Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Discover Borneo's unique wildlife at Lok Kawi, home to proboscis monkeys, tigers, and more. A family-friendly park with an engaging animal show.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Borneo's unique wildlife at Lok Kawi, home to proboscis monkeys, tigers, and more. A family-friendly park with an engaging animal show.
"The animals look very good! The binturongs, clouded leopard and tiger were sleeping peacefully."
🎯 Arrive for the Animal Show
Catch the animal show at 11:15 AM. Arrive by 11:00 AM for good seats!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Proboscis Monkeys
Borneo Endemic Exhibit
Spot these unique Borneo natives with their distinctive noses. A must-see for any visitor!
Majestic Tigers
Big Cat Enclosure
Witness the power and grace of these magnificent striped predators up close.
Playful Monkeys
Monkey Enclosures
Be entertained by the energetic antics of various monkey species. Always a crowd-pleaser!
Gentle Giants: Elephants
Elephant Enclosure
Observe the calm demeanor of the park's elephants, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animal Sightings
Prepare for a Relaxed Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for the Animal Show
Catch the animal show at 11:15 AM. Arrive by 11:00 AM for good seats!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes.
☔ Bring an Umbrella/Raincoat
Sabah weather can be unpredictable; be prepared for rain.
💰 Check Entrance Fees
Malaysian adults RM10, children RM20. Foreigners pay more.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for the Animal Show
Catch the animal show at 11:15 AM. Arrive by 11:00 AM for good seats!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes.
☔ Bring an Umbrella/Raincoat
Sabah weather can be unpredictable; be prepared for rain.
💰 Check Entrance Fees
Malaysian adults RM10, children RM20. Foreigners pay more.
⏰ Park Closure Alert
The park closes between 1-2 PM for lunch, so plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park offers a decent wildlife experience, particularly for families, with highlights like proboscis monkeys and an engaging animal show. While some visitors praise its cleanliness and animal care, others note that the park could benefit from more animals and improved facilities, suggesting it's a more modest attraction than a large-scale zoo.
"Our experience at the Wildlife Park in Kota Kinabalu was unfortunately quite disappointing. When we arrived, we were surprised to find it closed between 1 pm and 2 pm — something we hadn’t been aware of — and ended up waiting 45 minutes before we could enter.
Once inside, it became clear that the park is small and poorly maintained. The walking paths were in bad condition, and many of the animal enclosures looked neglected, which took away from the enjoyment of the visit.
On the positive side, we did get to see a few interesting animals, including the sun bear, elephants, and the famous proboscis monkey unique to the region. However, the overall state of the park made it hard to truly appreciate the experience.
Unfortunately, the kids didn’t enjoy it much, mainly due to the lack of upkeep and the limited attractions. With better maintenance and care, this park could be so much more — but as it stands, it’s not a place we would rush to recommend."
Purple Koala
"We visited this zoo and were quite surprised – most of the animals don’t look very well, especially the tiger. He looked like he might be drugged or just very old. Honestly, we came here mainly to see the proboscis monkeys, and yes – they are here and they are amazing! I’m not sure if they just didn’t like us or if they’re not very friendly with people, but they didn’t come close. Still, we managed to take a few nice photos.
As for the rest of the animals, there aren’t that many, so don’t expect to spend a full day here. You couldn’t anyway – the park is open from around 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, then it closes for lunch and reopens at 2:00 pm. We went in the afternoon. Getting a taxi back was a bit stressful – no one accepted our booking for more than 20 minutes, and since it’s over half an hour by car from Kota Kinabalu, we were worried we’d have to walk! So definitely have a backup plan for transport.
The zoo itself is quite small and can be walked through slowly in about an hour. We spent another 30 minutes just sitting and watching the proboscis monkeys. Other animals you can see here include elephants, tigers, bears, different kinds of birds (parrots, toucans – I think – and owls), orangutans (though they were barely visible and not active at all), otters, ostriches, cows, and a few others.
Entrance is 20 MYR per person for non-Malaysians. A taxi from Kota Kinabalu costs about 20–35 MYR one way.
Overall, is it worth it? Yes – but only for the proboscis monkeys. They are the main highlight. Otherwise, there isn’t much to see, and sadly, many of the animals seem to be in poor condition, possibly because they’re old or not well cared for. On site, there’s a small snack shop with drinks and a souvenir store."
