We braved the tropical jungle, creepy crawlies, and the wilds to bring you our top picks for a fantastic “safari” in Malaysia. While a few of our choices will lead you deep into rainforest territory, some are located in urban centers, and all are perfect for the entire family. So the next time you plan on visiting Malaysia, why not make it an educational one and get to know some of our “wilder” residents here!
Elephants at the Doorstep
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah (tabinwildlife.com.my)
Deep in rainforest territory, some seven hours’ drive or an hour’s flight from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Roaming the 300,000 acres of lowland dipterocarp forest are three of the largest mammals of Sabah, namely the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau. Though there is no guarantee that you will see them, there have been sightings of elephants very near the reserve’s on-site resort! Also calling this place home are the 300 species of birds, orangutans, civet cats, frogs and a multitude of insects!
Exploring the area is easy and one mustn’t miss the chance to visit the Lipad Waterfalls for a nice, cold dip, or the Lipad mud volcanoes (known as an RR for wildlife seeking their mineral intake). In the evening, take a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife and birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day. After dinner, go for a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frogs, and nocturnal wildlife. Cozy jungle lodges are available to make your stay more comfortable, and we do recommend at least a three-night stay to really explore all that this amazing reserve has to offer.
elephants in the mud
Wings of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (klbirdpark.com)
Nestled in lush green surroundings on top of a small hill lies the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. So well does this man-made bird park blend with nature, that one easily forgets that it is located right in the heart of a bustling city. Convenience aside, this park really shines as the perfect place to spend a weekend morning with the children.
The bird park covers an area of more than 20 acres, with a landscape reminiscent of a tropical rainforest. It lays claim as the biggest bird park in Malaysia with the largest walk-in free-flight aviary in the world. At last count, there were some 3,000 birds of more than 200 species calling the park home. Among them are brahminy kites, rhinoceros hornbill (the largest hornbill species in the world), southern cassowary, channel-billed toucan, the rare Pesquet’s parrot (found only in Papua New Guinea) and the Moluccan cockatoo.
Here, birds are free to fly, glide or parade (as in the case of the peacock beauties) as they please. One of the amazing things to witness is the morning feeding session where birds of all colours and sizes suddenly swoop down from all sides in their rush to be the first at the feeding station.
Lucky visitors will get to witness the courtship display of the Indian Blue Peacock with its magnificent, colourful, five-foot train, or the yellow-billed stork build nests from fallen twigs. Also, don’t forget to say hello to the cheeky Indian Ring-necked parakeet, crowned pigeon (the largest of its species with a body the size of a turkey), the huge pelican, and the egrets, ibises, and flamingoes in the neighborhood!
Dancing with Butterflies
Entopia, Penang (entopia.com)
Have a fear of insects? Perhaps you can overcome it with close encounters of some of the world’s beautiful insects at Entopia. Situated at Teluk Bahang, Penang, it is a facility to learn all about insects and especially butterflies in a safe and fun environment.
Various species of butterflies “dance” freely in the so-called “The Natureland” outdoor ecological park. Those interested in entomology can walk among flying birdwing, autumn leaf, blue glassy tiger, and orange tip butterflies, among others. Certainly, one of the stars at Entopia is the beautiful Rajah Brooke Birdwing butterfly, one of the biggest diurnal butterflies in the world.
Apart from butterflies, other insects, invertebrates and small reptiles are also available at the park for study. These include the rhinoceros beetles, dragonhead cricket, dragonfly, firefly, leaf cutter ants, nephila spider, Malaysian giant scorpions, centipede, great angle head lizard, water monitor lizard, cat gecko, and many more. You can even see amphibians like tree frogs and poison dart frogs here. Learn more about them by signing up for the bug exploration sessions.
An Urban Farm
Farm in the City, Selangor (fitc.com.my)
Spread across an expansive 7 acres, Farm in the City is an animal-petting park where visitors wander around a Malaysian-style kampong or village while learning about more than 100 species of farm and unique animals from around the world.
Imagine strolling around the farm and encountering a rooster passing by, a tortoise grazing on a piece of vegetable, or an alpaca being led away! Well, that’s exactly what it’s like at this farm where many of the animals roam free.
Visitors can pet, stroke and feed animals such as fish, birds, hamsters, giant tortoise, rabbits and raccoons at selected times and under staff supervision. There is a popular section called “Longkang Fishing” where the young ones seem to have a whale of a time catching (and releasing) small fish in the ditch.
Besides the close interaction with animals, there are “briefing” sessions conducted by trained staff where you can learn more about each animal species, too. Get to know better the blue-tongued lizards, giant tortoises, star turtles, Javan deer, cute alpacas, rare white crows, Himalayan striped squirrels, meerkats, the Feenex fox, and more.
This outdoor park is dotted with various fruit trees and even has a spice and herb garden to explore. Nature guides are available and information signboard are full of information for young learners to know more about these animals and plants.
