Malaysia National Zoo (Zoo Negara Malaysia)

Walk around the 110-acre (45-hectare) zoo grounds to see your favorite animals from around the world, or take the tram (small extra fee) to save your feet. Don't miss the chance to hand-feed Javan deer, see twice daily animal shows, and visit the two giant pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, in their own conservation center. As the zoo is outside of the city center, it’s not a common stop on tours.

• The Malaysia National Zoo is a great choice for families with kids.

• Kids under 3 go free, and children 3-12 and those over 60 enter on discounted tickets.

• The zoo offers souvenir shops, a range of food choices, free Wi-Fi in key locations, and stroller and wheelchair hire.

• Malaysia National Zoo is reasonably accessible to travelers who use wheelchairs, with adapted bathrooms.

Malaysia National Zoo sits about three miles (five kilometers) northeast of Kuala Lumpur, around a 20-minute or 9-mile (14-kilometer) drive from Merdeka Square. For ease, most travelers either drive themselves or hire a car. To ride public transport, catch the Kelana Jaya LRT (Line 5) to Wangsa Maju station, and then pick up a 253 bus to the Zoo Negara Malaysia stop—a journey that takes around 90 minutes.

Malaysia National Zoo is open from morning until late afternoon seven days a week, with animal shows in late morning and midafternoon. Visit on weekends to mingle with local families, or go when school is in session for a more tranquil experience.

The Malaysia National Zoo was founded to introduce Malaysians to animals from around the world, so the collection is international in scope. There are, however, some unusual Malaysian creatures on display. Look for Malayan porcupines and civet cats and Borneo orangutans and sunbears as well as seven of the nation’s 10 hornbill species.