Zoo Negara

Continuing along with enjoying weekends with kids theme, is Zoo Negara.

Zoo Negara is Malaysia's national zoo and has been around ever since I can remember. At least all of us has been there at least once way back when.

Zoo Negara is quite easy to get to via the Middle Ring Road with clear signs as you get near to it. It can be quite jammed, but generally the traffic was moving. The website is quite informative, and you'll get an idea of what's there and ticket prices. The place itself is not too big, yet large enough that it's quite tiring for the kids. Strollers are strongly advised. There are shuttle buses going around.

On the animal side, there was more variety than I could remember, with tigers, lions, bears, hippos, giraffes and local animals and birds. There is a lot less concrete now, and like most modern zoos, the enclosures are via trenches or moats, and not bars. The reptile area and aquariums are the same as they have always been, and quite small and not varied. For a lot of the fish and reptile displays, they were empty.

For activities, unlike most other zoos, you're allowed to feed quite a few of the animals (extra cost for the food at RM3 per portion). You're allowed to feed the deer, elephants and a few other animals. Good for photos and for the kids to get very close experience with the animals. There is a kids area also with some volunteers to pet goats, rabbits and miniature horses. Twice a day at 11am and 3pm there are free shows. Too much talk, only a few animals and very simple tricks. If you've gone to Sea World or the circus you're going to be disappointed.

For food and drinks, I would strongly suggest bringing your own in, especially drinks. As is usual in parks, prices are marked up considerably and you don't have much choice.

Even on weekends it is not crowded. It's mostly outdoors so it gets very hot in the afternoon, despite the shade. I would suggest going in the morning, when it is coolest. You should be able to cover all the attractions before noon, and then find a nice place outside of the zoo for lunch.

There is not enough there to keep you going back often, but if you have kids who have never been to the zoo, it's worth taking them here at least once, just like our parents did for the experience of seeing animals close up that they've only seen on TV and in picture books.