On my second visit to Melaka this year, I finally made time to explore Melaka’s Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary. This hidden family-friendly gem is located in Ayer Keroh, slightly away from the bustling city centre. Since I had already covered the usual tourist spots during my first trip, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to venture a little further—and I’m glad I did.
At first, my expectations were modest. I had assumed it would be another small park with limited wildlife, typical of many lesser-known attractions. But from the moment I arrived, the place proved to be full of surprises. Despite its more remote location, there was already a queue at the ticketing counter, suggesting its popularity. Tickets were reasonably priced at RM33 per adult, and I also purchased an RM8 feeding pack which included food for birds, ostriches, and tortoises.
The visit began with a warm welcome—by a chorus of chirping royal starlings enclosed in a tall cage dotted with hanging coconut nests. Nearby, a stunning white peacock fanned out its snow-white feathers as if on cue. A display board near the entrance listed out the day’s animal interaction and feeding sessions—helpful for planning our route through the park.
Animal Encounters and Feeding Highlights
The Sulcata tortoises were first up for feeding, enthusiastically munching on the vegetable snacks we offered. Then came the conure parrots—although they seemed a bit full, perhaps from earlier visitors, and weren’t as excited about the feed. The most thrilling feeding session was with the emus. Donning protective goggles, I poured feed into a funnel as the emus pecked quickly and hungrily. Their fast movements were initially intimidating, but they turned out to be surprisingly gentle when petted.
The Butterfly Garden
The butterfly garden was undoubtedly the highlight of the sanctuary. A lush, humid greenhouse teeming with butterflies in every direction—it was truly magical. While some visitors seemed slightly unnerved by the sheer number of fluttering wings, I embraced the experience. At one point, I had 5 to 6 butterflies resting on me, drawn to the salt from my perspiration. It made for some fantastic photo moments. That said, visitors should tread about carefully within the garden. Sadly, a few butterflies had been accidentally stepped on, which served as a reminder of their fragility.
Bug Kingdom and Insect Encounters
Venturing into the Bug Kingdom was like stepping into a dimly lit cave filled with curiosity and creepy crawlies. Inside glass enclosures, we found a variety of insects—cockroaches, millipedes, scorpions, stick insects, and more. I’ll admit, the massive cluster of cockroaches gave me the chills. However, the insect interaction zone later made up for it. With barely any queue, I had the chance to hold and take photos with some of the friendlier bugs—an oddly satisfying and memorable experience.
By the time we completed a round around the sanctuary, I was drenched in sweat from the tropical heat. Initially, we wanted to visit the nearby Melaka Zoo but decided to skip it due to time constraint. Despite the weather, the visit had been well worth the effort.
In conclusion, the Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary in Melaka is a family-friendly attraction perfect for those seeking a hands-on experience with nature and wildlife. From butterflies gently landing on your arms to feeding emus and petting tortoises, it is an immersive and educational outing that delights both children and adults. If you have already explored Melaka’s main heritage sites, this sanctuary offers a refreshing and surprisingly rewarding detour. It is an unexpected highlight for animal lovers and curious explorers alike.
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