Zoo Johor: A Day at One of Malaysia’s Oldest Zoos (Honest Review)
Visiting a zoo in the middle of a blazing hot afternoon was probably not the wisest plan, but here we were, and honestly? No regrets (maybe a little, since I forgot my portable fan). Shoutout to Jamie, Nicas, and JC for making the trip pleasant and full.
Zoo Johor sits conveniently close to the JB CIQ, making it an easy add-on to a day trip from Singapore. It was a spontaneous stop on our itinerary, and it ended up being one of the more memorable ones.
A Brief History
Zoo Johor is one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia, having first opened its doors in 1928. First established as a private royal menagerie known as Kebun Binatang (Animal Garden) by the Sultan Ibrahim, it was then opened to the public in1962. Today, it’s a state-run zoo, and after three years of closure for refurbishment, it officially reopened in 2024.
First Impressions
New. That was my first thought. The grounds felt freshly tended, the pathways clear, and the entrance area welcoming. What greets us immediately, apart from the glass enclosures housing the birds, is a large, gorgeous lake that made my friend wonder if there’d be dolphins. (There weren’t, but the lake sets a great tone for the whole visit.)
At around 12.5 hectares, the zoo is sizeable. We spent about two hours doing a full walk, comfortable enough if you pace yourself and take breaks in the shade (or seek respite in the air-conditioned Reptile House).
About the Zoo
The zoo is divided into four zones and home to 275 animals across 53 species. That includes the elephants, lions and tigers, and the great apes. There’s also a dedicated Reptile House where we can get up close with snakes, geckos, and bearded dragons, all safely behind glass.
The birdlife here is genuinely impressive. Peafowl roam about, storks stand majestically on top of fences (pretty sure some escaped), and you’ll spot parrots, emus, flamingoes, and even a cassowary.
The Bird Dome was a personal highlight. You step inside an enclosed aviary and essentially become part of their world. They fly around you, perch nearby, and go about their business while you stand on the viewing deck. There are also little rabbits hopping around inside, which was an unexpected delight.
Sweet little birds waiting patiently for their photographs to be taken.
Snap photographs with the friendly parrots just nearby the Bird Dome. With the guidance of a birdkeeper, you can hold the cockatoos and the macaw and snap photos with them.
Opposite the dome, baby capybaras roam the area, and they are exactly as charming as you’d imagine. Learn more about the my encounter with the capybaras up close here.
Keep an eye out for the black sun bear too, one of the more unique residents you might not meet elsewhere. Found only in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, it is the smallest bear species. However, don’t let their adorable appearance fool you, the sun bear is feisty and is among the fiercest creatures known in the forest!
My Honest Thoughts
I genuinely enjoyed the trip. There’s something special about being in the presence of animals I’d otherwise never encounter, and Zoo Johor gives us that in a compact, walkable space.
That said, I’ll always have mixed feelings about the zoos. Some of the enclosures here are spacious, but others left me wishing for more. Seeing animals behind fences and birds in cages is something I’ll never quite make peace with. But I do hope that with the zoo’s conservation efforts and the recent refurbishment, these animals are living better lives.
Tickets Prices & Tips
Ticket prices costs RM10 for Malaysians and RM30 for foreigners. For the full list of ticket prices, check this page.
Opening Hours:
- Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Break: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
- Closed every Tuesday (effective 1 November 2024)
- Ticket counter closes at 5:00 PM
Tips before you go:
- Sunscreen is important
- Bring an umbrella for the open stretches
- Pack insect repellent
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
Love animals?
Check out my visits to Panbil Nature Reserve Batam, Indonesia and the Shou Shan Zoo in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan for more wildlife adventures around the region!
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