Joanna James
It is hard to imagine wildlife and nature escapes in a sprawling urban landscape like Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Yet, interspersed in and around the city are exotic wildlife settings ideal for all animal lovers. Discover the best spots to see wildlife in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
It is hard to think that the globally-famed KL Tower would be home to animals. Yet, within this state-of-the-art structure lies a mini zoo. Located on the tower's ground floor, the KL Tower Mini Zoo showcases a vast range of animals, including rabbits, meerkats, squirrel monkeys, sugar gliders, and the world's tiniest horse species. If you fancy a short wildlife excursion, this zoo is for you.
Aquaria KLCC is a trailblasing aquarium located in the very heart of Kuala Lumpur's city centre. Whether you are staying at a hotel in Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur, the likes of The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel, or on the outskirts of the city, the Aquaria KLCC is easily accessible. This stunning oceanarium displays over 5000 marine and land animals and is ranked as one of the top 5 aquariums in Asia. You will be treated to an array of multi-coloured fish, stingrays, jellyfish, turtles and sharks.
Located within the city's green oasis, Perdana Botanical Gardens, the KL Bird Park is spread across 20 acres. The park houses 3000 vibrantly coloured exotic birds. KL Bird Park is laid out over 4 zones allowing you to spot flamingos, hornbills, storks, doves, parrots, ibises, ostriches and more. Time your visit to check out the feeding schedules and daily bird shows. You can also visit the Deer Park and Butterfly Park located close by.
Malaysia's national zoo, located 20-25 minutes away from the heart of Kuala Lumpur, was opened in 1963. The zoo showcases over 400 animals, including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Sprawled across 110 acres of land, the Zoo Negara features an open-zoo concept and promotes education and conservation. Endangered species such as orangutans, Malayan tigers and others are also on display. Be sure to visit the Giant Panda Conversation Centre, the Butterfly Garden, the Ape Centre and the Cat Walk.
Located about 30 minutes from the city centre, Sunway Wildlife Park adjoins the famed Sunway Lagoon theme park. The wildlife park houses over 150 animal species, including birds, marine life, lions and white tigers. There is also a petting area along with daily multi-animal shows.
Farm in the City is not your typical zoo experience. Located in Seri Kembangan in Selangor, 30 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur, Farm in the City offers a personal, interactive experience with animals. The animals are not placed in cages but instead roam freely in natural settings. It is essentially a petting zoo allowing you to feed, pet or get up close with rabbits, guinea pigs, deer and more.
This petting zoo is located in the Semenyih area in Selangor, about 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. The zoo aims to foster a closer bond/relationship between animals and young children. Aves World allows you to grab a bucket of animal feed and just have fun feeding animals such as ducks, goats, sheep, rabbits, horses and ponies. The zoo also offers other kid-friendly activities such as pony riding, milking a calf or collecting fresh eggs.
Located in Hulu Selangor, about an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, LoLo Mike's Eco Farm is set amid verdant green fields. This 15-acre eco-farm offers farm-like rustic overnight accommodation. You will experience life as a farmer by indulging in planting, harvesting, bamboo rafting, rubber tapping and mingling with farm animals such as chickens, fish and ducks.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
