Top Selangor Attractions 03

Zoo Negara

I have visited Zoo Negara many times but I took my family there again in August 2014 now that they have the recently opened Giant Panda attraction. Here is my review.

Basic Facts

It's Malaysia's largest zoo, covering 44 hectares (110 acres), making it twice as big as the second largest, Melaka Zoo.

It is located on the north eastern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in the shadow of the spectacular Bukit Tabur (Klang Gates Quartz Ridge). Although urban development has more or less surrounded the zoo, it is still a green and pleasant area.

The zoo is managed by a non-governmental organisation, the Malaysian Zoological Society, and relies on ticket proceeds together with corporate and private sponsorship/donations to offset its considerable running costs. 

Zoo Negara celebrated its 50th anniversary in November 2013. The exhibits are spaciously arranged around a scenic lake and landscaped with mature trees including a sprawling giant banyan, reckoned to be one of the largest banyan trees in the Klang Valley. 

Animals

According to the zoo's official website, the zoo has 5137 creatures from 476 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Indeed the sheer variety of animals is impressive with all the major species represented.

The zoo is moving towards an open concept with the aim of giving animals freedom to move around and allowing visitors to view them unimpeded by cages. 

Having said that, there are still too many animals behind bars for my liking and, for a 50 year old zoo, it is not surprising that some parts are showing their age. Updating and improvement work was in progress during my visit.

Popular exhibits include:

• Butterfly Garden
• Bird Aviary
• Tigers and Lions (including the Malayan tiger and the Bengal White Tiger
• Primates
• Children's World (a petting zoo with miniature ponies, goats and rabbits)
• Show Amphitheatre starring sea lions, macaques and macaws performing twice daily
• Penguin House (a bit tired looking)
• Aquarium (good selection including Malaysian river freshwater fish such as the Giant Snakehead)
• Bee Museum
• Reptile House (seen better days)
• Tapirs
• Crocodiles
• Elephants, Rhinos and Hippos

and many, many more.

Giant Panda Conservation Centre

The zoo's new star attraction is undoubtedly the pair of 8 year old Giant Pandas called Fu Wa and Feng Yi on loan from China who are still settling into their new environment.

A huge purpose-built structure has been constructed to house the pandas, chilled by powerful air-conditioning and landscaped with grass, artificial rocks, a waterfall, trees and foliage.

No expense has been spared to make the pandas comfortable and the panda-house even has a kitchen to prepare panda cakes and a clinic in case of emergencies. Zoo employees remind visitors to remain silent to avoid stressing the pandas but it is difficult for children not to squeal with delight when they see the cuddly creatures.

I can see how this 'panda diplomacy' aids China by promoting its image abroad and as a way of rewarding nations who are friendly towards China. It is also good for the zoo by boosting visitor numbers and raising much needed revenue. But while it is lovely to see pandas in Malaysia, I can't help wondering if it is in the best interests of the pandas. Having visited the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu last year I think the pandas would probably be happier remaining there where the climate is more suitable, where their bamboo diet is readily available and where there are more pandas for company.

One of Zoo Negara's giant pandas is seen here cuddling a block of ice to remain cool.

Suggestion for Malaysian Zoological Society

In the same way that China has designated the Giant Panda as a national treasurewith fully protected status, Malaysia should consider declaring one or more of its unique and endemic species as national treasures. The orang utan would be an obvious choice. 

Verdict

Good Points

• Attractive setting next to Bukit Tabur and convenient, easy-to-get-tolocation.
• Wide range of animals.
•  Scenic lake with free flying storks and flamingos.
• The Show Amphitheatre is fun if you haven't seen that type of thing before.
• Only place to see Giant Pandas in Malaysia.

Areas for Improvement

• Continued upgrading of open-concept animal enclosures required.
• Better variety of food outlets (all kiosks seem to have the same, limited menu).

Entrance Fee

If you want to see the Giant Pandas you have to pay more.

RM Adult (Normal Rate)     Adult (Inclusive of Pandas) Child (ages 3-12) Normal Rate Child (inclusive of Pandas)

My Kad 30 50 10 20

Foreigner 50 80 25 40

Discounts available for seniors with MyKad and school groups.

NB. When I visited, the ticket counters only accepted cash. Please bring sufficient cash to avoid disappointment.

