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Orang Utan Island and Penang Tour: Nature and Culture
4.9
57 Ratings
Semanggol
Discover Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City on a private tour. Experience wildlife, culture, and flavors in Malaysia’s ‘Pearl of the Orient.’
Discover Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City on a private tour. Experience wildlife, culture, and flavors in Malaysia’s ‘Pearl of the Orient.’
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation - Embark on an extraordinary conservation adventure to Orang Utan Island in Bukit Merah, a sanctuary devoted to the preservation and study of these remarkable animals. Covering over 15 acres, this island provides a unique chance to observe Orang Utans up close in a semi-wild setting. The protected enclosure…
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation - Embark on an extraordinary conservation adventure to Orang Utan Island in Bukit Merah, a sanctuary devoted to the preservation and study of these remarkable animals. Covering over 15 acres, this island provides a unique chance to observe Orang Utans up close in a semi-wild setting. The protected enclosure allows visitors to walk through a tunnel, observing the Orang Utans as they climb, play, and interact in their natural environment. Orang Utan Island is more than just an attraction; it is a crucial initiative aimed at educating the public on the importance of safeguarding endangered species and their habitats. The island is situated on the outskirts, with travel time potentially taking up to 3 hours round trip.
- Chew Jetty - Step back in time at Chew Jetty, the largest and most well-preserved of Penang’s historic clan jetties. As part of the Penang Heritage Trail, this waterfront settlement is constructed on stilts over the water, providing insight into the lives of the Chinese immigrants who settled here over a century ago.
- Street Art in George Town - Immerse yourself in the lively streets of George Town, where art comes to life at every turn. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its interactive street art, which blends historical scenes with whimsical humor. Created by artists from around the world, including the famous Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, these murals transform the city into an expansive open-air gallery. George Town’s street art is a testament to the city’s creative spirit and cultural richness.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Parking fees
- Private transportation
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Parking fees
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
Embark on an unforgettable journey filled with nature’s wonders and cultural delights. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants, learn about their conservation efforts, and feel your heart swell with admiration for these incredible beings. Prepare yourself to be enchanted by the rich tapestry of cultures and flavors that await you in Penang,…
Embark on an unforgettable journey filled with nature’s wonders and cultural delights. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants, learn about their conservation efforts, and feel your heart swell with admiration for these incredible beings. Prepare yourself to be enchanted by the rich tapestry of cultures and flavors that await you in Penang, fondly known as the “Pearl of the Orient.” Book your adventure to Orang Utan Island and Penang city tour today, and let the magic of Malaysia unfold before your eyes!
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- This is a private tour/ activity. Only your group will participate
Location
Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation
Jalan Bukit Merah, Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(57 Ratings)
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Sandra_s
May 14, 2026
We had a fantastic time... - We had a fantastic time on this tour. Our guide Ashline picked us up at the cruise terminal. She was very friendly and knowledgable. Ashline brought a large bag of fruit for us to feed the orangutans. There were only 2 other couples at the sanctuary so we were able to get pretty close to the orangutans for some great photos. We then returned to George Town where Ashline stopped to get us some delicious samosas for lunch. Then a tour of the area. We saw the street art & walked along Chew Jetty. We would have spent longer there but the intense heat was too much for us so Ashline returned us to our ship. Highly recommend this excursion.
Review provided by Viator
Champika_g
May 7, 2026
Our guide Leslie was the... - Our guide Leslie was the most wonderful guide. Extremely attentive, knowledgable and went above and beyond to give us a best overall experience.
When we were in Bukit Merah, we were taken around by an inhouse guide. She obviously cared deeply about the rescued Orangutans, it showed in her explanations and knowledge. She knew each and every Orangutan's history, personality and likes and dislikes.
Also our wonderful Leslie had come bearing fruits and nuts for the animals so we were lucky enough to experience feeding these wonderful animals.
The inhouse guide was able to answer all our questions and gave us plenty of time to spend in the island.
Following this wonderful trip, Leslie drove us back to George Town and took us to the Jettys. Leslie explained the history of these and how they are now protected. He was very patient while we looked around all the shops and really helped us with our purchases.
