REVIEW: KUALA LUMPUR BIRD PARK

I’d been yearning to visit Kuala Lumpur Bird Park for several years. I love birds: their brilliant colors, cheerful voices, and quirky mannerisms. Every time I pass through KL, (several times per year) I cycle around Lake Garden Park 3-4 times a week. Day after day I pedal right past the sprawling bird park, listening to birds chattering, squawking, whistling and trilling. I keep telling myself, “This time I’ll visit the Bird Park,” but somehow I always run out of time. Before I know it, I find myself heading out of the city without visiting the birds, yet again.

Lash taking a photo with birds at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Last week I hit the jackpot: I was welcomed by the Bird Park as a guest travel blogger. I arrived with eager anticipation at the world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary. Much to my surprise, the park actually exceeded my expectations! Not only did I get to observe thousands of beautiful birds, I also got to interact with them: I was photographed with birds standing all over me and got swarmed by colorful chattering lorries who came to drink honey-sweetened milk from my hand. I fed human-size emus and watched the humorous bird show. I spent hours wandering around on my own, photographing and video-taping birds engaged in all sorts of activities. It was a fantastic experience. In fact, my visit turned out to be one of my very best days in KL.

crested pidgeon

Known as ‘Taman Burung’ in Malay, the 21-acre aviary is home to more than 3000 birds from all over the world. Essentially, the park is a group of gigantic netted enclosures. Birds are free to roam about as they please. Birds are everywhere. Peacocks strut along sidewalks, regal Crowned-Pigeons wander about pecking at the ground, Horn-bills perch in trees, Pink Flamingos stand preening in ponds, swans and ducks glide along ponds, vibrant Scarlet Ibis and stately storks wade through flowing streams, birds fly through the air. You can’t NOT see birds at KL’s bird park! They’re everywhere, in all their bright, chattering, busy glory.

 

 

 

 

 

flamingo

Many birds have been living in the park for years, so they’ve become quite accustomed to humans. They go about their business just as they please, undisturbed by passing guests. Birds are up-close and personal.

I was met by Jason Chan, the park’s marketing/promotions exec, a friendly, down-to-earth Chinese Malaysian man. He initially escorted me around the park, showing me the main sites, telling me facts and info on the birds and park, then later left me to wander about on my own .

 

 

 

male peacock attempting to court females

Entering the park’s main entrance, we stepped right into a large enclosure full of brightly-colored parakeets and love birds flying around, chattering greetings. Soon after, we bumped into a male peacock strutting about in full regalia, presumably attempting to court some unseen female. During my visit I met at least 3 other strutting peacocks, one confused fellow trying hard to impress a lovely white egret, who showed no interest whatsoever.

Sulfur Crested Cockatoos eating corn for breakfast

Soon after our first peacock encounter, we came upon the ‘photography birds’ standing out on wooden perches, eating breakfast in preparation for their day of photographing with visitors. They included Sulfur-Crested Cockatoos, a Spotted Owl, a Malay Eagle Owl, several brightly colored Macaws, a Hornbill, and a few other raptors. They stood around chewing on corn cobs and long red chilies, a very comical sight. Mr. Spotted Owl tried to slyly sneak off into the jungle unnoticed, but was soon gently returned to his post by park staff.

Spotted Owl, sneaking into jungle

Lash feeding lorries

 

Immediately afterward, I found myself in a large enclosure with a colony of brilliantly-colored, loudly-chattering lorries. Here guests can feed them honey-sweetened milk and/or sunflower seeds, but should be prepared for an infestation! Seconds after the attendant handing me milk, I was inundated with chattering birds, all fighting to claim the most seeds and milk for themselves. They were all quite belligerent and noisy, I must say! Despite their frenzy, not once did any of them peck me. They’re rambunctious but quite tame.

We left the squabbling lorries and wandered down to a large pond with a stunning, cascading waterfall. A graceful Black Swan went gliding past, just inches away. A flock of Pink Flamingos preened their feathers and waded through the water. A large stork stood silently nearby. The pond is backdrop to the twice-daily bird show, which I returned later to watch.

 

black swan

We continued on to the flightless bird field. Large gray emus stood around the enclosure. When we grabbed some large leafy greens, they came running over and greedily grabbed the leaves, tearing large pieces off and swallowing before grabbing some more. I was amazed at how large their heads, eyes and beaks are, face to face.

Finally, Jason showed me the park’s Horn-bill Restaurant. It’s a gorgeous wooden Malay-style building set on a hillside overlooking the park, and within the free flying Horn-bill enclosure. The restaurant has an atmospheric indoor a/c section plus an outdoor balcony overlooking the park. The balcony is stocked with containers of papaya to attract Horn-bills to come feed. I managed to entice one Horn-bill with the papaya, which was quite exciting. He stood eating, just two feet from me. Soon a larger, red-beaked Horn-bill came near, honking loudly in the trees. I ate a sandwich, myself, which was quite tasty with fresh meat, lettuce, mustard and brown bread. The restaurant offers both Malay and western meals for standard prices.

Hornbill eating papaya

Jason left me to wander the park on my own. I set about photographing and video-taping birds all over the park for another 3 hours. One of the highlights was spotting the brightest, reddest, most vibrant bird imaginable. A Scarlet Ibis was strolling through a shady stream pecking at the water. I was so stunned by it’s gorgeous, almost neon red color, that I stayed 15 minutes just gloating at its sheer beauty.

Soon I had to dash over to the 12:30 bird show, where the audience was entertained by vibrant, outgoing Macaws doing all sorts of silly tricks. In addition, raptors swept over the audience, snatching meat from staff – and guests- hands. Thoroughly entertaining.

If I hadn’t had other obligations I would have happily stayed at the park until closing time, just enjoying the birds’ colors, voices and habits. Alas, around 1:30 I had to leave. But I did take with me many wonderful memories, fond moments, great photos and video clips.

KL Bird Park bird show

Needless to say, I highly recommend visiting KL’s Bird Park to everyone who likes birds. Set aside a half day or full day to fully enjoy observing the thousands of birds and all the fun interactions you can have. Besides feeding lorries and emus yourself, getting your photo taken with birds, and watching the bird show, you can learn more about birds at the park’s educational center and watch various bird feedings at set times throughout the day. Free-flying birds are feed at 10.30, Horn-bills at 11.30, eagles at 2.30, and storks at 4 pm. The bird show is presented twice daily at 12.30 and 3.30. You can also photograph and video-tape birds throughout the park, though you’ll need permission to use any photos for commercial purposes.

Hornbill

If you want to experience it all, you can easily fill up an entire day. Throughout the park, there are benches and tables, strategically-placed public toilets, and several snack-drink kiosks. And don’t forget the pleasant Horn-bill Restaurant for meals.

KL Bird Park is open daily, 9-6 pm.

Admission is 48 RM adults / 38 RM children.

For more information or directions on how to get there check their webpage:  KL Bird Park Visitors Info

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* note- although Taman Burung sponsored my visit to the park, this review is my candid report, expressing my true experiences and honest opinions on KL Bird Park.  Stay tuned for more candid reviews from around Malaysia and beyond.  Reporting from the road, Lash *