Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

So, my posts on my Shangri-la trip are finished. Did you enjoy reading them? Well, I did enjoy writing them. It brings back the good memories. The chill. The scenery. The food. The journey. Priceless. So, I am back to writing my old travels that I have had stored in my hard drive. Well, they will be the local travels in Malaysia. Today, I am going to share with you my walk to the Bird Park!

19 Nov 2011: I have been planning to go to Kuala Lumpur (KL) Bird Park for ages, and today it came true. Initially, I wanted to drive there, but I decided to take the train instead. I took the train to KL Sentral Station to switch to the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). In addition to avoiding the jam and finding a parking space, I walked into other places which was not part of the plan - the oldest train station i.e. Kuala Lumpur Station and the National Mosque. After close to 30 minutes (at this point, I thought that i should have drove instead) waiting for the train at KL Sentral Station, I boarded and stopped at Kuala Lumpur Station.

There was a hotel too at the right side. The Hotel has been declared bankrupt on 13 May 2010. And I know this because there was a paper stuck on the window pane.

I walked out of the railway station and was headed out to the open.

This is the Hotel's architecture. It is very beautiful, and it is such a waste that it is closed down.

Across the road, I turned and went .. wow.. I thought it was the railway station too but it turns out to be the office of the train operator (KTM). It reminded me immediately of Flinders Station in Melbourne.

I crossed the road, and from across, this was the entire view of the Hotel.

I walked further and saw the National Mosque. I saw non-Muslims entering into the area, and I decided to go in too. I thought to myself, it shouldn't take long, because Google 'told' me the National Mosque is next to the Bird Park. From the Mosque, I could see the view of KTM's office.

The entrance for tourists. There were 8 clocks hanging that show the time of the prayers. Non-Muslims have to wear the purple robe before entering.

The Prayer Hall where only the Muslims are allowed inside.

The clock has different characters. I left the National Mosque at 11am, and continued my hunt for the Bird Park.

The Bird Park is not next to the National Mosque. I walked and walked. Asked a security officer. And after close to 30 minutes of walking, I found it! I was so excited!

It was hot walking under the sun, as it was close to being noon. I took out my Identity Card (MyKad) and a borrowed Jusco Card (this is a supermarket card that collects points upon purchase. Anyway, there are other cards that can be used) and got my ticket for RM15. Foreigners have to pay RM48. WOW! Without the Jusco Card, the price is RM20.

The entrance to the Bird Park is a heavy gate and a curtain of chains and another heavy gate. The Bird Park is also blanketed with a large net. I am officially inside! I stepped into the Bird Park, and was so happy. First, because I finally made it here. Second, because it's such a happy feeling to see the birds.

I laughed when I saw this bird. It looks weird. It is a Western & Victorian Crowned Pigeon. How grand the name!

A photo booth where visitors can snap a photo at a price of RM10 (2 birds only with your camera) and RM35 (as many birds and a printed photo).

The bench where people can sit and the birds will perch on any parts of your body (under the supervision of the staff).

This ostrich has a strong breath. And by strong, I do not mean smelly. I mean, I can actually feel a small gust of wind. And it almost wanted to eat my camera!

And I was in time for the Bird Show. There are 2 shows everyday, one at 12.30pm and the other at 3.30pm.

The speaker presenting a parrot who can say 'Hello' and 'Hi', and supposedly 'Good' but I heard only a grunt.

Clever bird flipped the tiles to display 'Welcome'.

Clever bird that did somersaults around the ring.

Now, it's time for the eagles. Once the eagle has landed on the arm, the trainer tied the string (which is attached to the eagle's claws) to his fingers so the eagle won't fly away.

Parrot showing how to throw rubbish. The show ended after 30 minutes. It was a good show!

Next place in the Bird Park is the Waterfall Aviary. This place is the place for flamingos.

I am behind the waterfall!

These birds were making a lot of noise because they were being fed. They are lories. It costs RM2 per cup to feed the bird.

Then, I saw Coco, the Parrot. It was scratching its head, hence, the side view.

Red birds. It is a Scarlet Ibis and I misread it as 'Iblis' which means devil in Malay!

This is one funny owl! It is a Spotted Wood Owl. This owl, when disturbed by day, it compresses its plumage (the feathers at its body) to look like a dead piece of wood and watches with half-closed eyes. Notice its eyes? Hilarious!!

Then, comes the feeding time for the eagles. Eagles eat meat. So, the park-keeper gave dead chicks to the eagles. The keeper throws raw meat into the air and the eagle swoops down to catch it.

Then, it was time to feed the egrets and storks with fish. The keeper throws the fish and all the birds just swarm at it.

And that was the end of my walk in the Bird Park. It really is a place worth going to. Compared to the National Zoo, I would choose the Bird Park anytime.