Get a glimpse of the many fascinating wildlife at Malaysia’s oldest zoo, Zoo Taiping & Night Safari located in the state of Perak. Stretching over 36 acres, Zoo Taiping is currently home to over 140 species of wildlife. The zoo was first established in 1961, just a few years after the country’s independence, making it the country’s very first zoo.
Zoo Taiping & Night Safari is strategically located just around the corner from the famous Taiping Lake Gardens, hence is also encompassed by luscious greenery and serene lakes, which originate from the gardens. Zoo Taiping is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, while its Night Safari operates from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily.
Zoo Taiping & Night Safari promotes an open-air concept, where animals are housed and displayed within naturalistic exhibits, which are purposefully built to represent and simulate each animal’s natural habitat.
At present, over 1,500 animals reside in Zoo Taiping, ranging from reptiles and mammals to birds and fishes. Don’t miss out on the five key exhibits, which come highly recommended namely the Malaysian Rainforest Experience, Lowland Forest, Riverine Forest, African Savanna and the Elephants of the Perak River.
Here, you will enjoy up-close views of captivating wildlife such as the Malayan tiger, African lions, hippos, rhinos, giraffes, orang utan and many more fascinating creatures.
Each exhibit is designed to house the animals in optimum comfort and security whilst also operating as conservation centres to increase the population of the animals, particularly the endangered ones. Enjoy a calming walk along the 2.5-kilometre trail to fully immerse in the natural beauty of the zoo and its surroundings.
Zoo Taiping welcomes you to experience the zoo on their captivating night safari, which takes any zoo experience to another level. Taiping’s Night Safari was officially launched in 2003, making it the first night safari to ever be introduced in Malaysia.
Taiping’s Night Safari is meticulously designed to give visitors a chance to view the animals in their natural habitats come nightfall. The journey of the Night Safari begins with a free tram ride through the entire zoo to view the animals from a distance. After the tram ride, visitors are free to roam around the zoo to revisit their favourite animals. Taiping’s Night Safari highly encourages visitors to bask in the natural sights and sounds of the wildlife for a more realistic and wholesome safari experience.
The zoo is also home to many nocturnal animals, which is why when you participate in the night safari, you will likely catch glimpses of them running around actively in their enclosures. Each animal is showcased within their natural exhibits with special lighting, which is similar to the glimmering moonlight so visitors are able to spot the animals with ease.
Don’t be surprised if you see a few friendly creatures walking alongside you. There are a few bird species that are not kept in their enclosures and are allowed to roam freely along the zoo’s trail. For example, the grey-crowned crane is often spotted strutting along the trail without causing harm to its visitors. As you journey along Taiping’s Night Safari you will also be able to hear the calls of the animals as they roar, croak and purr under the stars. Be sure to listen carefully for the unique sounds of the zoo’s hyenas too.
Feeling peckish on your zoo adventure? Fret not as there is a dainty cafe hidden within the zoo’s grounds for you to dine at. Located right next to the elephant enclosure, visitors can drop by the cafe for a quick snack or get something to-go with them. There are also other cafes and restaurants located by the entrance of the zoo. For more local delights, try out Mergastua Restaurant, which serves mouthwatering Malaysian dishes. Looking for a faster option? Zoo Taiping also has a fast food joint, Marrybrown, which is located right next to the Mergastua Restaurant for a quick alternative for those in a rush.
*Prices are subject to change. Visit Zoo Taiping and Night Safari for price confirmation.
Visitors can also purchase online tickets for the zoo here.
There are multiple ways to travel to Zoo Taiping & Night Safari, which are quick and convenient for all. For those who wish to travel by bus, hop onto an express bus that stops at Kamunting Bus Terminal. From there, you can grab a taxi or any other e-hailing services directly to the zoo.
Alternatively, visitors coming from other states can take the train and disembark at the Taiping Railway Station. Similar to taking a bus, you will have to hop into a taxi or any e-hailing car to reach the zoo from there.
With ample parking space on the zoo’s grounds, visitors are more than welcome to drive there as well. Simply take the North-South Expressway and exit at Kamunting Toll Plaza. However, if you are travelling from down south, you can exit at the Changkat Jering Toll Plaza. With signboards aplenty, getting to the zoo from there will be a breeze.
Parking Rates per Entry are as follows:
Selangor
19% off RM
1050.00
from RM850.00
13% off RM
440.00
from RM380.00
from RM255.00
from RM780.00
12% off RM
550.00
from RM480.00
from RM460.00
