Zoo Melaka (Malacca Zoo and Night Safari)
The Basics
Tickets for Zoo Melaka and Night Safari are moderately priced, with discounts for children and visitors who hold Malaysian identity cards. Travelers overwhelmingly visit from the city of Melaka itself. As public transport is tricky, particularly during the hours when the night safari is operating, it’s worth looking out for a tour that includes door-to-door round-trip transfers. Some packages bundle the zoo with other attractions, such as the Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary and Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park, and can represent good value.
Things to Know Before You Go
Zoo Melaka and Night Safari is a good choice for families with children who are spending some time in the area.
Don’t spend the additional money on the tram unless it’s a must for your family. The pace is slow, and the vehicles are in poor condition.
The zoo is exposed to the elements. Bring sunscreen and an umbrella in case of rain.
There is reasonable wheelchair access to Zoo Melaka and Night Safari, but sidewalks can be uneven.
How to Get There
Zoo Melaka and Night Safari is located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Melaka’s historic center in Ayer Keroh. During the day it’s possible to reach the zoo by public transport, connecting through the Melaka Sentral bus station, but this is extremely time-consuming. It’s better to drive or join an organized tour.
When to Get There
Zoo Melaka and Night Safari operates as a daytime zoo from morning until late afternoon seven days a week. On Friday and Saturday evenings and on nights before Malaysian public holidays, it runs as a night safari, opening after dark and closing late. The night safari will likely prove the most interesting element of the zoo, especially for travelers who’ve not experienced a zoo at night before.
Animal Welfare at Zoo Melaka and Night Safari
In fall 2018, Melaka’s state government took back control of Zoo Melaka and Night Safari from the private company that had been operating it since 2012. New management priorities include conservation and animal welfare. Enclosures are being expanded, antisnake measures are in place, and the zoo will increase its focus on signature Malaysian species such as orangutans.
- Malacca Crocodile Park (Taman Buaya & Rekreasi Melaka)
- Melaka Botanical Garden
- Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park
- Melaka Bird Park
- Magic Art Museum
- The Shore Oceanarium
- The Shore Sky Tower
- Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
- Malacca River (Sungai Melaka)
- Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat)
- Stadthuys
- Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
- Illusion 3D Art Museum Melaka
- Melaka Portuguese Square
- Taming Sari Tower (Menara Taming Sari)