Hanging Out with Orangutans
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak (www.facebook.com/Semenggoh/)
Looking for friends to “hang out” within Sarawak? Take a 40-minute drive out from Kuching to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, an award-winning rehabilitation center for orangutans in Malaysia. Here’s a chance to meet semi-wild orangutans, ranging from tiny infants and boisterous adolescents to dignified mature adults, all of whom are enjoying life in a secure natural habitat.
The orangutans here have been rescued from captivity and rehabilitated so that they are able to survive in the wild on their own again. So successful is the programme that today, the surrounding forest thrives with a healthy population of orangutans who are now even breeding in the wild.
They spend most of their time roaming the forest but frequently come back to the center for a free meal. If it is the fruiting season in the forest, some or even all of them may not come to feed at the center. This in itself is a good sign and another step on the way to full rehabilitation.
We recommend that you visit during the morning or afternoon feeding sessions – this is when these gentle creatures emerge from the surrounding forest to take their meals.
But, if in the event the orangutans shy away, Semenggoh is still a great place for birdwatching. Species like Yellow-rumped flowerpecker, Bornean black-magpie, long-billed partridge, red-bearded bee-eater and much more are there for you to find.
Batu Pahat dikatakan sebagai syurga makanan bagi negeri yang pernah menjadi pengeluar terbesar gambir dan lada hitam pada suatu masa dahulu, negeri Johor Darul Ta’zim. Dari sup yang beraneka rasa hinggalah mee racun, sungguh banyak sekali lokasi santapan menyelerakan untuk dicuba di sini.
Bukan sahaja syurga bagi deria rasa, Batu Pahat juga menempatkan banyak destinasi yang menarik untuk disinggahi. Nak tahu dimanakah lokasi-lokasi menarik ini? Teruskan membaca senarai 20 tempat menarik di Batu Pahat ini. Singgah jangan tak singgah ya?
Jika di KL ada Dataran Merdeka, di Batu Pahat pula terdapat Dataran Penggaram ataupun Dataran Batu Pahat yang agak meriah terutamanya pada musim cuti sekolah dan setiap hujung minggu. Kemeriahan di sini ditambahkan lagi dengan pelbagai penganjuran acara seperti pameran, ceramah, persembahan kebudayaan dan banyak lagi.
Jika anda datang pada waktu yang tepat, dapatlah anda sekeluarga menyaksikannya, namun sekiranya tiada sebarang acara sewaktu anda ke sini, jangan risau, kerana pemandangan di sekitar dataran ini membuatkan kedatangan anda tetap berbaloi, terutamanya pada waktu malam, waktu ketika mana cahaya lampu neon daripada pokok-pokok menceriakan suasana persis di I-City Shah Alam.
Alamat: Jalan Rahmat, Kampung Bahagia, 83000 Batu Pahat
Siapa yang tak suka bermandi-manda? Lagi syok kalau setiap kali melancong ke satu-satu tempat, anda cuba setiap taman tema airnya, barulah lengkap ‘portfolio’ mandi-manda anda sekeluarga. Di mana lagi taman tema air yang best di Batu Pahat ni kalau bukan di Wet World Batu Pahat.
Tidaklah sebesar Sunway Lagoon tapi tetap lengkap dengan bermacam jenis tarikan yang pasti membuatkan anda sekeluarga gembira kepuasan seperti gelongsor air yang panjangnya bukan kepalang, kolam renang berombak, Kiddy Pool dan banyak lagi!
Waktu Operasi: Setiap Hari (10.00am – 6.00pm) | Rabu Tutup (Kecuali Pada Musim Cuti)
Bayaran:
Warganegara: Dewasa RM20 | Kanak-kanak RM17
Bukan Warganegara: Dewasa RM30 | Kanak-kanak RM27
Alamat: Lot 138, Jalan Bukit Pasir, Tasik Bukit Pasir, Batu 1/2, Johor, Kampung Batu Pasir, 83000 Batu Pahat
“Cinta adalah suci lahir dari jiwa…” pernah terdengar lirik ini? Di mana ya? Inilah cebisan lirik lagu Asmaradana daripada filem Puteri Gunung Ledang. Kaitannya dengan Taman Botani yang terletak di Sri Medan ini adalah kerana di sinilah lokasi rakaman filem legenda ini. Lihat sahaja pemandangan yang disajikan di Taman Botani ini, tidak hairanlah ia telah menjadi lokasi pilihan. Cukup indah dan mendamaikan jiwa.
Sepanas-panas terik mentari yang menjadi bebelan ramai, keindahan cahayanya jika dilihat pada waktu yang tepat membuatkan segala masalah lenyap dari ingatan. Di mana dapat anda melihat keindahannya ini kalau tidak di pantai dengan lautan yang memancarkan cahaya mentari ibarat lukisan di galeri.
