SEMONGGOK WILDLIFE CENTRE
The orangutans at the wildlife center are fed twice daily between 9am and 10am & between 3pm and 3.30pm; visitors can witness this from a special visitors' platform. However, the sighting of orangutans is not guaranteed as the animals are often able to find their own food in the surrounding forests (which, of course, is a good thing). Currently, there are 26 semi-wild orangutans at Semenggoh in total; roaming free within a 740 hectare forest reserve. There is also a visitor's information center where you can find more information about the orangutans in Malaysia and the dire situation they are in. The biggest problem orangutan's face is the destruction of their habitat due to logging, mining and forest fires, as well as fragmentation of their habitat by roads. Too often orangutans are forced out of their natural habitat. Rehabilitated animals are released into the wild whenever they are ready. The main goal of Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is: "To rehabilitate confiscated wildlife that have been incapacitated or handicapped due to prolonged captivity by humans with the objective of releasing them to the forests eventually." Of course this implies that visitors should never touch, hold, feed or play with the orangutans.Semengok also has a number of short jungle trails and optional forest walks that can be incorporated into the tour.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre can be reached by bus and taxi (or rental car). In Kuching; all taxi drivers know where to find the wildlife center. The following busses from the Kuching main bus terminal will take you to the nearby Forestry Department Botanical Research Centre: No. 6, 6A, 6B, 6C. Before entering the wildlife center you will have to pay the entrance fee of RM3 to get your valid entry permit. Inside you can pay RM40 for a guide (up to 5 people) that shows you around.
ACT OF THE 'ORANG UTAN'
MATANG WILDLIFE CENTRE
Overland transfer about 1 hr from your hotel to Matang Wildlife. The Matang Wildlife Centre is situated 35km from Kuching and located in Kubah National Park. This large enclosed area of rainforest is home to endangered wildlife. These enclosures will be located in the rainforest so that the living environment is rather similar to that found in the wild. An information centre and education programmes will provide visitors with further details on the Wildlife in Sarawak and the conservation efforts. The Matang Wildlife Centre is about 35km from Kuching. There is a training programme here that teaches Orang Utans, who have been orphaned or rescued from captivity, how to survive in the wild. Visitors will be able to see lots of Orang Utans here, especially during feeding time. Besides these adorable primates, there are also Sun Bears, Sambar Deer, Civet Cats as well as three large aviaries that house Sea Eagles, Hornbills and other birds in Sarawak. Jungle trekking is also possible as there are four jungle trails here, the Pitcher Trail (takes about 2 hours), the Sungai Rayu Trail (about 3 - 4 hours), the Sungai Senduk trail (about 1 hour) and Sungai Buluh trail (about 2 hours). Picnic spots, an information centre, accommodation facilities, a car park and a small canteen are available at the park HQ. Transfer back to your hotel after the tour.
Things You Should Know:
Wear comfortable walking shoes & light clothing. Sarawak being in the tropics, it is advisable to dress light. Bring Camera for those unforgettable moments / Suntan lotion / Sun Hat / Simple raincoat or poncho.
SIGNBOARD IN MTANG WILDLIFE CENTRE
SIGN THAT LOCATED IN FRONT GATE IN MATANG WILDLIFE CENTRE SARAWAK
JONG'S CROCODILE FARM
JONG'S CROCODILE FARM
Situated at 18 Miles (29km) Kuching/ Serian Highway, a 20 minute leisure drive from Kuching Town, the capital of Sarawak, Land of Hornbills, boasts one of the largest and the only crocodile breeding farm in the country.
Set amidst the charming backdrop of tall tropical trees, lush vegetation and local fruit trees lies this unique farm with over a thousand crocodiles bred in captivity. The farm provides a perfect sanctuary for the reptiles, saving the species from extinction. There are huge and deep concrete ponds and natural breeding grounds for the crocodiles to mate and multiply.
Visitors are able to gaze at the snapping jaws, cold menacing eyes, sharp pointed teeth and powerful lashing tails of the crocs within short distance yet safe because of the metal fence.
Apart from crocodiles there are also numerous rare species of birds and animals found only in the Borneo Island. Visitors can have the enchanting experience of walking freely among the monkeys, leopard-cats, sunbears, bearcats, pheasants, civets, barking deers, sambar deers, turtles, fruit bats, monitor lizards, pythons and even hornbills.
Jong’s Crocodile Farm and Zoo is the first and the largest captive crocodile breeding farm in Malaysia have more than two thousand crocodile bred in captivity. It has been there since 1963 and is open daily from 9am till 5pm. Parking is fairly easy because they do provide free parking space. DO NOT miss the crocodile feeding time because that will be the highlight of your experience at Jong Crocodile Farm. This is when they do tricks with the crocodile forcing them to jump up to 2 meters high to get their piece of meal, which consist of fresh chicken and other meat. The crocodile feeding demonstration is held at 11am and 3pm daily.