I feel the whole experience was wonderful and was made 100% better by our guide. So thank you Leslie for being the most wonderful, thoughtful, funny, caring person.
Review provided by Viator
Carolgf668td
May 4, 2026
Culture, History, and Preservation of Endangered Species - Communication was excellent before the tour with. emailed tickets and phone calls the day of the excursion. Ernest, our guide, was kind, considerate, and knowledgeable. He took us to to Khoo Kongsi, a genealogical clan's complex established to improve Chinese immigrants' lives through education, jobs, and health care.
From there, we went to the orangutan sanctuary where caretakers feed and train orphaned or abused apes for release into the wild in Borneo. Getting close and feeding these animals was a real highlight.
Finally, we drove through Chinese, Indian, and English conclaves in Penang noting the difference in architecture and purpose.
Ernest took wonderful photos of us with the orangs and emailed them to us in Whatsapp.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D2774hldanielb
Apr 26, 2026
Bukit Merah Orang Utan Preserve Penang - Bukit Merah Orang Utan Preserve in Penang was a thrilling experience for me. Any animal lover would enjoy being guided by Ms. Peggy. She was knowledgeable and kind about all aspects of the visit. I felt like I was a VIP from the start to finish. Guides in the park and caretakers were friendly, as well! 5 star excursion!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Niall_h
Apr 11, 2026
Amazing trip! - Absolutely loved this tour, along way to go from our hotel but worth every minute. You only get an hour on the island.
We didn’t want to leave.
Chris our tour guide she was fantastic!!! She bought fruit and juice (with her own money) she knew all the orangutans and would call them over by their names so we could feed them. She made sure we were away from the crowds and took lots of photos and even made us a video which she sent to us after the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Alison_m
Apr 9, 2026
Art, food, and librarians (Ook!) - Absolutely amazing. I booked in order to see Orang Utang in as close to natural habitat as possible.
I was not disappointed, and even got to throw them some fruit.
Additionally a private tour of Georgetown with an introduction the the jetties, the street art, and the amazing street food.
Review provided by Viator
Beth_j
Mar 31, 2026
Incredible experience - What an incredible experience getting up so close to Orangutan’s. Our amazing guide Ernest Loh looked after us from the minute he picked us up till the minute he dropped us back at the hotel. He was very knowledgeable about his country and was kind enough to share the best place for us to visit. When visiting the orangutan’s he had brought a bag of apples/oranges and juice which we were able to feed to the orangutan’s. Would highly recommended booking this private trip, definitely worth every penny!
Review provided by Viator
Brad_m
Mar 23, 2026
Absolutely Best Excursion! - This was the best tour! If you have the opportunity to do this, ask for Chrys to be your guide! We were on a cruise and she communicated with us, directed where to meet, and adjusted our schedule on the go. We arrived a bit later than expected and she adjusted our tickets for the Orang Utan. She was well organized, kind, and the entire trip felt like I was touring with a friend.
Once at the Orang Utan island, she brought food to entice the orangutans and even got us special treatment.
The entire day was informative and fun!! Highly recommend this day excursion
Review provided by Viator
James_o
Mar 21, 2026
An excellent tour- highly recommend - Jackie was a super guide- very informative, funny, careful driver, kept us on schedule, great history knowledge, made the Orangutan Island trip a real treat and knew the Orangutans by their name and habits- 5 stars for sure, the Jetty visit, Street art area, Chinese historical compound were great- a terrific day
Review provided by Viator
Susan_h
Mar 18, 2026
Chrys created the most... - Chrys created the most magical day for us! From the minute she met us at the ship until our delivery back there she was a delight to spend time with, enabled us to see and experience so much, and managed our time incredibly well. She knew just the places to show us and stories to tell to give us an appreciation for old town, took us to the best photo spots and captured such fun pictures for us and, best of all, made sure we had an amazing connection with the orangutans at the sanctuary. She knows each of the orangutans and their favorite treats—and was patient about finding the right window of time, despite the presence of a group who was also visiting, to help us have close up time with these precious creatures.
Review provided by Viator