Jika anda ingin menikmati keindahan ini di Batu Pahat, datanglah ke Pantai Minyak Beku sama ada pada waktu matahari terbit atau terbenam. Pantai ini terletak hanya 7 km dari Bandar Batu Pahat. Sambil menikmati pemandangan, jangan lepaskan peluang untuk memancing di kawasan pantai ini yang turut kaya dengan pelbagai jenis ikan yang termasuklah ikan sembilang, kurau dan tuka.
BP Walk ataupun Batu Pahat Walk adalah kawasan yang terletak di sepanjang Jalan Rahmat. Bagi anda yang ‘burung hantu’ ataupun tercari-cari tempat makan pada waktu malam, di sinilah salah satu lokasi yang boleh disinggahi.
Bukan main banyak gerai makan yang terdapat di sepanjang jalan ini, antara menu yang boleh ditemui di sini adalah sup yang beraneka rasa, mee bandung, sate, mee rebus dan banyak lagi masakan goreng lain yang diidam-idamkan perut menggerodak anda.
Wahai instagrammers yang tegar, inilah heaven untuk anda mendapatkan foto-foto yang hebat sewaktu bercuti di Batu Pahat. Berlokasi di Old Street Batu Pahat, di atas bumbung bangunan ini terdapat sebuah taman yang dihias cantik yang diberi nama Sky Garden Old Street. Selain taman yang indah, di bahagian atas bumbung ini juga terdapat banyak restoran yang dihias dengan penuh kreatif.
Waktu Operasi: Setiap Hari Kecuali Rabu Ahad (10.00am – 7.00pm) | Rabu Ahad Tutup
Simple sekali nama yang diberikan, Taman Rekreasi Tasik Y. Mesti anda tertanya-tanya kenapa satu huruf sahaja namanya? Ini kerana, taman ini sebenarnya berbentuk Y jika dilihat dari sudut pandangan burung yang berterbangan di awan.
Dahulunya merupakan tapak perlombongan, taman ini kini merupakan sebuah taman rekreasi yang dilawati ramai orang untuk beriadah di waktu petang dan di hujung minggu. Cukup lengkap dengan pelbagai kemudahan seperti laluan refleksologi, taman permainan, peralatan senaman dan pondok rehat.
Sudah penat bersenam, anda boleh mencuba pelbagai makanan menarik yang dijual di gerai-gerai yang dibuka di sini seperti Ais Kacang dan Rojak. Makanan yang cukup enak untuk dimakan di waktu petang.
Alamat: Jalan Sejati, Kampung Bahagia, 83000 Batu Pahat
Nama kedainya sememangnya menggambarkan betapa hebatnya nasi bariani yang dihidangkan di restoran ini, Restoran Bariani Power, barianinya memang power!
Sekiranya anda sekeluarga ke sini semata-mata untuk mencuba makanan yang terbaiknya, jangan tempah selain daripada nasi bariani ayam ataupun kambingnya. Yang bestnya, restoran ini turut menyediakan ruang makan yang berpenghawa dingin.
Waktu Operasi: 10.00am – 7.00pm
Alamat: No.18, Jalan Tukas 2, Taman Soga, 83000 Batu Pahat
Tugu yang menjadi lambang Batu Pahat ini berdiri dengan megahnya di Dataran Penggaram. Tugu Batu Pahat ini memiliki rekaan yang cukup unik menggambarkan nama ‘Batu Pahat’ itu sendiri dengan tangan yang tergantung dan memegang pahat.
Untuk pengetahuan anda, nama Batu Pahat dipilih untuk dijadikan nama daerah ini kerana peristiwa bersejarah yang dikatakan berlaku pada sekitar tahun 1456, waktu di mana tentera Siam telah datang menyerang kampung Minyak Beku yang merupakan lokasi batu yang dipahat untuk mendapatkan bekalan air bersih.
Alamat: Jalan Rahmat, Kampung Bahagia, 83000 Batu Pahat
Apabila melawat ke sesebuah negeri memang tak sah kalau tak cuba makanan-makanannya yang viral di dunia internet bukan? Inilah salah satu gerai yang mesti disinggahi iaitu kedai Nasi Lemak Cik Chom.
Nampak sekali viralnya makanan di sini apabila anda terlihat berduyun-duyun pengunjung sanggup beratur dari sebelum kedai dibuka lagi untuk memakan nasi lemak yang istimewa di gerai ini.
Apa yang special sangat tentang nasi lemaknya adalah lauk yang disediakan bersama dengan nasi lemak ini iaitu sama ada sotong bersaiz gergasi ataupun ikan siakap. Cukup mengiurkan!
Terletak dalam sekitar 30 km dari Batu Pahat, walaupun mengambil sedikit masa untuk sampai ke Pantai Punggur ini, perjalanan terasa terbayar dengan pemandangan menakjubkan yang terhidang di depan mata terutamanya pada waktu matahari terbenam.
