Connect yourself with the wildlife of Malaysia in these exotic sanctuaries
Breaching its shell as an underrated travel destination in South East Asia, Malaysia has grown in popularity through the decades and continues to blossom in the perception of travellers around the world. Rich in natural wonders from lush unsullied tropical jungles to native wildlife, Malaysia is a great stop this holiday season if you would like to embark on vacations closer to nature and especially exotic lifeforms.
Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary
The Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary is a conservation centre set up to relocate displaced elephants rescued from all over Peninsula Malaysia. Providing the elephants with a safe sanctuary in the wild, the centre also offers a rare opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with the gentle giants. Situated in Pahang, Malaysia, visitors will get a chance to ride them through the jungle with a guide, and even take them down to the river for a bath.
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary
The orang utans, also known as the ‘Wild Men of Borneo’ are an exclusive species of great apes native to Malaysia and at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, visitors will get to watch as the orang utans interact with the caretakers of the centre at specific times in a day. The centre wields enough natural space for the orang utans to roam freely in the forest where they can fend for themselves. Over 200 species of birds and a variety of wild plants can be found within the forest reserve as well.
Matang Wildlife Centre
Located in Kubah National Park approximately 35km from Kuching, the Matang Wildlife Centre is a large enclosed rainforest and home to endangered wildlife. It is a sanctuary to orang utans who have been orphaned or rescued from captivity, Sun Bears, Sambar Deer, Civet Cats, Sea Eagles, Hornbills and a myriad of other bird species. The centre offers several jungle trekking trails, picnic spots and accommodation facilities for travelling convenience.
Monkey Tops Safari
As its moniker implies, Monkey Tops Safari features an abundance of mangrove trees found in the Klias Wetland Peninsula in Sabah, Borneo and is enriched with vegetation and wildlife such as the Proboscis Monkeys, Long Tail Macaques, Crocodiles, fireflies and many other species of birds. A 30-foot observation tower enables visitors to view the sweeping sights of the tropical wetland and the wildlife across the rivers. You can also opt for a river cruise for more adventurous explorations.
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
Situated in Teluk Sengat, a small town in Kota Tinggi District, Johor; more than 1,000 saltwater crocodiles live in this farm. It is run by a third-generation Malaysian crocodile farmer and hunter Mr. Ng, who inherited the farm from his late grandfather. The crocodiles range from all kinds of sizes and visitors will get to learn a lot about the great reptiles with interesting facts on top of taking photographs near them.
