Butterfly and
Reptile Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction located in Ayer Keroh City, about 15km
northeast of Melaka Town. Also known as Taman Rama-Rama by local people, it is
home to a huge collection of animals ranging from beautiful butterflies to snakes,
lizards, crocodiles, koi fish and even a pair of gorgeous golden leopards.
The Butterfly
and Reptile Sanctuary houses dozens upon dozens of butterfly species, flitting
about everywhere in their enchantingly landscaped habitat. It is one of the
world's most comprehensive butterfly and insect farms. The farm has more than
200 local butterfly species including rare ones like Raja Brooke and Birdwing
species.
Raja Brooke species
Spread across
an 11ha jungle area, the complex is part secondary jungle and part landscaped
park. The well-maintained sanctuary was opened since 1991 and is divided into five
sections:
1. Koi River Valley
2. Butterfly Garden
3. Reptile Aviary
4. Wild Photo
Lane
5. Nature’s Art Centre.
Peacock
The sanctuary
also houses a wide variety of exotic snakes within its beautiful and
fascinating nature landscape. Be forewarned, those who do not take too kindly
to creepy-crawlies - there are lots of huge spiders, scorpions and other six
and many legged insects that will make your skin crawl.
Snake
Fortunately, those are
not free to roam as the butterflies are. Visitors can
also be able to view the impressive collection of snakes includes the Albino
Cobra, the giant Burmese Python, and the King Cobra. There is also a collection
of more than 400 insects' specimen to be discovered.
Love Birds
The Asian Brown Tortoise, the largest tortoise species in Asia which grows up to 25 kg
Butterfly Garden
First up is the walk-through Butterfly Garden, the Butterfly
& Reptile Sanctuary’s premier attraction. It is a place where hundreds of
butterflies, simply bursting with colours, fly freely.
The garden has more than 20 different species of
butterflies, 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).
Koi River Valley
The Koi River Valley is undoubtedly the most serene section
of the park. Here hundreds of colourful carp swim around in the beautifully
landscaped ponds, complete with miniature waterfalls and surrounded by tropical
plants. Check out the 250m-long canopy walk: the sights here make for great
souvenir photos.
Opened in October 2008, Wild Photo Lane is another great
place for souvenir photos with the animals of Butterfly & Reptile
Sanctuary: here you can take up-close-and-personal shots with the Burmese
python, red-tailed boa, giant green iguana and more.
Reptile Aviary
Also be sure to visit the Reptile Aviary where snakes such
as boas, pythons, vipers and cobras can be found at the Butterfly & Reptile
Sanctuary. Check out the giant Burmese python and the 20ft reticulated python;
non-snake lovers had better watch out for the long-nose whip snakes (with their
slender twig-like bodies and green scales) camouflaged in the leaves of trees
in this aviary.
Just past the lizards exhibit you can see a small closed-off
section of the park where crocodiles live: they look pretty lazy and it seems
like the only movements you see are when they move their heads. Also in this
section is a cage with a pair of golden leopards. They are a gorgeous duo and
feeding time is obviously a sight to see.
Park Admission
Adults: RM5
Children: RM3
Opening Hours: 08:30 – 17:30 open daily
Address: Lebuh Ayer Keroh, 75450.
Tel: +606 232 0033