Di sini terdapat sebuah jeti yang menjadi spot yang sempurna untuk anda bergambar berlatar belakangkan keindahan lautan yang terbentang luas bersama yang tersayang.
Alamat: Jalan Kampung Punggur Laut Timur, 83100 Senggarang
8. Hutan Lipur Bukit Soga Perdana (Hutan Lipur Soga Perdana)
Hanyalah 3 km dari Bandar Batu Pahat, Hutan Lipur Bukit Soga Perdana adalah hutan simpan yang memiliki taman rekreasi yang lengkap dengan pelbagai kemudahan seperti trek jogging, tandas dan pondok rehat.
Di dalam hutan simpan yang berketinggian 600 kaki ini juga terdapat sebuah menara pemerhatian yang terletak sekitar 785 meter dari titik awal perjalanan. Pemandangan dari menara ini sungguh indah, dapat dilihat di sini adalah keindahan flora menghijau dari hutan dan juga bandar Baru Pahat.
Waktu Operasi: Setiap Hari (8.00am – 6.00pm)
Bayaran: Percuma
Alamat: Jalan Perdana 17, Taman Bukit Perdana, 83000 Batu Pahat
Ladang nanas yang terletak di Kampung Parit Tengah ini merupakan ladang yang terbesar di Asia Tenggara dan juga yang ketujuh terbesar di dunia. Dapat anda bayangkan keluasannya?
Tidak terlihat penghujungnya. Antara jenis nanas yang diusahakan di sini adalah daripada jenis Josaphine dan juga Morris. Kenapa nanas jenis ini yang menjadi pilihan? Ini adalah kerana buahnya yang besar dan isinya yang sangat manis. Kesedapannya boleh dibuat makan begitu sahaja.
Alamat: Ladang Nanas, Kampung Parit Tengah, Batu Pahat
Selain dataran dan sebuah tugu, satu lagi lokasi yang menjadi mercu tanda Batu Pahat adalah Bulatan Simpang Rantai yang merupakan bulatan yang menghubungkan Jalan Kluang, Jalan Tanjung Laboh dan Jalan Rahmat. Bulatan ini sebenarnya memiliki kisah misterinya sendiri.
Dikatakan tidak lama dahulu, Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat berniat untuk menaik tarafkan lanskap bulatan ini dengan menebang sebatang pokok ara yang berdiri di sini, namun ketika kerja pengorekan tanah dilakukan, sebuah keranda dengan jasad berkapan ditemui di sini. Oleh kerana itu, Majlis Perbandaran membatalkan rancangan tersebut. Betul atau tidak, tiada kepastiannya.
Namun itulah kisah yang digembar-gemburkan. Kini, pokok ini telah diwartakan sebagai pokok warisan yang tidak boleh ditebang melainkan mendapat keizinan daripada Jabatan Warisan.
Bangunan Galeri Dato’ Onn Batu Pahat yang telah dibina pada tahun 1938 ini terletak di dalam sebuah kawasan padang golf. Sebelum dijadikan galeri, bangunan yang berkeluasan 4487.50 kaki persegi ini merupakan rumah kerajaan yang didiami oleh Dato’ Onn dari tahun 1945 hingga 1947 sewaktu beliau mememang jawatan sebagai Pegawai Daerah Batu Pahat.
Pemimpin yang berjiwa rakyat ini pernah memegang banyak lagi jawatan lain di dalam kerajaan yang termasuklah Menteri Besar Johor yang ke-7. Ingin mengikuti kisah hidup pemimpin yang banyak menyumbang kepada kemerdekaan negara ini? Jadikanlah Galeri Dato’ Onn Batu Pahat sebagai salah satu destinasi lawatan anda sekeluarga di Batu Pahat nanti.
Terdapat banyak foto berkaitan Almarhum yang menceritakan peristiwa-peristiwa penting yang pernah berlaku di dalam hidupnya. Di samping itu, galeri ini turut mempamerkan banyak barangan lain yang wujud pada zaman Dato’ Onn seperti basikal tua, senjata, tembikar, barangan perhiasan dan lain-lain lagi.
Waktu Operasi: 9.00am – 4.30pm
Alamat: JKR 525, Jalan Dato Mohd Shah, Gunong Soga, 83000 Batu Pahat
Sudah biasa mendengar tentang alat tulis, bekas dan perabot kitar semula? Jangan tak tahu, kreativiti menghasilkan barangan yang dikitar semula sebenarnya tidak hanya terhenti di situ, cukup mengagumkan betapa banyak sekali benda menarik yang boleh dihasilkan menggunakan barangan kitar semula dan salah sebuah lokasi untuk anda menyaksikannya adalah di DIY Playground.
