If you have been reading my previous few blogs on the Borneo tags, bet you're disappointed right? I know most people come to Borneo to experience the best nature as to offer. But no, I gotta stay in the town looking at museums and buildings.
In the very beginning I have all intentions to visit one of the many national parks or go for one of the many cave trips. But when I was there, somehow we didn't managed to arrange any those jungle adventures. This will be the closest I have come to enjoy what nature and Borneo is all about - the Semmengoh Wildlife Centre. We came to say 'Hi' to one of the animals that probably can be regarded as closest to a human biologically - the Orangutan.
Normally tourist would pay like $85 per pax to arrange a tour to this centre but actually, we can just easily catch a bus from the bus depot near the St Thomas church for less than $10. Semmengoh Wildlife centre is about 30-40 mins bus ride away from the Kuching town.What is so special about Semmengoh Wildlife Centre is that it is not a zoo. Orangutans are not captured and place in cages however big it is. It is actually a centre build in the centre of their habitat, the jungle, where rangers can help the orangutans and feed them twice a day. So really we are going to meet them up close and personal.
From the bus stop at the main entrance, we have to walk in about few kilometres into the wild life centre. We were told that if we wanna catch a glimpse of the orangutan at the centre, we have to be there during feeding times which is either 9am or 3pm. Since we couldn't wake up early enough to be there in the morning, we decided to go in the afternoon and hope that the orangutan is still hungry to come out and let us see them.
Indeed, we were in luck probably because the morning was sort of raining. By 2pm, we were waiting at one of the feeding station and those smart primates starts coming in from all directions. Such a thrill to see them so happy swinging from tree to tree in their home we are privilege enough to visit. 
That's them, feeding on the banana left at the feeding station for them. 
Yes, this is how upclose we can get to them but hiding behind trees if possible. Also trying to avoid eye contact and to let to have access to our bags. We were warned not to have any food within their vision and also avoid carrying umbrella or anything that resembles a weapon in order not to have them attack us. Sounds very scary during the briefing but when you get so close to them, you kind of forget about all the fear and just wanna take a photo of them. According to the ranger, there are 2 very distinct and famous orang utan in Semmengoh Wildlife Centre.
The first one is of course the leader of the pack, the biggest of all orangutan in the pack, the alpha male. I think his name is Richie. Boy, you don't want to mess with him and that is also why we are all standing really far away from the feeding station. He is one freaking huge orangutan with very long hair as well. Look at the way he sits, you can know he is very proud and in control. Apparently he rarely comes to the feeding station and we were definitely in luck to catch him that day. We were warned and warned not to anger him by pointing at him or laughing at him.
The second famous orang utan is more interesting. Her name is Delima. She's been given a nick name of 'Hot Mama'. Hot is the sense that she is the main reason every single time a tourist is injured enough to be rush to the hospital. Apparently, she has bad temper and if she sensed that you're trying to harm her kids like getting too near or if she found food in your hand, she'll come for you. However, I found her having such a beautiful and loving face.
That's me, having a momento picture of the signage with the names of the family of orangutans that is under the care of the wildlife centre.
I don't know if my picture do justice to this place but believe me, it is one experience that you do not want to missed if you are in Kuching.Location : Sarawak, Malaysia
Date of travel : July 2011
Date of travel : July 2011
