When it comes to family-friendly attractions, a trip to the zoo never disappoints, as little ones and adults alike can all look forward to meeting its furry, feathered, and scaly inhabitants. But, if you’re looking for an alternative to the various wildlife parks at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, perhaps a cross-border trip is in order.
That’s because the Johor Zoo has finally reopened after 3 years of renovation works; here’s all you need to know about JB’s oldest zoo, located just a few minute’s drive away from JB CIQ.
The current exchange rate is RM1= ~S$0.30 as of 17th September 2024.
The Johor Zoo is JB’s oldest zoo, having opened its doors for business since 1928. It’s located just 3.9km from the JB customs which roughly equates to a 10-minute drive, making it accessible for many, including Singaporeans looking to add it to their JB day trips.
What the Johor Zoo looked like in the 1960s.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore
The zoo was opened by the late Johor Sultan, Sir Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, and was previously known as Kebun Binatang, or Animal Garden. It served as the Sultan’s personal animal collection and housed critters from countries he had paid a visit to. Ownership of the Johor Zoo was then handed over to the Johor State Government in 1962, and the zoo remains open to the public till today.
The Johor Zoo was closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and coupled with the fact it had to undergo upgrading works, it finally reopened and welcomed visitors once again on 31st August 2024. Alongside its renovated facilities, the zoo now plays host to 275 animals from 53 species, including mammals, reptiles and birds.
Tickets to the Johor Zoo are currently priced as follows:
| Visitor type | Price for Malaysian residents | Price for foreigners |
| Adult (12 years old and above) | RM10 | RM30 |
| Children (between 5-12 years old) | RM5 | |
| Senior citizens (60 years old and above) | RM5 | |
| Visitors with special needs | Free | |
| Children below 5 years old | Free | Free |
There’s also an ongoing promotion to commemorate the reopening of the Johor Zoo on 31st August 2024, which coincides with Malaysia’s Independence Day. From now till 30th September 2024, Malaysian residents can enjoy 50% off adult tickets, while children and senior citizens can enter for free.
At the moment, you can only purchase physical tickets from the zoo’s ticketing counters and kiosks. The Johor government is currently developing an online ticket purchasing system to combat the crowds at the ticketing counters, so do keep an eye out for that.
Getting to the Johor Zoo is simple. As mentioned, the zoo is just a 10-minute drive from the JB customs, and a 15-minute drive from the Johor Bahru city centre.
A handy video by the zoo showing you how to board their free shuttle buses.
However, you won’t be able to find any parking at the zoo itself. Your best bet is to park at the nearby Ayer Molek Prison, also known as the Johor Bahru Prison, which contains 500 parking lots, and take a free shuttle bus to the zoo. The current fleet of 4 shuttle buses operate from 8.30am-6.30pm daily, and picks up visitors in intervals of 15 minutes.
Image adapted from: @japenjohor via Instagram
Once you’ve made your way to the zoo, you’ll find that the zoo is conveniently split up into 4 different zones. Zone 1 is where you’ll find administrative facilities such as the ticketing counter and the visitor information centre, as well as an expansive lake to saunter around. There’s also an amphitheatre, shaded rest area, and a playground for the kids to run wild at.
Image credit: @onnhafiz via Instagram
In Zones 2 and 3, you’ll be able to come face-to-face with some of the animals that reside in the zoo, which include lions, chimpanzees, bears, and oxes. Visitors can even get up close and personal with some of the animals here; lend a helping hand during elephant feeding sessions, or if you’re brave enough, pet a Burmese python with the help of the zookeepers.
Image adapted from: @onnhafiz via Instagram
Other animals you can spot in these zones include toucans, tapirs, mandrills, and camels. Plus, there are also 2 bird domes where you can view colourful macaws and toucans as they fly around their enclosures.
Image credit: @saufie2u via Instagram
As for Zone 4, you can wave hello to a couple of semi-aquatic animals, such as ferocious crocs, graceful flamingos, and lazy hippos. There’s also a small area here for you to pose beside friendly birds like cockatoos for a nice photo.
Image credit: @onnhafiz via Instagram
With the Johor Zoo being in such close proximity to other hotspots like Johor Bahru City Square Mall, be sure to set aside some time to visit this refreshed attraction on your next trip across the border.
For more things to do in JB, these are the best malls in JB for shopaholics to go ham at, while Eco Spring Labs further upstate is an aesthetic site for a photoshoot. Else, animal lovers won’t want to miss these pet cafes in JB, and adrenaline junkies will thank us for this list of adventure parks and theme parks in JB.
Cover image adapted from: @amershahrin.amin & @zingee via Instagram
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