Sebuah taman permainan yang secara keseluruhannya dihasilkan daripada barangan kitar semula. Daripada buaian, kapal lanun, gelongsor dan banyak lagi yang menceriakan hari anak-anak anda terdapat di taman ini. Kerana keunikannya, DIY Playground turut dilawati oleh banyak pelancong dari luar negara.
Waktu Operasi: Ditutup Selepas Pukul 11.45pm Atas Faktor Keselamatan
Bayaran: Percuma
Alamat: Jalan Syed Abdullah, Kampung Pegawai, 83000 Batu Pahat
Nak tahu makanan itu sedap atau tidak, lihat sahaja bilangan pengunjungnya, berbaris-baris orang beratur untuk menikmati mee beracun di Mee Racun Tulang Sri Jaya. Mee racun? Macam bahaya je? Betapa enaknya makanan yang dihidangkan di sini sehingga meracun jiwa anda untuk datang berulang kali.
Menu yang mampu meracun anda sehingga terbawa ke mimpi ini adalah mee yang dihidangkan dengan sup gearboxnya. Jangan risau, walaupun terkenal, harga makanannya cukup berpatutan.
Waktu Operasi: Setiap Hari (6.00pm – 12.00am)
Alamat: TL1, Jalan Rotan Tungal, Taman Sri Jaya, 83000 Batu Pahat
Bagi anda yang memiliki ‘old soul’, Pasar Karat Batu Pahat adalah sebuah pasar barangan antik yang memang rugi kalau tak singgah. Pelbagai barangan dari masa lalu yang dapat anda lihat di sini yang termasuklah pakaian, cenderamata, elektronik, duit syiling dan banyak lagi. Sesetengah barangan yang diniaga di sini didatangkan dari Singapura.
Tropical Village Ayer Hitam adalah sebuah taman tema berkeluasan 32 ekar yang terbahagi kepada beberapa bahagian iaitu bahagian mercu tanda, sudut santai, taman permainan dan pertanian.
Di bahagian mercu tanda terdapat replika-replika Mini Malaysia seperti KLCC dan A Famosa. Di ruangan Mini World pula terdapat replika Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty dan lain-lain lagi. Di sudut santai taman tema ini terdapat House of Mirrors, Dinosaur Train dan Haunted House, manakala pada bahagian taman permainan pula terdapat Pet Corner, Oriental Island dan Garden of the Shy Monkey.
Sungguh banyak sekali untuk dilihat di taman tema ini bukan? Jika tak cukup sehari untuk melihat kesemuanya, anda boleh bermalam di bilik dorm yang disedikan pihak Tropical Village Ayer Hitam.
Makan, minum, bersantai, berhibur malahan berpatah ke masa lalu, semuanya dapat anda rasai di Batu Pahat. Hebat juga penangan salah satu daerah di negeri Johor ini ya? Ingin tahu lebih banyak lagi tentang tarikan menarik yang ditawarkan Johor? Anda boleh membaca artikel kami bertajuk 50 Tempat Menarik Di Johor dan juga 21 Tempat Menarik Di Mersing.
Diharapkan artikel tempat menarik di Batu Pahat ini dapat membantu anda sekeluarga merancang sebuah percutian yang terindah dalam memori. Dalam membuat perancangan percutian, jangan lupa untuk melayari booking.com untuk mendapatkan harga yang terbaik bagi banyak hotel menarik yang terdapat di sekitar Johor. Selamat bercuti ke Batu Pahat!
We braved the tropical jungle, creepy crawlies, and the wilds to bring you our top picks for a fantastic “safari” in Malaysia. While a few of our choices will lead you deep into rainforest territory, some are located in urban centers, and all are perfect for the entire family. So the next time you plan on visiting Malaysia, why not make it an educational one and get to know some of our “wilder” residents here!
Elephants at the Doorstep
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah (tabinwildlife.com.my)
Deep in rainforest territory, some seven hours’ drive or an hour’s flight from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Roaming the 300,000 acres of lowland dipterocarp forest are three of the largest mammals of Sabah, namely the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau. Though there is no guarantee that you will see them, there have been sightings of elephants very near the reserve’s on-site resort! Also calling this place home are the 300 species of birds, orangutans, civet cats, frogs and a multitude of insects!
Exploring the area is easy and one mustn’t miss the chance to visit the Lipad Waterfalls for a nice, cold dip, or the Lipad mud volcanoes (known as an RR for wildlife seeking their mineral intake). In the evening, take a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife and birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day. After dinner, go for a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frogs, and nocturnal wildlife. Cozy jungle lodges are available to make your stay more comfortable, and we do recommend at least a three-night stay to really explore all that this amazing reserve has to offer.
elephants in the mud
Wings of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (klbirdpark.com)
Nestled in lush green surroundings on top of a small hill lies the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. So well does this man-made bird park blend with nature, that one easily forgets that it is located right in the heart of a bustling city. Convenience aside, this park really shines as the perfect place to spend a weekend morning with the children.
