The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was officially opened to the public in February 2007 is fully developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department. Sometimes refered to as the Lok Kawi Zoo by the locals. Getting there takes about 30 minutes by car if you are driving up from Kota Kinabalu City. If you are going by taxi, according to the Sabah Tourism Board, it should be about RM 30 one way. Don’t forget to arrange for return journey, as well as pick-up and drop-off points.
The route you take will either be the old Penampang Road or the current Papar road. The location is a bit out of the way. Before you set off, splash on plenty of sunscreen, bring a hat or an umbrella, and plenty of water. The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is situated in a particularly hot and unshaded part of Kota Kinabalu.
The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is opened for the public from 9.30a.m to 5.30p.m daily. Entrance fees charged are as follows: RM10 for Malaysians and RM20 for non-Malaysian.
I have often lamented that Sabah has no zoo, and we have to travel to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to visit one. This is a great opportunity to witness the wildlife in a zoo, up close and personal. This is the first time Sabah has anything that resembles a real zoo. Some of the wildlife is from Borneo, others are imported. Although you would not expect it to be in the league of other world famous zoos, such as Singapore Zoo.
Some of the wildlife in residence you can see in the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park:
- Sumatra Rhino
- Asian Elephants
- Sun Bears
- Asian Tigers
- Orang Utans
- Proboscis Monkeys
- Zebras
- Ostriches
There is an aviary with its myriad of birds, snake and spider section in glass enclosures, and a petting zoo. The daily exhibition which is to take place at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Amphitheater (situated opposite the cafeteria) starts from 11.15am to 3.30pm. Although some of the enclosures at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park were a bit small, it has a good collection of Borneo wildlife, and does make an effort to provide decent facilities for these animals.
Photographs by Peter Liew, a photography enthusiast and good friend.
do they have a restuarant
I had to call up a friend to check
No restaurants as yet, but there are food stalls outside the zoo. Selling Malay food which can be a bit spicy at times. Advisable to pack lunch if you’re going there.
Where can I get contact numbers of people in charge? I need to ask a lot of questions as I plan to bring about 50 or so underpriviledged children for a day outing to the Zoo.
Kim
For more information, please contact the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park at telephone number 088-765793, or 088-765710. Alternatively, visitors can fax to 088-765762.