Dinosaur Encounter Zoo Teruntum Kuantan — Attraction in Pahang

Teruntum Mini Zoo is among the most known fixture for people in Kuantan in the past, a calm green area where the exhibits were generally in the age where zoos were merely places to keep animals in cages for the public to see. Despite that, it had greenery and provided a free space for the locals to exercise, enjoy family time and even partake in the road safety rides.

Fast forward to the present, in an attempt to rebrand and attract more visitors they redeveloped the park into a Dinosaur Encounter theme park, a recent trend which is bordering on getting stale and not aligned to any local attractions or cultural identity whatsoever, so its generally just a tourist trap. Facilities have been upgraded and now they charge a fee to just go in the park, so goodbye to free public space handed over to capitalism.

The main center is generally well done, the usual souvenir shops, extra expensive photo sale at the door, a nice display of a T-rex replica and some other virtual games. Moving on the main area leads to a show arena, plagiarized directly from Jurassic Park the movie. Let's just say the show there was generally cringe worthy amateurish (release the man in T-Rex suit!!) and I would advice people not to pay extra for the other side programmes as its a waste.

The other area of the park has also been turned into a hybrid dinosaur walk with animatronics models, which are ok but nothing out of the ordinary, some models could do with some work for sure and the landscaping again fails. The other areas of the park are also filled with dinosaur models amidst the landscape. There are instagram spots for people to pose with the 'Hobbit' house and also nest, am sure the insta-folks will like that, especially those that can't afford to go overseas to see the real thing.

The downside is that the remaining zoo animals are still there, which is pitiful as the cages enclosures of old are still there, the lone otter in the cement pond looks like it wanted to end itself and shows sign of stress in captivity, seeing the Milky Storks and Peacocks in cages are also really sad, the zoo hasn't progress to the level of those new natural zoos for sure.

The missed opportunity is that there are a lack of places to eat, only a lone concession stand selling junk food, no cafes or real food places to say the least. Parking is also still under construction thus you have to park further away at a local council paid parking area and walk there (~100 m). Park illegally and the police were having a field day issuing summonses.

The park is aimed at kids for sure and insta crowds. The lack of real attractions means you can generally finish it in an hour or two at the cost of around RM100 per average family. As an educational facility, there is a lack in materials to teach people about dinosaurs and displays and information boards are lacking. Its all theatrics than substance, again a photo op for the memory book but nothing else. I suspect people won't be making repeat trips back after one visit.

The park is packed with people still, so perhaps that's a good thing, but I miss the old more serene and quiet park, not this fanfare want to be park.

Attractions: 3/5 Facilities: 3/5 Food: 2/5 Education: 2/5 Kids Friendly:...

This is first time I went to this park during Merdeka offer period. Offer price : Adult RM15, Children RM10,Warga Emas RM10. (Offer Until 30/9/2025) This is primarily a mini zoo with a dinosaur-themed exhibit, and I found it was actually quite ok.

The park is clean and has a variety of animals. Some of the dinosaurs have sensors that make sounds and activate mechanical movements when someone approaches.

Drinks are available for sale, though they're a bit pricey( a bottle Mineral water cost RM3). Fortunately, unlike some theme parks, they don't strictly prohibit bringing own drinks at the entrance. Children under 3 years old are free with parental ID.

About Merdeka offer : Personally, I think this discount is a good thing and suitable for families. Posting banners or advertising on the streets of the city center might attract more visitors.

Last : Remember to bring your umbrella ,it was too hot if you visit during...

As someone who grew up with the old Zoo Teruntum, seeing today’s Zoo Teruntum makes me teary a little bit.

I went there with my 2yo kid and we had a blast. The animals looked clean and well taken care off.

To top it all off, we love that theres indoor playground where we could hide from the heat and let my kid release his energy. Masuk kereta je terus tidur haha.

If I could provide minor feedback, I would really appreciate it if the staff could speak Bahasa Melayu or English or both. Unfortunately, one of the ticketing staff has issue understanding both and it really dampens my perception. Dahla Bulan Kemerdekaan/Bulan Hari Malaysia.

Second, it will be really nice if the mini shop also sells sandwiches/packed lunch. We would have stayed longer if we could have lunch within the compound. We still stayed until 3pm, tho!

All in all, good experience for kids...