The bird park covers an area of more than 20 acres, with a landscape reminiscent of a tropical rainforest. It lays claim as the biggest bird park in Malaysia with the largest walk-in free-flight aviary in the world. At last count, there were some 3,000 birds of more than 200 species calling the park home. Among them are brahminy kites, rhinoceros hornbill (the largest hornbill species in the world), southern cassowary, channel-billed toucan, the rare Pesquet’s parrot (found only in Papua New Guinea) and the Moluccan cockatoo.
Here, birds are free to fly, glide or parade (as in the case of the peacock beauties) as they please. One of the amazing things to witness is the morning feeding session where birds of all colours and sizes suddenly swoop down from all sides in their rush to be the first at the feeding station.
Lucky visitors will get to witness the courtship display of the Indian Blue Peacock with its magnificent, colourful, five-foot train, or the yellow-billed stork build nests from fallen twigs. Also, don’t forget to say hello to the cheeky Indian Ring-necked parakeet, crowned pigeon (the largest of its species with a body the size of a turkey), the huge pelican, and the egrets, ibises, and flamingoes in the neighborhood!
Dancing with Butterflies
Entopia, Penang (entopia.com)
Have a fear of insects? Perhaps you can overcome it with close encounters of some of the world’s beautiful insects at Entopia. Situated at Teluk Bahang, Penang, it is a facility to learn all about insects and especially butterflies in a safe and fun environment.
Various species of butterflies “dance” freely in the so-called “The Natureland” outdoor ecological park. Those interested in entomology can walk among flying birdwing, autumn leaf, blue glassy tiger, and orange tip butterflies, among others. Certainly, one of the stars at Entopia is the beautiful Rajah Brooke Birdwing butterfly, one of the biggest diurnal butterflies in the world.
Apart from butterflies, other insects, invertebrates and small reptiles are also available at the park for study. These include the rhinoceros beetles, dragonhead cricket, dragonfly, firefly, leaf cutter ants, nephila spider, Malaysian giant scorpions, centipede, great angle head lizard, water monitor lizard, cat gecko, and many more. You can even see amphibians like tree frogs and poison dart frogs here. Learn more about them by signing up for the bug exploration sessions.
An Urban Farm
Farm in the City, Selangor (fitc.com.my)
Spread across an expansive 7 acres, Farm in the City is an animal-petting park where visitors wander around a Malaysian-style kampong or village while learning about more than 100 species of farm and unique animals from around the world.
Imagine strolling around the farm and encountering a rooster passing by, a tortoise grazing on a piece of vegetable, or an alpaca being led away! Well, that’s exactly what it’s like at this farm where many of the animals roam free.
Visitors can pet, stroke and feed animals such as fish, birds, hamsters, giant tortoise, rabbits and raccoons at selected times and under staff supervision. There is a popular section called “Longkang Fishing” where the young ones seem to have a whale of a time catching (and releasing) small fish in the ditch.
Besides the close interaction with animals, there are “briefing” sessions conducted by trained staff where you can learn more about each animal species, too. Get to know better the blue-tongued lizards, giant tortoises, star turtles, Javan deer, cute alpacas, rare white crows, Himalayan striped squirrels, meerkats, the Feenex fox, and more.
This outdoor park is dotted with various fruit trees and even has a spice and herb garden to explore. Nature guides are available and information signboard are full of information for young learners to know more about these animals and plants.
Hanging Out with Orangutans
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak (www.facebook.com/Semenggoh/)
Looking for friends to “hang out” within Sarawak? Take a 40-minute drive out from Kuching to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, an award-winning rehabilitation center for orangutans in Malaysia. Here’s a chance to meet semi-wild orangutans, ranging from tiny infants and boisterous adolescents to dignified mature adults, all of whom are enjoying life in a secure natural habitat.
The orangutans here have been rescued from captivity and rehabilitated so that they are able to survive in the wild on their own again. So successful is the programme that today, the surrounding forest thrives with a healthy population of orangutans who are now even breeding in the wild.
They spend most of their time roaming the forest but frequently come back to the center for a free meal. If it is the fruiting season in the forest, some or even all of them may not come to feed at the center. This in itself is a good sign and another step on the way to full rehabilitation.
We recommend that you visit during the morning or afternoon feeding sessions – this is when these gentle creatures emerge from the surrounding forest to take their meals.
But, if in the event the orangutans shy away, Semenggoh is still a great place for birdwatching. Species like Yellow-rumped flowerpecker, Bornean black-magpie, long-billed partridge, red-bearded bee-eater and much more are there for you to find.
We braved the tropical jungle, creepy crawlies, and the wilds to bring you our top picks for a fantastic “safari” in Malaysia. While a few of our choices will lead you deep into rainforest territory, some are located in urban centers, and all are perfect for the entire family. So the next time you plan on visiting Malaysia, why not make it an educational one and get to know some of our “wilder” residents here!
