Officially opened in February 1991, the Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction located in Ayer Keroh, 15km away from Malacca Central. Also known as Tama Rama Rama, the sanctuary is home to more than hundreds of species of insects and reptiles, ranging from beautiful butterflies to birds, koi fishes, creepy crawlies and reptiles, such as crocodiles, tortoises and lizards.
The largest attraction is probably the Butterfly Gardens, which features hundreds of butterflies and moths of more than 20 different species, including the "Black and White Helen, Malayan Birdwing, and the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing (Malaysia’s National Butterfly, named after Sir James Brooke, the ‘Raja’ (King) of Sarawak)." [Source: Malacca.ws]
With countless butterflies flying freely all around you, do expect certain close encounters with them, and well, do not freak out if some landed on your back or shoulders. Just take note that they might impose quite a heavy fine for smuggling creatures out. On a second thought, this place would be an ideal place to treat Mottephobia (fear of moths/butterflies). Yeah, you get what I meant.
Nearing to the entrance is the Bird Aviary, which houses a variety of birds, such as the talkative lovebirds, parrots, hornbills and exotic white peacocks.
Adorable Lovebirds
Look at me, I am fabulous
Koi River Garden features a 250m canopy walk, immersed in trasnquility with displays of tropical plants and mini-waterfalls, along with brightly coloured koi fishes swimming in the ponds. Although not as serene as it claimed, it was nice having a switch in environments and be surrounded by more greeneries.
Reptile Aviary features a number of scaly companions, such as lizards and snakes - while some people might fear and even detest their existence, I find them arguably adorable.
What? You're talking a picture of me?
Posing for my camera
If not taking a dip in the waters, crocodiles can be seen lazily basking under the hot sun. Either way, do not expect that they would entertain you much, except a few slow tilts of their heads. I could swear that the tortoises (above) move faster than them, and probably twice as entertaining.
Check out the huge pythons, boas and cobras behind glass displays at the snakes section. One of my favourite activity is to challenge friends to see who spots the more camouflaged ones first. Okay, maybe I needed to get a life. There is a section where you can have close encounters with snakes as well, but unfortunately, it was closed down during our visit. Oh, so happen if you go in, there would be a huge warning sign stating that the sanctuary will bear no responsibilities if you get hurt, such as being swallowed whole by a snake.
My impression was that the sanctuary was not very well-maintained, which probably supports my stereotypic mind on Malaysia that they build and do not maintain. However, for the minor entrance fee of RM8 (and RM5 for children), it is definitely worth giving the sanctuary a visit during your trip to Malacca. Overall, I wouldn't say that it was very entertaining for an adult, but it works magic for a child. You would just love to see them being so engrossed and enthralled by all the displays.
Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary
Tel: +606 232 0033
Opening Hours
Daily: 08:30 – 17:30
Lebuh Ayer Keroh, 75450