of who is entering the national park!
Entrance fees are as follows:
- Non-Malaysian citizens – Adults; 20 MYR (£3.36), Children; 7 MYR (£1.18)
- Malaysian citizens – Adults; 10 MYR (£1.68), Children; 3 MYR (£0.50)
Tips for Visiting Matang Wildlife Centre
Here are some things to remember when visiting the centre:
- Don’t be noisy – Many of the animals here have been caught illegally or brought up as pets so have traumatic pasts. As such, you’ll want to keep the noise down as you walk around the centre.
- Head to the visitor centre – Kubah’s visitor centre showcases information on the national park’s flora and fauna, the growth of Matang Wildlife Centre, and issues that the local wildlife are facing.
- Be wary of wildlife – Semi-wild orangutans can sometimes make their way back to the wildlife centre and you may cross their path. Just be cautious as you’re walking around and keep your eyes peeled!
- Bring your passport – As mentioned before, you’ll need to give your passport number when purchasing your entrance ticket. We’d suggest just taking a photograph of your passport rather than bringing it along.
- Be aware of conditions – Although Matang Wildlife Centre tries its best, there’s limited funding so some of the enclosures aren’t in the best condition. Just be aware of this as you’re walking around!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Matang Wildlife Centre
There are so many amazing things to do in Borneo and of course, you may want to prioritise seeing animals in the wild. However, the Matang Wildlife Centre is a great place to visit for those with an extra day or two in the capital of Kuching.
The centre gives you a real experience of the problems Malaysia is facing when it comes to the illegal wildlife trade, and other issues affecting the native fauna.
If you have any questions about visiting this wildlife centre please get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!
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