Zoo Negara

31^st August our country celebrated 59^th Independence Day.  Since hubby and children had a day off, here comes the Lim’s family plan which came unexpectedly - a day trip to the National Zoo.

The last time we visited this place was in year 2012, together with Audrey and Ah Gong.  Click here to read the blog.  Only 4 years later we re-visited this place…. don’t you think it’s a bit too soon??!  Anyway, this is all because of our two little kiddos…

Some pictures from 2012:

The miniature horse at the Children's World

We reached Zoo Negara around 10am and the place was already packed with people.  Hubby went straight to the ticketing counter.

Admission Fee is RM44/adult, RM16/children and RM21/senior citizen.  So, a total of RM 141 for all 5 of us.  There was a huge increase of the fees because of the additional panda attraction.

We were surprised that we need to purchase the zoo map at RM1.

Then, we were ‘ushered’ by the staff to take lots of photos although we didn’t really want to.  To purchase this ‘professional’ photos each piece is RM40; but a special rate was given in honor of Merdeka Day, RM140 for 7 photos.  Thank you but no thanks!  :p

Now, our personal FOC tour guide took over.  Our first stop: The Butterfly Garden

 Here are the moments captured on my handphone.... didn't even bring a proper camera. :p

I was hoping for one or two butterflies to land on my hand or shoulder… but too bad, not a chance! 

Butterflies are so beautiful. Just look at their wings! God is the best artist, don’t you think so?

Next up - Giraffes!  They are so graceful...

Painted storks (birds), lots and lots of them.

To be honest, I didn’t take as many photos as the previous time.  4 years gap is really too close to visit the zoo again.  Not to mention we visited Malacca Zoo twice, and A Famosa Safari Wonderland twice within these 4 years.  OK, seriously, I think I have enough of ZOO for quite awhile.

After an hour plus, we stopped by at one of the kiosk for toilet break and had a few scoops of ice cream to cool us down.  Thank God for a cloudy morning.  Still, we were sweating profusely. 

A pleasant surprise when we met one of the TMC PJ members here.  They saw Andrew first and they thought this person looked like Pastor Andrew.  It was after seeing me then only they realized it is Andrew!!! Hahaha… that was quite a joke.

Finally we reached the Giant Panda Conservation Centre.  A staff was stationed right at the doorway to instruct us the do’s and don’ts.  We were given 20 minutes to be upclose with the pandas.  To avoid causing distress to the pandas, we ought to be quiet the whole time.  The pandas are named Xing Xing and Liang Liang.  Both of them were laying still.  But their baby was very active.  How I wish to hug this cutie pie!!!

As I looked back at the photos taken 4 years ago, found out an interesting fact.  This OrangUtan was in this position when we were here 4 years ago.  4 years later, he was still in this position when we came.  This time, I didn’t take a photo.  If not, we could actually compare and play the game of SPOT the Difference. 

A lot of construction is going on.  Thus, the place looks a bit messy.  Perhaps this is really not the right time to visit.  I don’t remember seeing that in their website.  If not, would have considered coming another time.

The Children’s World is really a let down.  There isn’t any animal there except two miniature horse. 

We actually completed our zoo adventure around 2pm.  Our personal tour guide advised us to miss the 11am Multi-Animal Show.  So, we waited for an hour to catch the 3pm show.

While waiting, hubby brought the children to watch the 6D Motion Adventure.  Mom and I waited at one of the nearby shades.  Suddenly it began to rain.  Thank God it didn’t last for more than 5 minutes. 

Erwyn pleaded to take the tram ride.  Since we still have some time to kill, hubby brought the kids for the ride while Mom and I went to the Animal Show amphitheater and waited there.

The show was a big disappointment.  Four years ago we remembered it being much better.  Guess the quality degrades over time.  I was a bit taken aback as the staff communicated with the audience mostly in Bahasa and not English. 

As we depart rain was pouring heavily.  What a perfect timing!  We reached Malacca around 6pm.  A big thank you to our personal driver, tour guide, and ATM for this zoo adventure.  Personally, I love the panda the most.  Glad to catch a glimpse of them before they are transported back to China.  But seriously, I think I will not step foot to this place until.... further notice.