If there is one thing we take for granted in our country, it is most likely our zoos. They’re basically all over the place, but we never seem to find the time or day to go visit them. This is surprising given that visiting the zoo is possibly the best activity one can do with their family and friends.
What’s not to love about it? You are literally be surrounded by tamed wild animals and the best part is that you can even pet them. That is why, we have decided to compile a list of some of the best zoos in Malaysia, both East and West.
1. National Zoo of Malaysia
Time: 9am – 5pm (Mondays to Sundays)
Location: Jalan Taman Zooview, Taman Zooview, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Without a doubt, the National Zoo—Malaysia’s pride and joy—will be the first on the list. The National Zoo shelters more than 5137 residents from 476 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. With up to 17 exhibits to explore, spending your time here is never a waste. You can do more than just visit; you can also hold parties, or gatherings while surrounded by wildlife. More information can be found on their website.
2. Alpaca Club Sabah
Time: 9am – 5pm (Opens daily)
Location: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
So adorable! Visit the alpaca farm and get up close and personal with these fluffy animals flown all the way from Australia. You can pet them, feed them and give them a big, warm hug as their charming, cheeky smiles melt your heart. If you think the full-grown balls of fluff are cute, wait till you see the babies!
While admiring the breathtaking view of the mountains, spend time with the adorable animals, learning their names and discovering their distinct personalities. Find out more on their Facebook!
3. Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi
Time: 9am – 6pm (Daily)
Location: Jalan Datai, Mukim Air Hangat, 07100 Langkawi, Kedah
Have you ever wondered what life was like back when dinosaurs roamed the planet? Now, you can experience it yourself as you come face-to-face with croc-like giant lizards at Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi. Get a chance to witness the 50-foot-tall dinosaur that roamed the Earth 112 million years ago, the Sarcosuchus.
You will also have the opportunity to interact with modern-day reptile beasts. Observe the professional Dino Rangers feeding and training the crocodiles in front of your eyes. Purchase your tickets here!
4. Langkawi Wildlife Park
Time: 8:30am – 5:30pm
Location: Lot 1485, Kampung Belanga Pecah, Jalan Ayer Hangat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
The must-visit Langkawi Wildlife Park is home to many wild creatures such as the Fennec Fox, Blue and Gold Macaw and Grey Crowned Crane. Experience wildlife in its natural habitat and have fun feeding and interacting with the animals. Animal lovers, if you’re interested, visit their Facebook to know more!
5. KL Bird Park
Time: 9am – 6pm
Location: Perdana Botanical Gardens, Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
What can you expect to find at KL Bird Park? Obviously, different types of birds! Find the most affectionate birds in the latest attractions, the Love Aviary, and watch as the wings of love take flight. If you’re inclined towards having a sense of tranquility, walk over to the mini aviary called Bul Bul Land which houses the Bulbuls, adorable song birds. You can even celebrate your birthday with them!
Enroll in bird school and and learn all about Malaysian birds, how to be a bird watcher and the bird’s nest design. Visit their website for more info!
6. Perlis Snake Park
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Taman Ular dan Reptilia Perlis, Jalan, Sungai Batu Pahat, 01000 Kangar, Perlis
The Perlis Snake Park, which holds a wide variety of snakes and other reptiles, is split into two main sections; an enclosed display and open-air enclosures. If you think you’re up for a challenge, you can request to hold the the slithery creatures and let them coil around your arm with the help of experienced handlers.
Check out their Facebook and catch a glimpse of what’s in store.
7. Farm in the City (FITC)
Time: 10m – 6pm (Weekdays), 9:30am – 6pm (Weekends), Closed on Tuesdays
Location: Lot 40187-40188, Jalan Prima Tropika Barat 1, Pusat Bandar Putra Permai, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Set in an environment that resembles a typical Malaysian village or “kampung-style”, the farm aims to give a whole different zoo experience by blending culture and lifestyle with wildlife and nature. Some of the attractions include the free-flight bird aviary, the reptiles cavern, moods lake which is home to ducks, geese, swans and pelicans, and pet village.
You could try a lot of things like ringing a bell to summon a school of Koi fish, interact with the most tamed and exotic animals and feed a Giant Tortoise. Click here to learn more about the exhibits, the ticket prices and more.
8. G2G Animal Garden
Time: 10am – 6pm (Weekdays), 9:30am – 6pm (Weekends), Closed on Tuesdays
Location: Jalan MAEPS 4/1, Fasa 3 Presint 9, 43400 Serdang, Selangor
G2G Animal Garden is the perfect location for those who are animal lovers, family outings, and people who are in desperate need of animal therapy. A few of the adorable attractions are the Cat House, Bird Aviary, Rabbit Garden, Reptile House, Pigeon House, Tortoise Garden, Fishing Boat, Kampong Pets and Pony Joyride.
Visit their website to know more about the packages!
9. Mini Zoo Taman Teruntum
Time: 9am – 5pm (Weekdays), 9am – 7pm (Weekends)
Location: Jalan Padang Golf, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang
This is Malaysia’s (and maybe the world’s!) first hybrid zoo, with a spectacular mix of real animals and animatronic dinosaurs coexisting in one space. This means that you will not only be able to witness the glory of wildlife in modern times, but you will also be able to experience the world in prehistoric times.
Some of the attractions include the famous Dinosaur Encounter which features 32 animatronics, and the Hobbit House from the movie “Lord of the Rings.” Don’t miss out on the cute, wild and ancient animals right here at Mini Zoo Taman Teruntum! Go to their website now for more info!
10. IOI City Farm
Time: 10am – 9pm (Opens daily)
Location: City, AT-6, Level 2 IOI City Mall, Lbh IRC, Ioi Resort, 62502 Sepang, Putrajaya
There’s a baby raccoon?! How cute! But wait, there’s more. Hidden in the IOI City Mall, you will find an indoor mini zoo with all your adorable little animal friends like guinea pigs and chicks. Using the edutainment concept, you can also bring your children along for an educational experience as well as creative activities. If you think you can handle the extreme cuteness, then hurry up and visit the farm!
Neetashini Kanendran contributed to this article
