Johor Zoo in JB
Many of us have fond memories of visiting the zoo, regardless of age. If you grew up or live in the state of Johor, the nostalgic Johor Zoo with its affordable entry fees might have been a spot you’ve visited before to meet its inhabitants.
While the zoo temporarily closed in October 2020 for upgrading works, it has since announced its reopening date after much anticipation – 31st August 2024, Malaysia’s Merdeka Day.
The oldest zoo in Malaysia
Before it was dubbed Johor Zoo, Malaysia’s oldest zoo went by the name Kebun Binatang. It has a history dating back to 1928 when it functioned as a personal garden housing animals that intrigued its owner, the Sultan of Johor.
Since 1962, when it officially opened to the public, it has become a mainstay in JB for animal lovers looking to meet all sorts of creatures.
There’s a gallery with information on the zoo’s history.
Image credit: Jabatan Penerangan Negeri Johor via Facebook
No new kid on the block, Johor Zoo is said to be the very first zoo in Asia, and the oldest zoo in Malaysia. It’s a well-known site among locals for school field trips and weekend family hangs, with most swinging by to get close to the mousedeer and feed the camels.
Image credit: @msyitahsalim via Instagram
The affordable entry fees also make the zoo a no-brainer to visit come the weekends. It costs no more than RM2 for visitors to visit Johor Zoo during the pre-pandemic days – the cheapest entry fee for a zoo in the country yet, as it’s operated by the state government.
When it reopens, ticket fees will be bumped up slightly to RM10 for adults and RM5 for children for Malaysians. Likewise, standard tickets will be priced at RM30. But that’s likely because visitors can now meet and interact with more animals during a visit.
Over 270 animals to meet
Image credit: Jabatan Penerangan Negeri Johor via Facebook
The 95-year-old zoo has since expanded, from just over 100 animals under its care to over 275 animals from 53 species, including mammals, primates, reptiles, and birds.
Image credit: ZOO JOHOR via Facebook
Some new inhabitants to look out for include elephants, chimpanzees, tapirs, and tigers.
Image credit: ZOO JOHOR via Facebook
Other areas given makeovers include upgraded walkways, a refreshed pond, a new entrance, and more parking bays. To make it even more convenient for visitors, online ticketing will be available as well.
There’ll also be a playground area for the kiddos, and a gift store to shop for knick-knacks. These will be in addition to facilities already available here, including an amphitheatre, toilets, and a surau.
Image credit: ZOO JOHOR via Facebook
Meet over 200 animals at Malaysia’s oldest zoo in JB
To make visits to the zoo convenient for even non-locals, there’ll be four free bus shuttle services by the Johor Public Transport running daily. They’ll have a frequency of 15 minutes, picking up visitors from Ayer Molek Prison and dropping them off at Johor Zoo.
Johor Zoo is also offering a 50% discount on tickets for MyKad-holders for September. Kids under the age of 12, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities can enjoy free entry too during the month.
Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 07-223 0404 | Johor Zoo Facebook
You might also enjoy this guide to the best things to do in JB and this go-karting spot in JB that has rides from RM55/pax.
Cover image adapted from: @msyitahsalim via Instagram, ZOO JOHOR via Facebook, ZOO JOHOR via Facebook