A fresh indoor exhibit brings visitors face to face with rare reptiles, amphibians, and unusual cold-blooded species – all included with standard admission

Penang Bird Park has unveiled its latest attraction, a purpose-built Reptile House that brings an impressive collection of reptiles, amphibians, and exotic species into one immersive indoor space. Located in Seberang Jaya on the mainland, the park has long been known for its diverse birdlife, but this new exhibit expands its educational reach, offering visitors an engaging look at creatures often overshadowed by the park’s avian residents.

The Reptile House is included with the usual admission ticket, giving families, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts the chance to explore the new space without any additional cost. For the park, it marks a major step forward in broadening its conservation message and creating more varied experiences for guests.

The exhibit features a curated range of animals selected to highlight the diversity of cold-blooded species from around the world. Among the stars are the Rhinoceros Iguana, Sailfin Dragon, Green Basilisk Lizard, and Lutino Iguana, alongside popular favourites such as the Bearded Dragon, Golden Python, Ball Python, Crocodile Skink, Blue-tongued Skink, and Leopard Gecko. Several species of tree frogs, salamanders, tortoises, and scorpions round out the lineup, giving visitors a wide spectrum of animals to observe up close.

The indoor setting was designed to balance comfort and learning. Clear enclosures and informative displays help guests understand the animals’ natural habitats, feeding behaviours, and conservation status. The layout encourages slow, curious exploration, with each enclosure framing the species in a way that sparks interest without overwhelming younger visitors.

To mark the opening, Penang Bird Park is offering a hands-on experience throughout December. Guests can gently touch and pose for photos with select animals, including a Ball Python, a Blue-tongued Skink, and a Lutino Iguana. For visitors less keen on reptiles, the park has also added a few furry guinea pigs to the experience, ensuring the activity appeals to a broad age range. The hands-on element is available only until December 31, 2025.

Park founder Dr. Gino Ooi said the team had been working toward a reptile-centred attraction for some time. “We are thrilled to close out the Year of the Snake with an exhibit that allows visitors to appreciate species that are often misunderstood,” he said. “The Reptile House showcases several rare species – some that can’t be found exhibited anywhere else in Malaysia – giving guests a chance to learn, explore, and see their beauty up close.”

The introduction of the Reptile House reflects a broader movement within wildlife parks to diversify educational programming. For Penang Bird Park, which has long been recognised for its conservation and breeding work with native Malaysian bird species, the addition supports its ongoing mission to create greater public engagement with all forms of wildlife. The new exhibit also creates opportunities for updated school group programmes, guided tours, and conservation workshops, which the park plans to roll out in stages.

Visitors can also take advantage of a 20% discount when booking admission tickets online through the park’s official platform. This offer gives families and tourists a more cost-effective way to enjoy the park’s full range of attractions, including the newly opened Reptile House.

The exhibit is open during regular hours, and the park recommends that guests allocate enough time to enjoy both the Reptile House and the iconic bird aviaries. As Malaysia’s first and largest bird conservatory, founded in 1988, Penang Bird Park spans five acres and is home to more than 3,000 birds across over 300 species. With more than 150 native Malaysian species on display, the park remains an important destination for conservation education, as well as a family-friendly attraction for both local visitors and international tourists.

The opening of the Reptile House underscores the park’s continued effort to evolve with the needs of today’s visitors. Indoor exhibits offer climate-controlled comfort on hot or rainy days, while interactive displays and personal encounters appeal to younger generations seeking memorable, hands-on experiences.

For the mainland side of Penang, the addition is also a timely tourism boost. Seberang Jaya continues to grow as a stopover for families exploring Penang’s lesser-visited attractions, and a refreshed offering at the bird park helps further establish the area as a destination in its own right rather than simply a gateway to the island.

Whether guests are fascinated by reptiles, curious about conservation, or simply looking for an engaging day out, the Reptile House adds fresh appeal to one of Penang’s longest-running wildlife attractions. With its mix of education, accessibility, and close-up encounters, it is set to become a highlight for visitors of all ages.

For more information, and to enjoy the online ticket discount, visit the official booking site.