Taking Grab to the Zoo!
After visiting Batu Caves, as I mentioned in my recent blog post, I also went to Zoo Negara, the National Zoo of Malaysia.
It's about a 10-minute ride from Batu Caves using Grab. You can get picked up right near the parking area after coming down the Batu Caves stairs. However, I noticed that the road was quite congested with cars, so I opted to go to the pickup point at the KTM Commuter's Batu Cave station. There were fewer cars, making it easier to identify which one to hop into, and I could wait comfortably inside the air-conditioned car as there was a bit of traffic.
Zoo Negara - The National Zoo
Zoo Negara is located in Selangor, and many people visit it in combination with Batu Caves. However, since it requires transportation, and not everyone who loves animals necessarily goes to Batu Caves, you can choose as per your preferences.
The ticket prices for Zoo Negara differ for foreigners and Malaysians. You can also purchase tickets through Klook, but note that you need to buy them in advance, typically by the day before your visit. Also, if you're in the process of obtaining a student visa, the student rate might not apply, and you'll need to pay the regular adult fee.
Upon entry, they put a paper bracelet on your arm as your ticket. When I was struggling to put it on by myself, one of the security guards kindly assisted me, saying, "Come, let me help you."
Highlights of Zoo Negara
Close Proximity to Animals (Some Are Even Free-Roaming)
Coming from a background of visiting zoos primarily in the Tokyo area, such as Ueno Zoo, Inokashira Park Zoo, and occasionally making a longer trip to Yokohama's Zoorasia, I found that the biggest difference at Zoo Negara was the close proximity between visitors and animals. Even though there were deep moats separating visitors from lions, pumas, and white tigers, and they could only be observed from glass-enclosed viewing areas, other animals could be observed from very close distances.
For instance, this giraffe was leisurely walking right next to us, occasionally reaching heights comparable to the trees to munch on leaves.
As someone who once answered, "I like giraffes," with a response that was difficult to react to during a primary school entrance interview, it was an unmissable giraffe-spotting moment for me.
Also, some of the birds were in an area with a large pond at the heart of the zoo. It appeared to be a picturesque spot, possibly a location for movie shoots.
While the birds have a base on an island, they often stroll near the walkways near the visitors. They are essentially free-roaming. For those who might think that animals are best observed from behind fences, this could be an overly stimulating experience.
Extremely Entertaining Animal Shows
Every day, there are animal shows where animals, from chickens to flamingos and seals, perform. These shows not only feature tricks but also involve games that the audience can enjoy. There are also explanations about each animal. It's a very comprehensive show, and the games involve both children and adults, creating a great sense of excitement. I, as a solo visitor, thoroughly enjoyed it.
What surprised me was that all the MC's lines were conducted in both English and Malay. I've noticed that at tourist destinations, English is often used for guidance. However, I think, in this case, Malay might be more straightforward for kids to understand. This really reminded me that we are in Malaysia. By the way, the English used was quite simple, so even if you're not very confident in English, you can still enjoy the show.
It's advisable to arrive early to secure a good seat, but sometimes, ants can form a queue on seats if someone has spilled snacks there previously. As the crowd increases, the ants can't walk up to the middle of the seats. So, it's recommended to go after the seats are moderately filled or to find a spot near where someone else is sitting.
Meet the Pandas!
Zoo Negara is home to two pandas. If you purchase tickets through Klook, there's an additional fee to enter the panda enclosure. However, if you buy tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit, access to the panda enclosure is included with all tickets. So, it's worth checking them out.
The panda enclosure is an air-conditioned area, providing a bit of an oasis in the sweltering heat of the zoo. During my time in Malaysia, I often noticed Malaysian Chinese locals around, but around the panda enclosure, there seemed to be a predominance of visitors from the mainland (China). It appears that pandas are quite popular among Chinese tourists.
Possible Downsides of Zoo Negara (Maybe)
I love going to zoos, so I was thoroughly satisfied with my visit to Zoo Negara. However, if you're reading this and you're not particularly fond of accompanying your family or friends to the zoo, be aware of one thing: Malaysian zoos are extremely hot!
Because it's super hot, it's essential to take heat-preventive measures. This was where I first encountered the fashion of Muslim women wearing hats over their scarves. The direct sunlight is intense.
The heat doesn't just affect us humans but also the animals, who can seem quite lethargic. Birds that can fly and African animals appear fairly energetic as they roam the grassy plains. However, for other animals, it's common to see them gather in shaded areas and take frequent naps. On the bright side, this means you can observe animals that are stationary from very close distances. Personally, I found it to be a good thing, but if you're expecting to see more active animals, you might be a bit disappointed.
Returning Home with Grab
Zoo Negara has Grab pickup points right at the entrance and exit of the zoo's parking area. It seems that you can't get picked up or dropped off anywhere else.
You can also take the train from nearby stations to get home. However, if you're heading towards Kuala Lumpur, taking a Grab home is more convenient in my opinion (and the fare is roughly around RM17).
This place seems to be popular among families and tourists, and a Malaysian acquaintance told me, "I've never been there." It's tourist-friendly and well-organized, so I recommend stopping by when you're in Kuala Lumpur or visiting Batu Caves.
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