The Baby Orang-utans of Rasa Ria

Set alongside the opulence of the Shangri-La hotel a short drive from Kota Kinabalu, the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve is home for a number of young orang-utan varying in up to about eighteen months. Once they reach this age they are generally moved to their affiliated rehabilitation centre at Sepilok, on the outskirts of Sandakan.

Each day there are two scheduled feeding times, one morning and the other afternoon, where a limited number of visitors can be taken up to a viewing platform and watch the feeding of the young primates.

If you intend to join one of these tours make sure your arms and legs are covered and you have applied jungle strength repellant to any exposed skin. You should also buy your ticket well before the feeding time to secure your place, as mentioned, they are limited and hotel guests will often book the day before.

About half an hour before taking the short walk to the feeding area you will be shown a very interesting video and then given a short presentation, also interesting.

Once all the usual precautions have been taken and reminders heeded, you will be guided up a narrow uneven track through tall jungle to a small clearing about ten minutes walk from the hotel.

Here, standing on an elevated platform you will have a good view of the baby orang-utan being called in from the forest where they have been playing after being let out of their night quarters.

As the babies emerge from the shadows you will need to be careful of yourself and your equipment, not only are they curious creatures, but the surging tide of onlookers can get unintentionally pushy as they all vie for a good vantage point.

However, the insects and the crowds aside, we went up on three occasions and each time we were treated to a wonderful spectacle with the morning feeds being the most interesting. In the afternoon session, we were not able to see as many orang-tan. This may not be the norm, but for us the earlier feeds proved better.

One recommendation though, remember to take spare charged camera batteries. On one trip I forgot to charge my spare set and missed some wonderful opportunities.

Also, if you need to make a choice between here and a visit to Sepilok, this may be the easier and quickest. Sepilok is far bigger and the animals more elusive, but if you go there and stay a few days you are sure to be treated to some unforgettable memories.