Tram Ride

Tram tickets are RM5 per adult and RM3 per child (RM8 and RM6 respectively for foreigners).

Opening Hours

Open Daily from 9am - 5pm.

Last Admission to Giant Panda Conservation Centre: Weekdays 4:30pm, Weekends 5:30pm

Animal Showtime (sea-lions and macaws)

Daily: 11am and 3pm.

Friday: 3.30pm.

How to Get to Zoo Negara

The location is marked on the interactive map on my Top Selangor Attractions page.

Address:

Zoo Negara, Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan 

By Light Rail Transit System (LRT):

- Alight at Wangsa Maju Station, Kelana Jaya Line

- Board a taxi to Zoo Negara 

By Bus:

- Metrobus number 16 from Central Market, KL

- Rapid KL number U34 from Putra LRT Station, Wangsamaju, KL

- Rapid KL number U23 from Titiwangsa Station, KL

Parking

A pay car park is available in front of the zoo.

Accommodation

Need a hotel near Zoo Negara? Take a look at Agoda's website for a wide selection of hotels at discounted rates.

Top Selangor Attractions 02

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

It is time to update my review of Sunway Lagoon Theme Park following the recent opening of the park's latest attractions, the Vuvuzela (the World's Largest Vortex Water Ride) and the Waterplexx 5D (another world first).

Sunway describes itself as Malaysia's premier theme park and Asia's Best Attractionand from what I have seen I think that is a fair comment. My daughter rates it as her  joint favourite theme park in Malaysia (along with Legoland Malaysia) but she prefers Singapore's Universal Studios.

Sunway Lagoon is spread over 80 acres and is part of the wider 800 acre Sunway Integrated Resort City which includes a 5 star hotel, a very popular shopping mall, residential blocks, a hospital and more. Built on derelict tin mining land in Petaling Jaya south of Kuala Lumpur, the development is a successful example of rehabilitating an industrial wasteland.

Water Park

The Water Park comprises Waters of Africa, an African themed water park, and Surf Beach.

My kids enjoyed the Congo Challenge, a six-lane water slide where people can race each other downhill headfirst on mats.

There are a number of other slides and tubes to enjoy as well as a lazy river and a waterfall.

But the new highlight of the Water Park has to be the Vuvuzela, which the park describes as the world's largest water ride. It is similar to the recently opened vortex ride at i-City, but Sunway's version is much higher and lasts longer. I expected there to be massive queues for this new ride but but there was no waiting time at all and we went on it twice. My daughter and her friends loved it!

Surf Beach is said to be the world's largest man-made surf beach. The wave machine, which can produce waves of up to 8 feet in height, was not working on my recent visit. The backdrop to the beach is a 75 feet high volcano which is supposed to erupt periodically but again there were no eruptions on my last visit. The Surf Beach is a nice place to relax and if you arrive early you might be able to grab one of the curtained gazebos on the island for that extra tropical feeling.

Of course proper swimming attire is required for this section of the park and changing rooms and lockers are provided.

The other new attraction at the Water Park is the Waterplexx 5D, a fun virtual ride in a cinema-like setting and with seats that move while watching the short (4 minutes) but thrilling movie wearing 3D glasses. The plastic seats and puddles of water on the floor give a clue of what to expect as the audience gets spashed and soaked during the experience. Expect to get wet!

Amusement Park

For land lubbers who prefer to stay dry there is plenty to do in World of Adventure including a roller coaster at the Lost City of Gold, a spinning ride called Apache Pots, and stomach churning upside down rides on the Tomahawk and Pirate's Revenge.

The Wild Wild West has tamer rides for younger kids such as Butch Cassidy Trail, the Alamo and, my favourite, the Grand Canyon River Rapids. There is also the Colorado Splash some arcade games.

Wildlife Park

Wildlife Park is a great little zoo specialising in cute, cuddly, friendly animals and a few not-so-cuddly ones like eagles, pythons and tigers. The petting enclosure was a big hit with the family and we enjoyed hand-feeding the rabbits, tortoises and guinea pigs and petting the ponies. Over in the bird enclosure there were some amazingly friendly budgies who liked to use my wife's head and arms as a perch as well as kites, owls, peacocks, macaws and cockatoos.

