I think our daughter is a lobbyist. Or rather potential to be one.
For past few weeks, she has been telling me and Retna, she forgot how a lion, tiger, elephant or giraffe look like, even though she has been to the zoo to see them before. The most recent visit, being beginning of this year, when my sister in law brought the kids to the zoo at Johor.
So, being a good father, I decided to help her to remember and rekindle those moments of remembering the animals.
Since our last visit, perhaps a few years back, the National Zoo was in a rather sad state. Why? The animals were looking sad and the conditions of the zoo was very ran down.
However, I am so proud to share that after today’s visit, the National Zoo has been revamped, tremendously. The overall conditions of the animals have drastically improved. The service personnel has also been really well trained. The zoo is especially welcoming the tourists, especially from China. I could see wordings in Chinese in most places, including the toilets.
I doubt there will be many Chinese tourists coming to National Zoo to visit the pandas, but they would come here to visit the animals, only found in South East Asia. If the National Zoo does not buckle up, it will continue to loose the attractiveness to nearby zoo such as one in Singapore, which is international standard.
The only sad part of the zoo is the aquarium section, as well as the penguins. Really need some overhaul, especially the way how visitors could see the animals. People come to the zoo to learn, receive education. The aquarium section labeled the species by name, without much explanation.
The National Zoo is also really smart in getting parents to spend, yes, to spend your money. If you are planning to come here, just make sure you bring enough cash. Other than the photography, the rest of the items are being paid in cash, only.
The animal show was entertaining, just that the sound system a bit cracking, so it was really hard to hear what the host was saying at times.
The trainers were professional and good. I could not see evidence where the animals in any way tortured to perform such tricks.
The ticket price for adult is RM44 per pax and RM16 per child. These prices are for Malaysian. Of course the tourist or foreigner would be paying more.
The photography is RM45 per piece, excludes the GST.
You could have a meal at The Wild Cafe, which the price range from RM6.50 – RM12.50 per value meal. It is cheaper to eat at this cafe than at Panda Cafe, which the price is about double.
To refill your water, there is no free refill. You have to buy the mineral water from the vending machine, which is RM2.50.
If you are feeling lazy to walk, you can opt for the tram ride. It is RM7 for adult and RM4 for child. Tram ride fare is the same across the tourist and Malaysian.
So, plan your trip well, you will need sunblock, a pair of comfortable shoes to walk about, plenty of water and some snacks.
And finally, of course cash.
