Zoo Taiping is one of north-west Malaysia's top family-friendly attractions, home to over 1,300 animals, including hippos, hornbills, lions and giraffes. Watch elephants splash in pools and roll in the dust, before exploring the walk-through aviaries filled with exotic birds.

The zoo offers a unique chance to view endangered and vulnerable wildlife, including Malayan sun bears, Bornean orangutans and stump-tailed macaques. To see animals at their most active, sign up for the night safari, which spotlights the zoo's nocturnal residents. The enclosures are lit with simulated moonlight, which makes it easy to spot prowling tigers and black panthers.

Kids will love riding the miniature train around the zoo and checking out kangaroos, emus and black swans in the Australian zone. After touring the zoo, explore Taiping Lake Gardens, a lush green space where you can stroll under century-old trees, picnic on the grass and paddle on glassy lagoons.

Getting there

Zoo Taiping is two kilometres east of Taiping and 1.5 hours from Penang and there’s ample parking available on site. You can walk there from Taiping in around 20 minutes or rent a bicycle.