Extreme Park

You can reach the Extreme Park by crossing a 428m long pedestrian suspension bridge (again claimed to be the world's longest).

There are a whole bunch of adrenaline rush activities here for the thrill seeker. You can experience weightlessness (and probably a good deal of nausea - I didn't try it!) on G Force X, a slingshot ride which hurtles you 65m into the air at 120km per hour and apparently produces 5 G's of force.

You can war-game with paintball guns, drive quad bikes, race Go-Karts, practice your climbing skills on the vertical climbing wall and bounce on the Power Jump Bungee Trampoline. There is also a 203m Flying Fox.

Scream Park

Finally there is the Scream Park, a modern take on the old house of horrors. There are currently various different scenarios for you to scare yourself silly with, The Pontianak Theatre of Fear,  Tunnel of Penanggal in 3D, Rumah Hantu in 3Dx, Terminator X,  and Horrorwood Studios 2 

In addition to frightening special effects, Scream Park employs live actors who jump out and scream at you, blow down the back of your neck and do lots of other scary tricks. Not suitable for the faint hearted. I did not enjoy it that much but then again it is not intended for old guys like me!

2014 Ticket Prices & Operating Hours

Sunway Lagoon has simplified its pricing method and now there is just one price covering entrance to all 5 Parks (Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife, Extreme Park, Scream Park) with unlimited rides  :

RM Adult Child 11 & Below Seniors 60 & Above Family Package            2 Adults & 2 Kids

Foreign Visitors 120 90 90 N/A

Malaysians with MyKad 90 65 65 275

TIP Buy your ticket in advance through Sunway's Online Ticketing page and you can obtain 15% discount on the above prices.

Note that most of the activities in the Extreme Park carry an extra fee (Bungy Jump, G Force X, Go Kart, Paintball Combat).

Children below 90cm get in free.

Seniors are age 60 and above (ID needed).

Sunway Lagoon is open daily from 10am to 6pm. 

There are plenty of food outlets inside the park. No outside food is allowed.

If you are coming by car there is a huge car park in the neighbouring Sunway Pyramid shopping mall but it gets really busy at weekends so arrive early.

If you are a tourist staying in KL it would be probably be easiest to take a taxi. It is not far and will not be expensive.

KTM Komuter trains stop at Subang Jaya and from there you will need a feeder bus to Sunway Pyramid.

Putra LRT's nearest station is Kelana Jaya and again you would need a feeder bus.

Sunway Lagoon has its own 5-star hotel, the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa with a fine view over the theme park. Not only is it super convenient for the theme park but it is also attached to one of the top shopping malls in KL, Sunway Pyramid, and there are many restaurants, bars, and entertainment spots in this area. To check availability and room rates for this hotel you can take a look at Agoda's website here.

Top Selangor Attractions 01

Snow in Malaysia? 

Yes, it's possible. Take the kids to Snowalk at i-City for something completely different.

This is a technology park located on the outskirts of Shah Alam. At night the place comes alive with an amazing forest of man-made trees brightly illuminated with millions of colourful LED lights.

They call this the City of Digital Lights.

For children it is a fairytale wonderland and even for middle aged guys like me the effect is very impressive.

Next to the forest of lights is Snowalk which is an indoor snow park where visitors can escape from the tropical heat for a while and experience 5 degree temperatures. For some Malaysians who have never seen snow before it is a novel experience. If you are from Canada or Russia you will be less impressed but it is still worth a visit.

Inside Snowalk you will find igloos, ice houses, slides, a mini-bobsled run, snowmen, ice penguins, a bar made of ice (no drinks served), various ice sculptures and plenty more LED lights.

Warm jackets are provided (included in the entrance price). Trousers and boots can be rented at additional cost.

Back outside in the warm air there are other attractions at i-City. These include a reptile house, Laser Warzone (a laser tag game), amusement arcade/indoor funfair games,souvenir shops, food stalls, shops, a full size cinema screen (showing some Van Diesel film during our visit) and a range of restaurants.

There was a giant Xmas tree and a few reindeer made from LED lights and some Chinese New Year lanterns hung across the street even though our visit was in June. It would definitely be best to visit this place at Xmas to soak up the seasonal atmosphere but even in June it was packed with visitors (though it was a school holiday).

New Attractions

I revisited iCity in February 2013 to check out the new attractions.