Elephants at the Doorstep
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah (tabinwildlife.com.my)
Deep in rainforest territory, some seven hours’ drive or an hour’s flight from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Roaming the 300,000 acres of lowland dipterocarp forest are three of the largest mammals of Sabah, namely the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau. Though there is no guarantee that you will see them, there have been sightings of elephants very near the reserve’s on-site resort! Also calling this place home are the 300 species of birds, orangutans, civet cats, frogs and a multitude of insects!
Exploring the area is easy and one mustn’t miss the chance to visit the Lipad Waterfalls for a nice, cold dip, or the Lipad mud volcanoes (known as an RR for wildlife seeking their mineral intake). In the evening, take a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife and birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day. After dinner, go for a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frogs, and nocturnal wildlife. Cozy jungle lodges are available to make your stay more comfortable, and we do recommend at least a three-night stay to really explore all that this amazing reserve has to offer.
elephants in the mud
Wings of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (klbirdpark.com)
Nestled in lush green surroundings on top of a small hill lies the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. So well does this man-made bird park blend with nature, that one easily forgets that it is located right in the heart of a bustling city. Convenience aside, this park really shines as the perfect place to spend a weekend morning with the children.
The bird park covers an area of more than 20 acres, with a landscape reminiscent of a tropical rainforest. It lays claim as the biggest bird park in Malaysia with the largest walk-in free-flight aviary in the world. At last count, there were some 3,000 birds of more than 200 species calling the park home. Among them are brahminy kites, rhinoceros hornbill (the largest hornbill species in the world), southern cassowary, channel-billed toucan, the rare Pesquet’s parrot (found only in Papua New Guinea) and the Moluccan cockatoo.
Here, birds are free to fly, glide or parade (as in the case of the peacock beauties) as they please. One of the amazing things to witness is the morning feeding session where birds of all colours and sizes suddenly swoop down from all sides in their rush to be the first at the feeding station.
Lucky visitors will get to witness the courtship display of the Indian Blue Peacock with its magnificent, colourful, five-foot train, or the yellow-billed stork build nests from fallen twigs. Also, don’t forget to say hello to the cheeky Indian Ring-necked parakeet, crowned pigeon (the largest of its species with a body the size of a turkey), the huge pelican, and the egrets, ibises, and flamingoes in the neighborhood!
Dancing with Butterflies
Entopia, Penang (entopia.com)
Have a fear of insects? Perhaps you can overcome it with close encounters of some of the world’s beautiful insects at Entopia. Situated at Teluk Bahang, Penang, it is a facility to learn all about insects and especially butterflies in a safe and fun environment.
Various species of butterflies “dance” freely in the so-called “The Natureland” outdoor ecological park. Those interested in entomology can walk among flying birdwing, autumn leaf, blue glassy tiger, and orange tip butterflies, among others. Certainly, one of the stars at Entopia is the beautiful Rajah Brooke Birdwing butterfly, one of the biggest diurnal butterflies in the world.
Apart from butterflies, other insects, invertebrates and small reptiles are also available at the park for study. These include the rhinoceros beetles, dragonhead cricket, dragonfly, firefly, leaf cutter ants, nephila spider, Malaysian giant scorpions, centipede, great angle head lizard, water monitor lizard, cat gecko, and many more. You can even see amphibians like tree frogs and poison dart frogs here. Learn more about them by signing up for the bug exploration sessions.
An Urban Farm
Farm in the City, Selangor (fitc.com.my)
Spread across an expansive 7 acres, Farm in the City is an animal-petting park where visitors wander around a Malaysian-style kampong or village while learning about more than 100 species of farm and unique animals from around the world.
Imagine strolling around the farm and encountering a rooster passing by, a tortoise grazing on a piece of vegetable, or an alpaca being led away! Well, that’s exactly what it’s like at this farm where many of the animals roam free.
Visitors can pet, stroke and feed animals such as fish, birds, hamsters, giant tortoise, rabbits and raccoons at selected times and under staff supervision. There is a popular section called “Longkang Fishing” where the young ones seem to have a whale of a time catching (and releasing) small fish in the ditch.
Besides the close interaction with animals, there are “briefing” sessions conducted by trained staff where you can learn more about each animal species, too. Get to know better the blue-tongued lizards, giant tortoises, star turtles, Javan deer, cute alpacas, rare white crows, Himalayan striped squirrels, meerkats, the Feenex fox, and more.
This outdoor park is dotted with various fruit trees and even has a spice and herb garden to explore. Nature guides are available and information signboard are full of information for young learners to know more about these animals and plants.
Hanging Out with Orangutans
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak (www.facebook.com/Semenggoh/)
Looking for friends to “hang out” within Sarawak? Take a 40-minute drive out from Kuching to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, an award-winning rehabilitation center for orangutans in Malaysia. Here’s a chance to meet semi-wild orangutans, ranging from tiny infants and boisterous adolescents to dignified mature adults, all of whom are enjoying life in a secure natural habitat.
