Taiping has garnered many firsts under its belt. From the first museum to the first railway, Taiping Zoo marks another impressive first. It features a collection of wild animals in habitable enclosures modeled after Mother Nature.
The National Zoo of Malaysia (or Zoo Negara) is on par with Taiping Zoo, but the latter is famous for its night safari.
I’m not a big fan of zoos. But the well-curated, spacious enclosures give the animals plenty of room to roam. Plus, the attentive zookeepers make Taiping Zoo a must-see!
About Taiping Zoo and Taiping Night Safari
Zoo Taiping was opened in 1961 and is the only zoo in the north of Peninsular Malaysia. Located next to the Taiping Lake Gardens and near the foothills of Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), Taiping Zoo sprawls across 36 acres of undulating land. The zoo is accessible by foot or via tram.
Boasting exhibits from Africa, Asia, Australia, the Amazon, and Malaysia, there are a myriad of landscapes to cater to its diverse inhabitants.
From mossy ponds where the rhinos can submerge, to intricate platforms for panthers to climb and prowl. And lush trees with vines for the orangutan to swing from - Taiping Zoo appeals to the young and old alike. This is the best place to get up close to the mighty jungle animals in a safe and comfortable environment.
How many animals are there in Taiping Zoo?
Considering that Taiping Zoo is the size of 27 soccer fields, this zoo is home to 1,500 animals from 180 different species, with a growing list. You’ll find popular animals such as hippos, rhinos, giraffes, lions, and orangutans housed in various exhibits that mimic their natural habitat.
The zoo is divided into various terrains such as Malaysia Rainforest Experience, Riverine Forest, African Savant, and Elephants or the Perak River. These themed enclosures recreated in the zoo doubles as a conservation center to protect endangered species and encourage breeding.
These efforts have earned the zoo a string of awards, including the Malaysia Tourism Award for the best man-made tourist attraction. In addition, the Night Zoo is listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the first night safari in Malaysia.
Is the Taiping Day Zoo or the Taiping Night Zoo better?
If you have to choose between the day zoo and the night zoo, I would recommend giving preference to the former.
Simply because many of the animals are difficult to see at night, except for the larger animals such as the giraffes, elephants, tigers, and hippos, which are strangely not entirely nocturnal. Instead, they have become accustomed to the night feedings and the buzzing sounds of the trams.
If it’s your first time at the zoo, it's best to take the tram ride. The fast-paced ride takes you through the expansive zoo in 30 minutes, with the driver also acting as your guide.
The guides know their job only too well, as they spew facts about each resident. The guides call out the names of the animals to attract their attention.
During the night safari, the guides shine the animals with a flashlight so that guests can see them in the dark. At the same time, they tell juicy bits about their personal behavior and anecdotes.
Taiping Zoo online ticket price
Compared to the entrance fees of Zoo Negara (RM 45 per adult), tickets to Taiping Zoo is relatively cheap (RM16 per adult).
Indeed, Zoo Negara has its own strengths and unique attractions, like the pandas that are unique to the zoo. As well as the infamous Oyen and capybaras, which have a legion of international fans bolstered by their presence on social media.
Be warned that the day and night safari at Taiping Zoo is swarmed with visitors during school holidays or long holidays. To maximize your time on the ground, visit the Taiping Zoo website and purchase your tickets online in advance so you don't have to wait in line at the ticket counter.
Taiping Zoo (Daytime)
Adults: RM16.00
Children (3 – 12 years old): RM8.00
Senior Citizens (60 years old and above): RM8.00
Taiping Night Zoo
Adults: RM20.00
Children (3 – 12 years old): RM10.00
Senior Citizens (60 years old and above): RM10.00
Tickets sold online share the same price as those sold at the counter. So don’t expect to get better discounts online.
Taiping Zoo Opening Hours
The Taiping Zoo is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends and public holidays.
The Night Safari operates from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, including weekends and public holidays.
Hotels near the Taiping Zoo
It's a good idea to stay near Taiping Zoo, as the hotels along Jalan Taman Tasik are located directly opposite the iconic Lake Garden.
Hotel Flemington is a 3-star boutique hotel with room rates starting at RM179 for the smallest unit during the low season.
If you don’t need a swimming pool or gym, try the Pearl Inn. This heritage 4-star hotel looks like an apartment from the outside, but impresses with a comfortable suite for just RM 82 per night.
Alternatively, you can choose a mid-range hotel like the Hotel Grand Baron Taiping, which has similar bells and whistles to Hotel Flemington and will only cost you RM 144.
Is Taiping Zoo Worth Visiting?
Taiping Zoo is worth every penny because the welfare of the animals is well managed, and the zoo is clean with no litter in sight. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the animal show is a crowd-pleaser.
Most importantly, the zoo's residents look happy to be there. Taiping Zoo champions rehabilitation and wildlife conservation, giving injured wild animals a second chance to live out their lives in a protected environment.
I conclude this Taiping Zoo review as a highly recommended place to visit in Taiping that will not disappoint!
Contact Information
Address: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Fax : + 605 - 8066025
E-mail: zootaiping@zootaiping.gov.my
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