Orang Utan Island

Orang Utan Island or formerly known as Pulau Panjang, is a 35-acre island which is part of Bukit Merah Laketown Resort. Since its inception in 2000, Orang Utan Island originally is created to be a sanctuary for orangutan. However, it has progressed from being a sanctuary to a recognized conservation facility and referral center for the endangered orangutan.

Orangutan’s population is severely declining. Hence, the effort is made to repopulate the orangutan. The island originally only has 3 orangutan from the island of Borneo loaned by the Sarawak Forestry Department . To date, the population has increased to 24. The orangutan truly exhibits human-like mannerism in many facets of its behavior. Its genetic make-up is approximately 97% similar to that of humans.

As the visitors alight onto the jetty, the orang utan can be spotted swinging from tree to tree or dozing for a nap. The visitors can walk along the boardwalk while at the same time learn amazing facts about this intelligent red haired primate.

At the end of the boardwalk, there is a semi-circle steel fence tunnel where the visitors can walk through. It is a humbling experience where the reversal of the role takes place, the human will be in the cage looking at the orangutans roam free just about anywhere. The island also has a Herbal Garden for visitors to learn about the herbal plants of Malaysia, the Education Zones for expert briefing on the orangutan and the Researcher’s Corner for a closer observation of the island’s star attractions.

Image by: Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation FB

Operating Hours

Daily: 9.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m

Admission

Adult: RM 30.00

Child: RM 18.00

Senior: RM 15.00

Student: RM 18.00

Non Citizen: RM 36.00

Location

A197, 34400 Simpang Empat Semanggol, Negeri Perak, Malaysia.

View map.

Hear From Others

If you have a spare day I would recommend Orang Utan Island no problems. They are such fascinating and entertaining creatures.

Josh Bender
TravelWithBender

The smile on my face observing the orangutans was as big as that of the kids at the end of the tour devouring their ice creams. The boat ride and visit to the Centre was a really peaceful and interesting way to pass 90 minutes. Much more relaxing and enjoyable than rest of the long car journey with my family!

Spanglishmama
HappyGoKL

Put the Orangutan Island on your itinerary if you are in the Penang area.  It also would make a great pit stop if driving from Penang or Thailand down to Kuala Lumpur.  We highly recommend it!

BohemianTravelers

Nearby Attractions

Taiping Lake Gardens

The Taiping Lake Gardens is the first public garden in Malaysia. The garden is located near Bukit Larut and the Taiping Zoo. The huge lake was formerly a tin mine but was since transformed into a beautiful well used and well maintained park where flowers, birds, insects, animals and lush greenery thrive.

Zoo Taiping

Taiping Zoo is a zoological park located in Taiping, Perak. It is established in 1961 and the oldest Zoo in Malaysia. It covers 36 acres and houses 1300 animals from 180 species of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. These include Tigers, Lions, Elephants, Hippopotamus, Giraffes, Hornbills, Orang Utans and others.

Bukit Merah Laketown WaterPark

Bukit Merah Laketown Waterpark is a charming and beautiful lake garden recreation center located at Bukit Merah Laketown Resort. It is one of the parks that can be found in the resort. Occupying an area of 11 acres, it is one of the largest in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.The place is great if you enjoy swimming and cooling down by the pool side.