The orangutans here have been rescued from captivity and rehabilitated so that they are able to survive in the wild on their own again. So successful is the programme that today, the surrounding forest thrives with a healthy population of orangutans who are now even breeding in the wild.
They spend most of their time roaming the forest but frequently come back to the center for a free meal. If it is the fruiting season in the forest, some or even all of them may not come to feed at the center. This in itself is a good sign and another step on the way to full rehabilitation.
We recommend that you visit during the morning or afternoon feeding sessions – this is when these gentle creatures emerge from the surrounding forest to take their meals.
But, if in the event the orangutans shy away, Semenggoh is still a great place for birdwatching. Species like Yellow-rumped flowerpecker, Bornean black-magpie, long-billed partridge, red-bearded bee-eater and much more are there for you to find.
Mention the word “Kedah,” and the first picture that comes to mind would be its green paddy fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. And normally when talking about its tourist attractions, people would just recommend the popular island resort of Langkawi. Aside from beautiful Langkawi, Kedah has many other gorgeous gems to be discovered. If you’re a nature lover, it is time to explore something further afield — the Merbok River Mangrove Forest Reserve — and opens up your eyes and minds to the abundance of nature!
The Merbok River basin is an exciting upcoming destination with several sites of worldwide importance, not least among which is the greater Lembah Bujang area known for its historic and archeological value. We hear that it will soon stake its claim as a UNESCO-recognised site of cultural and natural heritage!
So before you go merrily on your way down the Merbok River, here’s a quick guide to getting a day’s worth of explorations down this important river:
River Cruise
Spanning over 4,000 hectares, the mangrove forest reserve that flanks the Merbok River is a rich habitat for a myriad of flora and fauna. From the Semeling Jetty, you can take a river cruise along the Merbok River and discover its winding estuaries and dense mangrove forest.
Bring along a high-powered pair of binoculars so you can catch sight of monitor lizards, little herons, Brahminy kites, sea eagles, and kingfishers a little more closely.
Historically, Merbok River was an important trading route for the early spice, goods and clothes merchants during the 1st to 14th century. As your boat meanders up the river surrounded on both sides by dense mangrove swamps, you can easily imagine how busy this piece of the waterway was and even re-live the exciting days of yore!
Mangrove-Planting
The mangrove forest plays an important ecological role to our environment. It protects shorelines from rough waters and winds, helps to prevent erosion with their tangled root systems, acts as a filtration system to keep the area clean, and is a protective habitat for numerous species of marine life.
To drive this point home even further, visitors to Merbok River can do your bit for the environment by arranging a mangrove tree-planting session during your river cruise.
Bring along some mangroves tree seedlings for planting purposes at low tide. It won’t be an easy task wading through the sticky and muddy riverbank, but you can take heart that your effort will help Mother Nature do her work better!
Oyster Farming and Tasting
In this traditional land of noodles in fish broth, curries, and rice, who would have imagined seeing oysters on the menu! But, yes, one can feast on these aphrodisiac delicacies harvested straight from the Merbok River.
The European way may be to take it raw and undressed (the oyster, not the diner), but here, it’s garnished with lemon, shallots and sambal, the Malaysian version of a hot sauce.
Aside from sampling the oysters, you’ll also learn about how the mangrove area provides the ideal environment for oyster farming as well as for aquaculture in general. The oysters are cultivated with great care and consideration for the environment. Visitors to the farm can learn in great detail about the farming process and even help to gently agitate the cages (to prevent the shells from fusing).
Excavation Adventure
Fancy being an archeologist for a day? Well, at the Sungai Batu Archeological Complex, you can pick up some tools and start digging!
Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows nearby into Merbok River has an on-going archeology project where visitors can gain hands-on experience about the field of archeology while learning about the history that’s literally being unearthed there.
The Sungai Batu Archeological Complex, claimed to be Southeast Asia’s oldest civilization (older even than Borobudur and Angkor Wat), is said to be the lost world of Kedah Tua (Ancient Kedah), a kingdom complete with iron ore mines, smelting factory, a port, palace, burial sites and a thriving city!
Volunteers can work on some of the excavated sites, of which there are nearly 100, digging, cleaning, and reconstructing pottery, and even take part in brick making and iron smelting just like in the old days.
Soap and Toothpaste Making
Another fun activity to engage in at Sungai Merbok is the natural soap and toothpaste making a session. The villagers conduct hands-on workshops on how to turn natural ingredients like coconut oil and charcoal into cleansing products to be used on a daily basis. The final results yield soaps that are natural, chemical-free, and safe for both the skin and environment, as well as black charcoal toothpaste that’s a healthier version to those available at supermarkets!
