[Updated 4 March 2021]
While there are many theme parks and outdoor activities to do in Kuala Lumpur, nothing beats the experience of visiting Zoo Negara with your whole family. If you're planning to take the kids to see the giant pandas, penguins, and orangutans, check out our ultimate family-friendly guide to Zoo Negara Malaysia!
Update: Selangor has reimplemented the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) from 5 - 18 March 2021. When visiting family attractions, we recommend wearing a mask at all times, practice physical distancing, and stay home when you're feeling unwell.
Zoo Negara Malaysia
- Zoo Negara is the largest zoo in Malaysia and it's situated in Ampang, Selangor
- Established in 1963, it's home to 476 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fishes.
- How to get there: Take the LRT to Wangsa Maju station (Kelana Jaya Line) and board a Grab or taxi to Zoo Negara. The average fare is RM7/one-way on Grab.
- Entrance fee (Malaysians): RM45 per adult, RM18 per child (3-12 years old), RM23 per senior citizen (above 60 years)
- Entrance fee (non-Malaysians): RM88 per adult or senior citizen, RM43 per child (3-12 years old)
- Parking fee: RM10 per vehicle (flat-rate)
New health measures
- Zoo Negara has implemented strict health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in public places
- Visitors are required to download and scan MySejahtera app at the entrance and maintain a one-meter distance from other visitors. Download the app here: Android or iOS
- The staff will also conduct temperature checks at the entrance and only allow visitors with a temperature below 37.5 degrees Celsius to enter
- Hand sanitisers are available at strategic points and animal exhibits in Zoo Negara
- Remember to sanitise your hands regularly when you're exploring the zoo and visiting the animal exhibits
Family-friendly facilities
Disclaimer: This photo was taken in July 2020
- There are various family-friendly facilities at Zoo Negara
- Lockers are available at the ticket counter. The rental fee is RM2 per locker
- Wheelchairs are available at Information Counter B. The rental fee is RM5 per wheelchair and you need to pay a refundable deposit of RM50 per wheelchair. Do note that there are limited wheelchairs available.
- Baby stroller service is available at the Baby Stroller Station located at the Information Counter B. The rental fee is RM20 per stroller and you need to pay a refundable deposit of RM50 per stroller. Do note that there are limited strollers available.
- Parking areas for baby strollers are only available at the Tram Station, Multi-Animal Show, and several main exhibits
Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia on Facebook
- Zoo Negara provides tram rides that are perfect for families with kids and the elderly
- There are two tram stations at Zoo Negara that provide different rates
- Tram Station 1: RM8 per adult, RM5 per child (for non-Malaysians, the rates ae RM11 per adult, RM9 per child)
- Tram Station 2 (T4): RM5 per adult, RM5 per child (for non-Malaysians, the rates are RM5 per adult, RM5 per child)
- Kids below 2 years old can ride the tram for free
Disclaimer: This photo was taken in July 2020
- Perfect for large families, Zoo Negara also provides a VIP Tram service that'll take visitors to each animal spots
- The VIP Tram service can accommodate up to 9 people
- During RMCO, the promotional price for this VIP Tram service is RM199 per hour and an additional RM100 for every 30 minutes.
- The standard price for this VIP Tram service is RM300 per hour
Things to do
Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia on Facebook
- Besides visiting the animal exhibits, there are many things to do at Zoo Negara for the whole family
- Catch the Multi-Animal Show featuring the macaws and sea lions, next to the Hornbill Centre.
- From Monday to Thursday, the show is held at 12 PM. From Friday to Sunday, the showtimes are 11 AM and 3 PM (3.30 PM on Fridays)
- Happening every weekend, check out the Animal Feeding session at Children's World (12 PM-1 PM) and Javan Deer (2 PM-3 PM)
Must-see exhibits
Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia on Facebook
- Since there are 17 animal exhibits at Zoo Negara, we've rounded up some of the must-see exhibits!
- Visit the Giant Panda Conservation Centre featuring Xing Xing, Liang Liang, and their daughter Yi Yi.
- As a symbol of diplomatic relationship between China and Malaysia, these giant pandas will live at Zoo Negara for 10 years before returning to their homeland, China in 2024.
- #HHWT Fact: Did you know that Xing Xing and Liang Liang can consume up to 20 KG of bamboo shoots a day?
Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia on Facebook
- Another popular animal exhibit is the Humboldt Penguin, home to 8 Humboldt penguins that came all the way from the Czech Republic to Zoo Negara in 2010.
- These penguins were named after an 18th-century geographer and explorer, Alexander von Humboldt
- #HHWT Tip: Catch their feeding time at 11 AM daily
Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia on Facebook
- Make your way to the Cat Walk exhibit featuring famous big cats like the African Lions and the Malayan tigers roaming in an open exhibit.
- You're likely to see these big cats swimming in the pool on a sunny afternoon or resting underneath a shady tree
- #HHWT Fact: Did you know that the Malayan tigers are classified as critically endangered species?
Credit: Zoo Negara Malaysia on Facebook
- At the Ape Centre, see the African chimpanzees, Bornean Orang Utans, and Sumatran Orang Utans swinging from tree to tree!
- These apes are placed in an open-concept enclosure and you can see them eating, socialising (and sometimes, bickering) with their friends.
Disclaimer: This photo was taken in July 2020
- Bring your kids to the Children's World where they can get up close to various animals such as deers, goats and miniature horses.
- They can learn to count the number of rabbits and tortoises in the exhibits too.
Halal dining options
Disclaimer: This photo was taken in July 2020
- There are a number of Muslim-owned restaurants and cafes available, so you don't have to worry about finding halal food at Zoo Negara
- To avoid the crowd, you can also enjoy lunch at the picnic area between The Wild Restaurant and Bear Complex.
Prayer facilities
- There's only one prayer room available at Zoo Negara and it's located near the main entrance
- Since it's important to practice good hygiene, remember to bring your own prayer mat and garment, and maintain one-meter distance when praying with others in the room.
Perfect for a family day-out, nothing beats the experience of visiting Zoo Negara with your family! If you're looking for more family-friendly attractions in Kuala Lumpur, find your next spot from our recommended reads below.