At the western edge of Kubah National Park, Matang Wildlife Centre has had remarkable success rehabilitating rainforest animals rescued from captivity, especially orangutans. The highly professional staff do their best to provide their abused charges with natural living conditions on a limited budget, but there’s no denying that the centre looks like a low-budget zoo plopped down in the jungle. Because of the centre’s unique role, it’s home to endangered animals that you’re unlikely to see anywhere else in Sarawak.
Matang Wildlife Centre
Sarawak
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
13.47 MILES
Housed in the century-old Chinese Court building, this museum provides an excellent introduction to the nine major Chinese communities – each with its own…
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13.48 MILES
Built by Charles Brooke in 1879 and named after his wife, Ranee Margaret, this hilltop fortress long protected Kuching against surprise attack by pirates…
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13.17 MILES
Closed at the time of writing and scheduled to reopen in mid-2020 after extensive conservation work, the Sarawak Museum was established in 1891 by Charles…
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13.18 MILES
The Old Court House was built in the late 19th century to serve as the city’s administrative centre. It now houses a cafe and bar, the excellent Ranee…
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13.19 MILES
Linking the northern and southern parts of Kuching, the city's spectacular pedestrian bridge (335m) is constructed to resemble the letter 'S' (for Sarawak…
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13.19 MILES
Closed at the time of writing and scheduled to reopen in mid-2020. This museum featured an exhibit called Urang Sarawak, which deftly and succinctly…
18.33 MILES
One of the best places in the world to see semiwild orangutans in their natural rainforest habitat, swinging from trees and scurrying up vines, Semenggoh…
13.14 MILES
Built by Charles Brooke in 1869, the Astana (a local word meaning 'palace’) – conveniently labelled in giant white letters – and its manicured gardens…
Nearby Sarawak attractions
0.02 MILES
In the gazebo-like administrative building, the centre is a good introduction to Matang and its residents. Most of the display panels provide information…
1.95 MILES
Situated 300m above sea level and about a half-hour’s walk from park HQ, this artificial pool provides a breeding ground for numerous frog species. The…
2.39 MILES
In this labelled garden, near park HQ on the Main Trail, you'll find examples of the 98 species of palm growing in the park.
2.51 MILES
Mixed dipterocarp forest, among the lushest and most threatened habitats in Borneo, is front and centre at this 22-sq-km national park, which more than…
11.75 MILES
Kuching’s biggest and liveliest market is 9km west of the city centre. It's open every day, but the main event is the larger weekend market that begins…
6. Talang-Satang National Park
12.02 MILES
Sarawak’s first marine park, established in 1999 to protect four species of endangered turtle, consists of the coastline and waters around four islands:…
12.11 MILES
This homage to the city’s namesake, located 8km north of the centre, features hundreds of entertaining, surprising and bizarre kucing (cat) figurines –…
12.13 MILES
Situated 8km north of the city centre is the hilltop Kuching North City Hall (known by its Malay abbreviation, DBKU), a landmark prestige project – some…