Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation, Semanggol

Please note that since I posted this review I’ve seen scathing reviews on Trip advisor from people who actually volunteered here!! I suggest you check them out and make up your own mind before you visit!! My original review: I really don’t know why more people don’t know about this experience. It’s not Borneo but....we had an awesome experience on the Island. Really informative and gave us insight into these beautiful creatures. We understand that seeing them in captivity ( even if they are very large free range areas) is not ideal,but the conservation message that the foundation teaches visitors is an important one- and a necessary one if these beautiful animals are to remain a species. Understand also that visitors are only exposed to a small number of the animals and that the real conservation efforts happen behind the scenes- where human contact is limited and these magnificent creatures are rehabilitated back into the wild where possible. Having said that we met “Baboon” and her two babies, Adam the large male and 3 smaller males. We also saw Kate and her friend in action on the ropes at the departure jetty. If you take the time to ask the guides they will explain why some of the animals are separated from other groups of animals. Practicalities- the island is accessed via a resort called the Bukit Merah Laketown resort. It’s about 1 hour drive from Penang. Ample and free parking. Walk all the way through to the dock and purchase your tickets - 36MR for foreign adults. The ferry departs every 45 min starting from 9 am. The tour is about 45 min long to coincide with the next group arriving. But you can also skip the ferry back and go back on the next one - and thereby stay 90 min.

Great recovery site for orangutans. Quite poor facility for tourists. If only some improvements are done it would be a much better place.