Waterworld@i-City with its Ultimate Tornado vortex slide is now open! Read all the details by clicking here.

Other new attractions include:

- a Giant Ferris Wheel 100m tall. RM10.

- the Spacewalk which is an elevated rail ride through the Enchanted Forest of digital lights. RM20 per cable car (holds two people).

- the Double Decker, the largest 2-Tier Carousel in Malaysia. RM5.

- the Pirate Ship. RM5 (must be 120cm and above).

- Super Swing. RM5 (120cm and above).

- Bumper Cars. RM5 per car (ages 4 - 12).

- Circus Travel. RM5.

- Happy Train RM5.

- Castle Mania. RM5.

- Mini Bee Spinner. RM5.

There is also a '6 D Motion Theater' with simulator effects such as leg ticklers!

Another fun new attraction is Trick Art Museum. You can read the details here.

Another new attraction which opened in August 2013 is Red Carpet Wax Museum, a glitzy collection of waxwork figures of famous celebrities from the world of showbiz and politics. I' recently visited this new exhibit and here is my review.

Here is a video of the SpaceWalk ride:

Opening Hours

Snowalk opens from 10am - midnight on weekdays and until 1am on weekends / public holidays / school holidays.

Obviously the digital lights only come on after dark (7pm onwards).

Entrance Fee (2014 Ticket Prices)

There is no entrance fee to see the City of Digital Lights.

For Snowalk:

Before 6pm:  RM30 per adult and RM25 per child (MyKad RM 20 and RM15 respectively).

After 6pm:  RM35 per adult and RM30 per child (MyKad RM 25 and RM20 respectively). Family package (2 adults + 2 kids) RM 125 for foreigners and RM 85 for MyKad holders.

This fee includes rental of a jacket. Child rates apply to ages 3-12.

Parking

From 6am - 6pm: Mon-Fri RM1, Sat, Sun, Public Holidays RM 1 for first two hours and Rm 1 per hour thereafter (max RM5).

From 6pm to 6am: RM10

Contact

Their hotline is +603 5521 8800 for more details.

email: help@i-city.my

map

PEDU LAKE, KEDAH

ABOUT PEDU LAKE

PEDU LAKE OR AMPANGAN PEDU AS KNOWN LOCALLY, IS LOCATED IN THE STATE OF KEDAH, MALAYSIA. IT LIES AT LATITUDE 6 DEGREES 15 MINUTES, LONGITUDE 100 DEGREES 46 MINUTES AT THE HEIGHT OF 59.0 METERS ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL. THE LAKE HAS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SEA WITH BOTH LOW TIDE AND HIGH TIDE. AT MAXIMUM WATER LEVEL, THE LAKE IS 97.5M DEEP (320 FEET).THIS MAN-MADE LAKE, IS 75 SQ KM IN AREA, IS SURROUNDED BY PRIMARY TROPICAL RAINFORESTS. IT IS PART OF THE CATCHMENT AREA FOR THE PEDU DAM IN WHICH WATER IS STORED TO IRRIGATE THE PADI FIELDS ON THE PLAINS OF KEDAH.

LOCATED 90KM FROM THE STATE CAPITAL ALOR SETAR AND SERVED BY GOOD ROADS, IT IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE.

THE PEDU LAKE, LOCATED IN THE MIDST OF THE DENSE RAINFOREST OF GUNUNG FAKIR TERBANG AND SURROUNDED BY AN UNDULATING TERRAIN, THIS MAGNIFICENT LAKE OFFERS A SERENITY THAT IS UNMATCHED, A LANDSCAPE THAT IS BEAUTIFUL BEYOND WORDS, AND A REFRESHINGLY COOL ENVIRONMENT. WITH ITS PEACEFUL AND TRANQUIL ENVIRONMENT, PEDU LAKE IS AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR UNWINDING EVEN UNDER THE MIDDAY SUN.

