WEEKEND ESCAPE: TUARAN CROCODILE FARM
When talking about crocodiles, certainly many would
express their concern for the predators, especially for those who have seen it
up close – they are often considered as majestic and beautiful but ruthless.
But did you know that crocodiles can be tamed and
trained (well, sort of..)? If you’ve never seen a crocodile up close, then
clear your weekend and visit the Tuaran Crocodile Farm located at Jalan Tuaran,
32 KM North of Kota Kinabalu. The farm was founded by Mr Chai, fondly known by
the locals as Mr Crocodile who has more than 50 years of crocodile breeding and
farming experience – he also currently owns the three largest crocodile farms
throughout Malaysia (Sandakan, Tuaran, and Langkawi). As the largest crocodile
breeder in Sabah, this farm accommodates more than 1000 crocodiles – that’s a
lot of crocs at one place eek! It is estimated that there are about 3,000
crocodiles in the park as the result of continuous breeding and is one of the few
breeders of the saltwater crocodile species (Crocodylus Porosus).
At the farm visitors can enjoy the Crocodile Show performed by trained workers at 11am and 3pm every Monday to Saturday and for Sundays and Public Holidays, show times are scheduled at 11am, 1pm and 3 pm. The Crocodile Show will take place at the caged pool area, starting with small alligator to adult crocodiles. The show is unique in its way because it is accompanied by rhythmic music and a theme song. The show is both entertaining and nerve-wrecking – the crocodile tamers move gracefully as they dance with the alligators, lie on adult crocodiles’ body, cleaning their teeth and so much more!
The park does not only accommodate various sizes of alligators and crocodiles but also protects other species such as brackish, fish, urchins, ostrich, goat, peacock, serama and a few others. Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness and take part in the Cultural Dance Show, which features ethnic dances of Sabah such as Limbai, Magunatip and Anggalang.
If you love crocodile skin fashion items, high quality handbags, belts and wallets are also available for purchase at the farm as well as crocodile meats and eggs.
The park is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Entrance fee for the locals is RM10.00 for adults and RM5.00 for children aged 4-12 years and for foreign tourists, fee of RM15.00 for adults and RM10.00 for children apply.
For more information, please visit Tuaran Crocodile Farm’s website here.
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