Platon Henis
"Support your local zoo! ( As long it doesnt abuse the animal) But sadly yes some cage look sad and need to improve. We stumble upon elephant feeding time and it was a good experience to see elephant so near!. At the centre pavi there are small local stall people selling some food and drinks. This zoo really bring back the nostalgic feeling. Hoping there are public transport access to this zoo and there are more activities/festival so more people come to this zoo."
syahir salim (syeir)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is about a 25-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu city center. Grab is a convenient option, though taxis might be more expensive. Some visitors have reported paying around RM40 for a taxi.
While public transport options exist, they can be less direct. Using ride-sharing apps like Grab is generally recommended for ease and convenience.
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is located south of Kota Kinabalu, approximately 20-25 kilometers away.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors who drive to the park.
Absolutely! Lok Kawi Wildlife Park makes for an excellent half-day or full-day trip from Kota Kinabalu, offering a glimpse into local wildlife.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees vary. For Malaysians, it's RM10 for adults and RM20 for children. Foreigners typically pay RM20 for adults and RM10 for children. It's always best to check the latest prices upon arrival.
The park generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. However, it has a lunch break between 1 PM and 2 PM where entry and food services might be unavailable.
Currently, there is no widespread information about online ticket purchasing. It's advisable to purchase tickets directly at the park's entrance.
While specific group discounts aren't widely advertised, family packages might be available. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter for any current promotions.
The park typically closes for an hour between 1 PM and 2 PM for lunch. Visitors may need to wait outside or plan their visit to avoid this period.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including tigers, leopards, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, sun bears, binturongs, elephants, and numerous bird species like parrots. +1
Yes, there is an animal show held daily, usually around 11:15 AM. It's recommended to arrive by 11:00 AM to secure good seats.
Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours exploring the park, depending on their pace and interest in observing the animals.
Yes, the park has scheduled feeding times for some animals. Visitors might get to see otters being fed, and it's a great opportunity to observe animal behavior.
Reviews are mixed. Some visitors find the park clean and well-organized, while others note that it has seen better days and could use improvements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe or food court within the park, but it may close during the park's lunch break (1 PM - 2 PM). It's advisable to bring your own snacks or have a meal before or after your visit.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a good option, especially if you plan to spend a longer time or have specific dietary needs.
The food options usually include local Malaysian dishes and snacks. However, availability might be limited during certain hours.
There are local eateries and restaurants in the vicinity of the park, especially as you head back towards Kota Kinabalu.
For a wider variety and potentially better value, eating outside the park before or after your visit might be a better choice for some visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The enclosures for tigers, leopards, and proboscis monkeys offer great photo opportunities. The aviary with colorful parrots is also a good subject. +1
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the park. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions.
A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing animals that are further away. A standard lens is also versatile for general shots.
While not explicitly stated, it's a good practice to avoid using flash photography, especially with sensitive animals, as it can startle them.
Tigers and leopards can be elusive and often hide during the day. You might get lucky with a shot of them resting, but patience is key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to bring snacks and drinks, as food options might be limited or unavailable during the park's lunch break. Comfortable shoes are a must for little legs, and a raincoat or umbrella is essential due to unpredictable weather.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider packing your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing them at potentially higher park prices. Utilizing ride-sharing apps like Grab can also be more economical than traditional taxis for getting to and from the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Animals at Lok Kawi
Beyond the larger mammals, the park features a vibrant aviary with colorful parrots and offers opportunities to see elephants and deer. Some reviews mention that certain animals might appear less active or confined to smaller spaces, highlighting the ongoing need for habitat improvement and expansion.
It's important to note that the park aims to educate visitors about these animals and their conservation status. For instance, the binturong is categorized as vulnerable, facing threats from habitat loss.
Navigating Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
One key aspect of navigating the park is understanding its operational hours. Be aware of the lunch break closure between 1 PM and 2 PM, as this can affect entry and access to amenities.
For those interested in a more structured experience, the daily animal show at 11:15 AM is a highlight. Arriving a bit early, around 11:00 AM, is advised to get a good vantage point.
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