THE LUSH JUNGLE IS HOME TO A LARGE POPULATION OF WILD ANIMALS, WHICH INCLUDES ELEPHANTS, DEER, WILD BOAR, LEOPARDS, BIRDS, BATS, FLYING FOXES, AND NOT FORGETTING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSECTS. THE RICH WILDLIFE IN PEDU LAKE'S JUNGLE HAS PROMPTED THE KEDAH GOVERNMENT TO DESIGNATE PART OF PEDU LAKE AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS AS A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. THIS HAS OPENED A NEW DIMENSION IN ECO-TOURISM, WHICH IS UNIQUELY SPECIAL TO THE PEDU LAKE REGION. HIDES AND CANOPY WALKS HAVE ALSO BEEN CREATED TO ENABLE TOURISTS AND NATURE LOVERS TO HAVE A TASTE OF ADVENTURE IN THE WILDS.

VISITORS SHOULD ALSO NOT LIMIT THEIR ADVENTURES TO DAYTIME ALONE. WHEN NIGHT FALLS AND SILENCE DESCENDS, ONE CAN HEAR THE CRACKLING CALLS OF JUNGLE INSECTS, THE OCCASIONAL HOOTING OF NIGHT OWLS, AND THE STRANGE CRIES OF WILD ANIMALS. IT IS A WORLD WHERE THE NOCTURNAL ANIMALS DOMINATE. YET THE MOON HIGH ABOVE THE LAKE AND THE SHIMMERING SURFACE OF THE LAKE PROVIDES SUCH PEACEFUL AND ROMANTIC FEELINGS.

PEDU LAKE HAS SO MUCH MORE TO OFFER TO US. NATURE LOVERS HAVE THE ENTIRE JUNGLE AT THEIR DISPOSAL TO DISCOVER THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF THE TROPICAL FORESTS. VACATIONERS HAVE THE BEAUTY ALL TO THEMSELVES. ONE CAN NEVER TIRE OF THIS PLACE.

WITH THE SURROUNDING GREEN TROPICAL FORESTS AND HILLS CASTING SHADOWS ON THE LAKE, THE WATERS SHIMMER IN RICH HUES OF EMERALD BLUE.

GETTING TO PEDU LAKE

The various ways and means of reaching us are as follows :

By Air

Guests can fly to Alor Setar Airport.

Mutiara Pedu Lake Golf & Lake Resort offers pick-up service from airport at minimal charge. Prior arrangements must be made.

By Road:

Take the North-South Expressway. If you travel from the south, exit at Gurun. This route will take you through scenic towns and villages like Jeniang, Batu Lima, Sik, Gulau , Belantik and Gubir before reaching your destination.

If travelling from the North, including Thailand, Bukit Kayu Hitam or from Kangar, exit at the Alor Star Utara toll and proceed to Langar, Pokok Sena, Kuala Nerang and Kampung Pedu. Kuala Nerang is the nearest town to Pedu, about 50km or 45 minutes drive through narrow meandering road. The nearest village is Kampung Pinang, about 30km away.

If you are travelling by road and coming from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, through the East-West Highway you have to proceed to Grik, Pengkalan Hulu and Baling or Kuala Pegang. If you choose Baling, proceed to Weng, Kampung Batu Belah, Gulau, Belantik and Gubir. If you choose Kuala Pegang, proceed to Parit Panjang, Batu Lima, Sik, Gulau, Belantik and Gulau.

Bus and Taxi services are available from Alor Star to Kuala Nerang. Mutiara Pedu Lake Golf & Lake Resort offers pick-up service from Kuala Nerang at minimal charge. Prior arrangements must be made.

Road distances to Pedu:

From the South

From	Distance Km	Duration hr
Kuala Lumpur	500	5
Penang	170	2.5
Alor Star Utara Toll	80	1.5
Sungai Petani	117	2
Gurun	100	1.5
Sik	60	1
Gulau	33	0.5
Gubir	30	20 minutes

From the North

From	Distance Km	Duration hr
Bukit Kayu Hitam	125	2
Kangar	125	2
Alor Star Utara Toil	80	1.5
Langgar	76	1.5
Pokok Sena	64	1
Kuala Nerang	50	45 minutes

BY TRAIN :

Trains stop at Alor Star Train Station. Mutiara Pedu Lake Golf & Lake Resort offers pick-up service from Kuala Nerang at minimal charge. Prior arrangements must be made.

BOAT TRANSFERS

By boat transfers - This is available at Pedu Dam upon request. For those not wishing to drive all the way to the resort, Mutiara Pedu Lake Resort offers speedboat transfer from the Pedu Dam, cutting travel time to the resort by more than 20 minutes and offering a unique experience.