As for the entrance fees, it is at RM16 per adult (regardless whether you’re Malaysian or a Foreigner) but there is a discount for those who are from Sarawak where they only pay RM10. Children get a 50% discount.
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THE HEAD OF CROCODILE THAT SHOWN IN THE GALLERY
ACT OF CROCODILE DURING THE FEEDING TIME
SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE
Known as the 'Living Museum', the Cultural Village was set up to preserve and showcase Sarawak's cultural heritage. Located at Pantai Damai, Santubong, just 32km from the state capital, Kuching, it is the perfect place to get introduced to local culture and lifestyle.
Sprawled across 17 acres, there are about 150 people living in the village, demonstrating traditional daily activities from Sarawak's diverse tribes like the processing of sago and the making of handicrafts. They wear traditional costumes and also put on dances for visitors.
The village residents provide information on their various traditional cultures and lifestyles. You can see replicas of buildings that represent every major ethnic group in Sarawak; longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a Melanau tall-house and a Chinese farm house among others.
The village also has a theatre, where you can enjoy multicultural dance performances. Besides this, there is a restaurant and handicraft shop. You can even get married at the Sarawak Cultural Village, in traditional Iban, Malay, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu style.
The Iban longhouse has separate rooms placed side by side, all of which open to a long communal hall, used for leisurely activities like wood carving and basket weaving.
Guests are often invited to attend nightly ceremonies and drink a potent rice wine, tuak, which the Iban make themselves. Comfortable guesthouses are also available for visitors.
SIGN BOARD IN SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE
SOME THE HOUSE THAT HAVE IN SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE
SARAWAK ORCHID GARDEN
Sarawak's very own State Flower, the Normah Orchid (Phalaenopsis Bellina) is amongst the wide collection of Borneo Orchids found in this garden. The 15.4 acre property is strategically located opposite the Kuching Waterfront in the vicinity of the historical Astana and Fort Margherita. The Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly building) is nearby.
The DBKU Orchid Garden is divided into two major areas, made up of the nursery and the display area, which house a total collection of 75,000 plants comprising of 82 genera. Other than the Normah, some other famous Borneo orchids found in the garden are the Lady's Slipper (Paphiopedilum Sanderianum), Coelogyne Pandurata - the green and black flowered orchid, Bulbophyllum Beccarii - the flower with stinking smell and the Vandal Dearei - a fragrant flowered orchid.
Tip: Crossing the Sarawak river on a wooden boat known as 'Penambang' is a more interesting way to get to the garden. Remember to bring a hat and your camera (great for macro photography). Free admission. Open everyday except Mondays.
ENTRANCE IN ORCID GARDEN
SOME ORCHID IN THAT GARDEN
KUCHING , WATERFRONT
Aptly called The People Place, Kuching Waterfront was built for the people of Sarawak and visitors alike. It is their place to enjoy, to entertain and be entertained. A heritage to be proud of, and a legacy to pass on to generations to come. Stretching approximately 1 km, with a riverside walk linking the hotel precinct with downtown Kuching, the Waterfront is 'self-contained' with facilities for entertainment, refreshment, relaxation, cultural enjoyment and arts appreciation. It is also a great place for family gatherings, corporate outings and school and community projects.
Coolies bustling over berthed junks. Hawking of wares, Indian chettiars haggling. Natives selling jungle produce. That was Sarawak River to Kuching. Then time intervened. Sarawak River was not what it used to be. Quietness settled in. The godowns deserted, the merchants shifted.
Thus, Kuching Waterfront was rebuilt to return the frontage to the people. Officially opened in 1993, it spans about 1 km, each step rich in local history and culture.
Structures are preserved. The frame of the amphitheatre was originally part of a godown built in 1929. Other testimonies of this endeavour are the buildings of Sarawak Steamship Company and Chinese Museum.
Tradition radiates from the Chinese Pavillion. Each step of the way is paved with mosaic panels depicting ethnic motifs.
Kuching of by-gone days is revealed on plaques along the promenade floor. Trace the White Rajah’s reign. Read about rebellions. And piracy.
Come evening, see the abstract Hornbill Fountain, and try some of the wide variety of food there.
Awards
1994 - National Project Award in the Civic Design Category
(Awarded by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture)
1994 - Merit Award in the Overseas Category
(Awarded by the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture)
1994 - Excellence on the Waterfront/ Waterfront Centre Annual Award
(Awarded by the Waterfront Centre, USA)
Kuching Waterfront, which lines the south bank of Sarawak River, is THE place to sample the city's cosmopolitan vibes. During the daytime, it offers scenic views of the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Malay kampungs across the river; but night-time is when it really comes alive! It seems like half of the city is out meeting friends, watching a show, or just shooting the breeze. For something different, why not try jetty-hopping along the river on the local Penambang boats, and savour the different sights, sounds (and delicacies!) between the two riverbanks.
