Zoo Taiping sits adjacent to the Lake Gardens and shares some of the same rain trees and greenery, giving it a less institutional feel than most urban zoos. The collection focuses on Malaysian and Southeast Asian wildlife: sun bears, tapirs, orangutans, pygmy elephants, and a fine collection of monitor lizards. The setting is attractive, and the animals have reasonably spacious enclosures compared to older Malaysian zoos.
The night safari is the standout feature. Tram rides through the zoo after dark give access to the nocturnal enclosures where slow lorises, fishing cats, civets, and leopard cats are active. The programme runs on Friday and Saturday evenings (and during school and public holidays) — book ahead as it fills quickly with local families. The combination of the day visit and the night safari makes for a full day at the Lake Gardens complex.