KL Bird Park

Jul 31st, 2010 by Frog Prince

I know maintenance is not exactly something that Malaysia is known for seeing as how we often have new attractions that very quickly turn un-attractive in a space of a few years.

So imagine my surprise when I was told that KL Bird Park has been around for ages. I had thought from my visit that it was perhaps rather new-ish since:

1) The carpark was rather full

2) The water feature outside had clear water flowing – a far cry from the usually dried up and algae-clogged fountains that you usually encounter at ‘attractions’ after a year or two.

A good first impression

I guess when you put the right person in charge, good things can indeed last. Not only does the place look clean, the birds actually look healthy and lively!

On the website, it describes itself as a world of birds and a tropical paradise and I must say it’s not far off the mark. What is interesting is that most of the birds get to fly, walk and hop freely. Except the really big birds that feed on other bird, which is understandable…

Small waterfall feature inside the park

After purchasing my ticket (RM15 for adult but certain credit cards and Jusco membership card means you only need to pay RM10), I walked in to be greeted by a cacophony of whistles, chirps and tweets. There are small parakeets perched on their stand looking pretty and pairs of lovebirds busy being ah… loving.

Then as I continue on my stroll, I find that the park is divided into sections. There’s Brahminy Land, Flamingo Pond, Hornbill Park, World of Parrots, Oriental Birds and many more. The name denotes the type of birds with Brahminy referring to Brahminy Kites which are birds of prey.

Clean and clear paths with shady trees

I find the free-flight concept really works as it’s interesting being able to walk along the path with peacocks, pigeons and cranes. Quite an experience, really. And it’s nice learning more about the birds strolling along with you from signs in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

A slightly wet peacock as it was raining earlier

One species of bird that caught my eye was the Crowned Pigeon with its beautiful crown feathers. They were as big as turkeys and it was a surprise to me that these birds are pigeons!

One bold Crowned Pigeon posing for the camera

Another species was the Mandarin ducks. The male were so colourful with really unique feather-do that you just think ‘wait a minute… are these real?’. They look like toy birds painted by a loony artist with all the colours he could get his hands on! And if you want to get close to them, get some feed from the counter and offer these.

In the avian world, the male is always more colourful than the female

Close up of the male Mandarin Duck

But if you fancy having birds perched on you, then be sure to head over to World of Parrots. Make a small contribution and the staff will hand you some feed. Put these into your hands and cute parakeets will make a beeline for you. Then you can pose like a model with the birds on your arms, shoulders or head!

Or head over to Feathered Friends Photo Booth. You can pay RM8 to pose with the birds (parrots, owls, hornbill) and have a friend take the picture for you. Or pay for the park’s instant photo service.

Other amenities in the park include food stalls (selling light refreshments and snacks), Hornbill Restaurant, an amphitheatre with free bird shows (at 12.30pm and 3.30pm), toilets as well as a gallery and education centre.

I spent a good three hours there as I explore the different sections and thought that I WOULD bring friends from abroad to visit this place. Certainly worth a visit!