MY · Sabah · 5.85°N 116.07°E

lok kawi wildlife park

Bornean elephants, orangutans and proboscis monkeys, plus a forest trail, 30 minutes from KK.

Best time
Any time of year. Come at opening time, when the animals are livelier and the paths are cooler.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kota Kinabalu (about 2 hours 35 minutes). The park is about 25 km south of the city, 30–40 minutes' drive via Putatan or Penampang.
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MY · Sabahlok kawi wildlife park5.85°N 116.07°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Bornean elephants, orangutans and proboscis monkeys, plus a forest trail, 30 minutes from KK.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingLok Kawi Wildlife ParkMY, Sabah
KLlok kawi wildlife park
≈ 1,622 km from KL, as the crow flies

Sabah's state zoo, run by the Sabah Wildlife Department on the old Penampang–Papar road, with a botanical garden next door. It's the easy way to show children Borneo's animals up close: Bornean elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, sun bears and hornbills.

Makan

  1. Ngiu chapSabah's beef noodle soup makes a good breakfast in KK before you head out.Map ↗
  2. HinavaRaw fish cured in lime with chilli and ginger. Look for it at the Kadazan restaurants around Penampang.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Bornean elephantsThe smallest elephants in Asia, many of them rescued, in large paddocks.Map ↗
  2. Orangutans and proboscis monkeysBorneo's two famous primates, handy if you won't make it to Sepilok or the Kinabatangan.Map ↗
  3. Sun bearsThe world's smallest bear, in an enclosure upgraded in 2025.Map ↗
  4. The botanical garden trailA paved trail of about 1.4 km through planted forest next to the zoo.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Go early. Many animals rest out of sight in the midday heat.
  • Bring water, a hat and an umbrella. The zoo and the trail are mostly outdoors.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.