A result of a major restoration and land reclamation project, Kuching Waterfront today is the most popular meeting place in the city. Drab warehouses have been replaced with an almost 900m long esplanade, beautifully landscaped and dotted with wooden benches, food stalls, restaurants and entertainment facilities. A number of older buildings have been preserved and incorporated into the design, including the Chinese History Museum, the Sarawak Steamship Building, an open-air theatre and the Square Tower. Modern additions to the Waterfront include a restored Chinese pavilion, colourful musical fountains, and a number of modern sculptures.
THE 'PERAHU TAMBANG' THAT PROVIDE IN WATERFRONT
THE CAFE THAT PROVIDE IN WATERFRONT
THE CAT THAT LOCATED IN THE CENTRE OF WATERFRONT
BAKO NATIONAL PARK
Bako National Park, established in 1957, is the oldest national park in Sarawak, eastern Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It covers an area of 27.27 square kilometres (10.53 sq mi) at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula at the mouth of the Bako and Kuching Rivers. It is approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) by road from Kuching. Millions of years of erosion of the sandstone have created a coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands and stretches of white, sandy bays. Wave erosion at the base of the cliffs has carved many of the rocky headlands into fantastically shaped sea arches and seastacks with colored patterns formed by iron deposition. Some of these rock formations can be seen on entry to the Teluk Assam Beach, which fronts the park. The park can only be reached by a 20-minute boat ride from the village of Kampung Bako. It is often visited as a day-trip from Kuching, though accommodations (campground and forestry service bungalows) are available.
Bako is one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak. However, it features multiple biomes (including rainforest), abundant wildlife, jungle streams and waterfalls, secluded beaches, and trekking trails. A network of 16 marked walking trails of different lengths allows visitors access. In addition, various beaches are accessible by boat from Kampung Bako or Teluk Assam, as well as a geologically interesting sea stack rock formation. The range of attractions and activities in a compact area have made Bako one of the most popular parks in Sarawak.
THE SIGN AND THE VIEW OF THE ROCK THAT YOU CAN SEE WHEN GO TO THE BAKO NATIONAL PARK BY BOAT
THE VIEW OF COAST THAT BE SEEN WHEN GET THERE
SOME THE ROCK AND THE MONKEY THAT HAVE IN BAKO NATIONAL PARK
WIND CAVE
The Wind Cave Nature Reserve is part of the Bau Formation, a narrow belt of limestone covering about 150 sq km of Southwest Sarawak. Due to the comparatively soft and soluble nature of limestone, and the intense tropical rainfall of the region, the whole of the Bau Formation is intersected with caves. Whilst many caves of the Bau Formation are remote and inaccessible, the Wind Cave is within easy reach of Kuching and is a popular day trip and picnic destination. The Wind Cave Nature Reserve covers 6.16 hectares and includes the cave itself and the surrounding forest.
The Wind Cave that is only about 15 minutes away from Fairy Cave Sarawak is one of the famous caves here in Kuching Sarawak Borneo. The Wind Cave consist of multiple river passages through the rock leading to an entrance on the far side of the hill overlooking the Sarawak River.
You’ll need at least 2 hours to cover this whole area. The Wind Cave Bau is sort of like a pitch dark maze, so you’ll need to bring along Torch Lights or night vision goggles. I was not prepared with the torches, but not to worry, you can also rent them at the entrance at RM2 per torch light.
The reason they call this the Wind Cave is because you’ll feel a light breeze as you walk along the wooden platform that is created along the cave. You’ll hear the bat sounds, and those who are afraid of the dark, might find this place scary. I was told that the Bats consist of many types, but they all have ultra sound navigation system, so there are no cases where the bats touches the visitors. The bats also feed on fruits and other insects so they are fairly safe.
There are 3 main tracks at the Wind Cave and one of them is quite low, so for those who are tall, they’ll need to watch out. All along the tracks are notice boards that explain with illistration about the caves and their geological process. You can also walk through the nature reserve near the Wind Cave.
Getting to this cave is fairly easy because it is located only 45 minutes from Kuching town and 5 minutes away from a town called Bau. The Wind Cave Nature Reserve covers 6.16 hectares and includes the cave itself and the surrounding forest. Outside the cave, if you come in a group, there are Barbeque pit areas and clean bathrooms. They are open every day from 8.30am till 4.30pm in the evening.
THE VIEW INSIDE THE WIND CAVE AND THE SIGN BOARD THAT LOCATED IN THE BEGINNING OF THE ENTRANCE GATE
