Zoo Negara Travel Guide

Zoo Negara Malaysia (National Zoo) is Malaysia’s largest local zoo. It is located in Ulu Klang of the Gombak District in the state of Selangor⁠—⁠about a 20-minutes drive from central Kuala Lumpur. Covering an area of 110 acres, the zoo houses over 5,000 animals consisting of 437 different species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish. The zoo first offiicially opened its doors on 14th November 1963 and is run by the Malaysian Zoological Society, a non-governmental organisation set up to manage the country’s premier zoo. Since its opening, Zoo Negara has made great efforts over the years to transform the complex into an open concept with over 90% of its inhabitants now residing in spacious enclosures resembling their natural habitats.  

Opening Hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm daily  

Address: Zoo Negara, Jalan Taman Zooview, Taman Zooview, 68000 Ampang, Selangor 

Exhibits 

There are 17 exhibits in Zoo Negara which you can explore at your leisure. These include the popular Giant Panda Conservation Centre home to Xing Xing and Liang Liang, the zoo’s famous star pandas. Get up close and personal with African lions and Malayan tigers as well as gentle giants — three Malaysian elephants. With such a diverse variety of species, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.    

Multi-Animal Shows 

The Multi-Animal shows featuring playful sea lions and colourful macaws occurs daily at 11.00 am and 3.00pm (3.30pm on Friday).  

Animal Feeding 

Children may enjoy getting the chance to feed their favourite farm animals and Javan deers in the Children’s World exhibit. Feeding sessions occur on weekends and public holidays between 12.00pm - 1.00pm for Children’s World, and 2.00pm - 3.00pm for Javan deer. 

Zoo Negara is open to visit all year round. Weather in Ulu Klang is similar to that of Kuala Lumpur where temperatures vary between 30°C - 35°C during the day. You are more likely to experience high rainfall and thunderstorms during the Northeast monsoon season from March - October.

By Car 

Zoo Negara is approximately a 20-minute drive from the centre of Kuala Lumpur. The easiest route is to take the Middle Ring Road 2 heading towards Ampang/Hulu Kelang. There is parking available near Gate 3 with a parking fee. Travelling to Zoo Negara by taxi or Grab car is also a convenient option.  

By Bus 

You can take either the RapidKL number 253 from Putra LRT Station, Wangsamaju or RapidKL number 220 from Lebuh Ampang to get to Zoo Negara from Kuala Lumpur.  

By Train 

From the Putra LRT station, you can head to the Wangsa Maju station using the Gombak line. Disembark at Wangsa Maju then proceed to take a taxi or Grab car to Zoo Negara.  

On Foot 

The best way to soak up the sights and sounds of Zoo Negara is to walk. However, this may depend on individual fitness levels. Air-conditioned zoo huts can be found throughout the grounds for you to cool down and take a quick break.  

By Tram 

There is a tram service that can take you between two tram stations at the zoo entrance and in the middle of the park. Tickets will need to be purchased in order to board the tram.  

You can choose from a selection of restaurants and cafes scattered across the zoo grounds for either sit down meals or on-the-go snacks. Zoo Negara food outlets include: The Wild Restaurant, Opps Café, Mane Delicious, Panda Café, Hari Harimau Café and Savannah Cafeteria. These range in both eastern and western cuisines.

There are three souvenir shops in the zoo: Kancil Souvenir Shop, Kyoto Enterprise and Zoovenir Shop (located inside the Giant Panda Conservation Centre).

Located around Zoo Negara itself are a number of mid-range to budget hotels and serviced apartments to stay. For luxury accommodation, you will find greater options in central Kuala Lumpur – only a 20-minute drive from Zoo Negara.

It is recommend to bring sunscreen, a hat and water bottle when walking around the zoo grounds in the warm Malaysian sun. Zoo huts are available around the park to provide shade and a place to relax between exhibits.

We suggest wearing cool, loose clothing while outside in the warm and humid tropical climate. As Malaysia is a Muslim country, do be mindful of the local customs in dressing modestly. As there is a lot of walking involved — wearing a good, comfortable pair of shoes will also help make sure you get the most out of your trip to Zoo Negara.

Lockers are available to store belongings for a small fee. 

Wheelchair and baby stroller services are available to rent from the Information Counter.  

Free WiFi is available at the main entrance, Multi-Animal Show amphitheatre and Giant Panda Conservation Centre.  

For Muslim visitors, an air-conditioned prayer room can be found in the main entrance.