The wardens at Semenggoh Nature Reserve have been training young orangutans, who had been orphaned or rescued from captivity, how to survive in the wild. The success of this programme has left the surrounding forest reserve with a thriving population of healthy adolescent and young adult orangutans, who are now breeding in the wild. The programme has since been transferred to Matang Wildlife Centre, but Semenggoh Nature Reserve is still home to its successful graduates, semi-wild orangutans and their babies. They spend most of their time roaming the forest but frequently come back to the Centre for a free meal. If it is the fruiting season in the forest, some or even all of them may not come to feed. This in itself is a good sign and another step on the way to full rehabilitation.

Serian town is one of the busiest towns especially during festive seasons. Stores and shops are packed by mainly Bidayuh returning home from Peninsula Malaysia, Singapore or oversee or major towns on Gawai and Christmas holidays. Tour groups heading for the Batang Ai areas often stop here. The main attraction is an excellent farmers’ market selling all manner of fruit, vegetables and forest produce, and a thriving fish market. If you are lucky you will also see live sago worms, a favourite local delicacy, offered for sale.