Zoo Negara: Tickets, Things to Do, and What to Know

Your Zoo Negara ticket is well worth the money. Covering 110 acres of land, Zoo Negara is the biggest zoo in Malaysia, housing over 5,000 animals from 476 species. It boasts an open-concept zoo where over 90% of the animals are kept in spacious exhibits that mimic their natural habitat.

One of the most popular exhibits here is the Cat Walk where you can admire Malayan tigers, one of the most popular rare animals in Malaysia. For those wondering whether or not you can see pandas in Malaysia, you’ll be delighted to know that you’ll get to meet Malaysia’s cuddly family of giant pandas here.

On average, visitors spend around two hours at the zoo. However, if you want to see everything that the zoo has to offer, it’s best to set aside around three hours instead. This includes any meals or breaks in between as well as for attending animal shows. 

Zoo Negara is open daily from 9am to 5pm. But given the (usually) hot weather in Malaysia, we recommend making the most out of your Zoo Negara tickets by heading to the zoo early in the morning to avoid having to walk around under the hot sun.

Now comes the all-important question: How do you prepare for a day there? Not to worry, here’s a little itinerary to help you experience the best of Malaysia’s national zoo. 

An itinerary for a day out at Zoo Negara

1) Check out the Hornbill Centre: Upon entering the day, start walking along the path to your left around the lake and you’ll come to the Hornbill Centre where you can see Great Hornbills, the Rhinoceros Hornbills, the Wrinkled Hornbills and the Oriental Pied Hornbills.

2) Spot Malayan Tigers at the Cat Walk exhibit: Continuing along the path, you’ll reach the Cat Walk exhibit. Here, you can see tigers in Malaysia and other big cats in their open-concept exhibit. There are only about 150 tigers left in Malaysia today. 

3) Say hello to Asian Elephants: A short distance away from Cat Walk, you’ll find the zoo’s resident Asian Elephants, Siti and Sibol. If you’re lucky, they might just raise their trunks to wave back at you. 

4) Stop by the Giant Panda Conservation Centre: The Giant Panda Conservation Centre is no doubt the highlight for many visitors to the zoo. Here, you’ll find Malaysia’s cuddly Giant Pandas, Xing Xing, Liang Liang, Sheng Yi, and Yi Yi.

5) Observe orangutans in their natural habitat: Next to the Giant Panda Conservation Centre at the highest point of Zoo Negara is the Ape Centre. You can spot free-roaming primates like orangutans, chimpanzees, and more in the open-concept enclosure surrounded by greenery.  

6) Watch the Multi-Animal Show: By the time you circle back to the entrance, you’ll be just in time to catch the Animal Show. If you’re wondering how long is the animal show at Zoo Negara, it lasts about 30 minutes and takes place every day at 11am and 3pm except on Fridays. 

7) Chill with waddling penguins: Next to the amphitheatre is where you can see penguins in Malaysia. If you time it right, you can watch as these flightless birds swim majestically underwater during feeding time!  

If you’re feeling tired after all that exploring, here’s a list of the best hotels you can stay at nearby Zoo Negara.

The Zoo Negara ticket prices vary by citizenship. For Malaysians, an adult Zoo Negara ticket is priced from RM37 for admission to the zoo and to the Giant Panda Conservation Centre. Families can also purchase family bundles from RM89 (two adults + 1 child). 

Click here for a complete guide on Zoo Negara’s ticket prices.

For non-Malaysians, single Zoo Negara ticket prices start from RM72. Children under two years old enjoy free entry but must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

You can print your e-ticket or simply present your e-ticket on mobile along with either your National ID (Malaysians) or passport at Counter 6 to receive your wristbands. 

Being located near to the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, the zoo is quite accessible. Apart from e-hailing services or taxis, visitors can also use public transport to get to the zoo. If you’re driving, you can park at Entrance B. 

For those taking the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, simply alight at the Wangsa Maju LRT Station on the Kelana Jaya Line and hail a taxi to the entrance of the zoo. Alternatively, you can take public buses Rapid KL 253 and 220 that drop you off at the zoo entrance (Stop number Aj491).