However, not everyone can afford a two-week vacation, so how about a happy compromise?
Located about 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Farm in the City is a unique park that combines the thrills of wildlife with the serenity of nature.
Set up to be partially cageless, visitors can actually feed or pet the animals living here.
The seven-acre park was founded in 2012 by Allan Phoon. Growing up in a kampung, he wanted to bring this very experience to city folk so they too could experience the joy of nature and animals.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Dr Eve Foong, the park’s general manager and resident veterinarian, said the park was popular with students.
“Usually it’s kindergarteners and primary schools that bring the kids here for a day-trip, and they love the chance to be able to see and touch the animals.
“Our main goal here is education, and for our visitors to learn and have fun at the same time,” Foong said.
In fact, the fun starts early, courtesy of two adorable ostriches in their enclosures spying on visitors making their way to the ticketing counter.
“Typically, animals are kept in cages at zoos. Since we want them to have more freedom to move about, the animals we keep here are generally tame,” Foong said.
The first thing past the entrance is the turtle and tortoise farm, where about 17 species reside. This includes the red-footed tortoise, leopard tortoise, Malayan box turtle and the most intimidating-looking one of all: the alligator snapping turtle, named due to its alligator-like jaws and skin.
“One thing we’re trying to accomplish is rehabilitating Malaysia’s most critically endangered forest tortoise: the elongated tortoise, back into our rainforests, since we’ve bred quite a number of them,” Foong said, adding that the farm was working with the Wildlife Department towards achieving that goal.
Are you scared of snakes or reptiles? Then you might want to avoid the reptile cavern! Other than the glass enclosure, there’s also an overhead glass panel where you can see the snakes’ underbelly. It might creep some people out, but thrill others.
The Asian Reticulated Python is absolutely awesome! Malaysia’s biggest snake species, it is a common home invader.
The aviary here is home to more than 45 species of birds. Try to pick out the multiple types of ducks, swans, pheasants and more who live here by checking the information board erected nearby.
If you’ve always wanted to meet an alpaca, head to the savannah section, where six cute and fluffy ones are waiting to greet you. Sheep, goats and a pygmy donkey will also huddle around you here if you bought the animal feeding bucket at the entrance.
Do bring your kids on the pony ride – it will thrill them to bits. The petting village is yet another spot the kids will love. Over here, they can pet bunnies and guinea pigs, other than trying a hand at longkang fishing, the Malaysian pastime of dredging for fish from a drain.
The twilight section that features nocturnal animals like the dusky wallaby, slow loris and barn owl is also not to be missed.
While big groups of visitors can request for a tour guide, rangers are posted at every station to guide walk-in guests.
So, if you’re looking for an educational, relaxing and truly fun outing with the kids or friends, head to Farm in the City today.
Follow Farm in the City on Facebook and Instagram; head to its website for more information.
Farm in the City
Lot 40187-40188
Jalan Prima Tropika Barat 1
Pusat Bandar Putra Permai
43300 Seri Kembangan
Selangor
Opening hours:
10am-6pm: Monday-Friday:
9.30am-6pm: Saturday-Sunday
Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: 010-7627612
Ticket prices:
- Adults: RM39
- Children/senior citizens: RM32