Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
What To Expect
Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation
Embark on a unique conservation journey to Orang Utan Island in Bukit Merah, a sanctuary dedicated to preservation and research of these magnificent creatures. Spanning over 15 acres, this island offers a rare opportunity to observe Orang Utan up close, living in a semi-wild environment. the protected enclosure allows visitors to walk through a tunnel, witnessing the Orang Utans as they climb, play, and interact in their natural habitat. Orang Utan Island is not just an attraction; it is a vital project aimed at educating the public on the importance of protecting endangered species and their environments. The island located in the outskirts where the traveling time may take up to 3 hours back and forth.
Chew Jetty
Walk through time at Chew Jetty, the largest and most intact of Penang's historic clan jetties. Part of the Penang Heritage Trail, this waterfront settlement is built on stilts over the water, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Chinese immigrants who settled here over a century ago.
Options
Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Hotel/ port pickup and drop-off
Professional Guide
Parking Fees
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
60 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Penang sightseeing and Orangutan experience
Sandra P,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ernest Loh was our fantastic guide for the day. He was a very safe driver and took care of all our needs including a delicious lunch, great coffee, and knowledge of Penang. The Buddhist temples were a highlight of the island before we headed to the Orangutan sanctuary. Ernest got us some one-to-one time with one of the sanctuary’s most beautiful inhabitants - Hiroshi the 11 year old orangutan. It was an unforgettable experience. Thank you for the amazing time and your wonderful photos, Ernest!
Great tour with Leslie
marviniq,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leslie was a delightful guide and very generous with his time and care of us during the tour. We had a great time and have some great video memories to enjoy.
The Orangutan Sanctuary...
Daine L,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Orangutan Sanctuary and tour of Georgetown was one of the highlights of our trip! Jackie did a phenomenal job as our tour guide and ensured we had a terrific day. Would highly recommend!!
We had a fantastic time...
Sandra S,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
Our guide Leslie was the...
Champika G,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 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.
Culture, History, and Preservation of Endangered Species
carolgF668TD,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Communication 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.
Bukit Merah Orang Utan Preserve Penang
D2774HLdanielb,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bukit 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!
Amazing trip!
niall h,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely 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.
Art, food, and librarians (Ook!)
Alison M,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely 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.
Incredible experience
Beth J,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What 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!
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