Orang Utan Island: Day Trips and Tours from Kuala Lumpur

Orang Utan Island is both a safe haven for primates and a fascinating destination for tourists who wish to learn more about the ever-decreasing population of this species of monkey. Here, you can see how orangutans learn, grow and evolve in an ethical way, without any cages in sight.

Orang Utan Island day trips from Kuala Lumpur are easy to arrange and a must for any animal lover.

Here's all you need to know about Orang Utan Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Kuala Lumpur.

How to get to Orang Utan Island from Kuala Lumpur?

Orang Utan Island is located on Tasik Bukit Merah in the Northwest of Malaysia. It is approximately 290 kilometers from the country’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

From Kuala Lumpur to Orang Utan Island by car

The journey to Orang Utan Island by car takes just over 3 hours. You’ll travel out of Kuala Lumpur in a northerly direction using the E1 the majority of the way. Toward the end of the route, you’ll take exit 150 and head to the lakefront of Tasik Bukit Merah where you can take a short ferry across to the island.

From Kula Lumpur to Orang Utan Island by bus/public transport

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to Orang Utan Island by using public transport instead. You’ll take a direct train from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Taiping, which takes just over 3 hours. From there, you can hail a local taxi to transport you to the ferry terminal at Bukit Merah Lake Resort, where you can make the short crossing to Orang Utan Island.

Guided tour to Orang Utan Island from Kuala Lumpur

Alternatively, the easiest way to reach the destination is by booking an organized excursion to Orang Utan Island. These day trips take care of all the details for you, meaning that you are free to simply enjoy the experience. You’ll benefit from a complimentary accommodation pickup service around 7 AM and you’ll be returned to your hotel at the end of the tour.

What is the typical itinerary?

While the itinerary of each Orang Utan day trip differs, they all share several similarities. You’ll head to the conservation center first, which takes several hours to reach in a comfortable vehicle.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the island and meet its inhabitants who are going through rehabilitation. Learn the importance of the work done here before journeying back to the mainland in the direction of Kuala Lumpur.

From here, Orang Utan Island day tours differ, with some traveling on to discover Taiping Lake Garden and Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, and others visiting Perak Tong Cave. You’ll typically be provided with food throughout the day and your driver will escort you back to your hotel at the end of your adventure.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Orang Utan Island?

There are a couple of different options for Orang Utan Island day tours, depending on which additional sites you wish to see.

Guided tours to Orang Utan Island from Kuala Lumpur

You’ll begin this day trip to Orang Utan Island by traveling up the country through the vast rainforests and palm groves that make up Northwest Malaysia. Make the short boat journey across the lake to discover the conservation center on Orang Utang Island.

Here, you can learn about the species’ intelligence and discover the love, and care that goes into rehabilitating each primate. Before returning to Kuala Lumpur, you’ll enjoy a leisurely amble through the Taiping Lake Garden and explore the limestone cave temple of Sam Poh Tong, built by the Chinese.

Dine on local cuisine before beginning your journey back to your hotel where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or sightseeing in the city.

Day trip to Orang Utan Island plus Perak Tong Cave from Kuala Lumpur

This combination Orang Utan and Ipoh day trip travels first to the Orangutan rehabilitation center where you’ll learn about these remarkable creatures, as well as endangerment of the species.

Then, you’ll journey toward Ipoh to see the Perak Tong Cave — one of more than 30 cave temples in this area. This 20th-century Chinese landmark is one of the most visited religious spots in Ipoh and features a  golden 12-meter-high sculpture of the Buddha, surrounded by several smaller deities.

After discovering the intricate carvings and history of Buddhism in Malaysia, you’ll begin the journey back to Kuala Lumpur.

How much does a day trip to Orang Utan Island from Kuala Lumpur cost?

Day tours to Orang Utan Island plus Perak Tong Cave cost US$200 with the price per head reducing with each guest added down to just over US$40 with the maximum group size of 15. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 cost just over US$50 each.

An Orang Utan Island day trip costs US$210 as a solo traveler. However, the price per head reduces with each party member added and, with the maximum group size of 15, you’ll each pay between US$50, and US$60. Children between the ages of 3 and 11 cost between US$60, and US$70 each while those under 3 can participate for free.

What will you see and do?

Orang Utan Island is a rehabilitation center and conservation sanctuary in a remote corner of northwest Malaysia where visitors can get up close to the endangered species, and see how the beings interact in a natural setting. Away from poachers and other threats, these primates have 35 acres of land to roam at their leisure.

The rehabilitation efforts are the work of the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation, which aims to rehome the orangutans back in the wilderness of Borneo after helping them to recover from any trauma they’ve faced.

You won’t find any cages here on a day trip to Orang Utan Island, just monkeys lazily swinging between palm trees and cheekily chasing each other, the way nature intended.

When is the best time to visit Orang Utan Island?

The dry months are ideal for traveling in this region as you'll have the least chance of rain, and the paths on the island are less slippery.

Which other day trips can you enjoy from Kuala Lumpur?

• Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur
• Putrajaya from Kuala Lumpur
• Taman Negara national park from Kuala Lumpur
• Batu cave from Kuala Lumpur
• Bukit Tinggi from Kuala Lumpur

Travel tips

• Always follow guidelines and instructions when observing orangutans to ensure their safety and yours.
• Given the tropical climate and nature of the tour, wear lightweight, breathable clothing. It's also a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Carry a bottle of water with you, especially if visiting during the drier and hotter months.