Brilliant zoo! It's great to see a zoo that places as much focus on the conservation of plants as it does on the conservation of animals. Entry is NTD100 and you can pay with your easy card. The shuttle bus is NTD5.
Timing: I went on Tuesday at 9.30am and it was really quiet, save for a few school groups that I hardly ran into. Another reviewer recommended getting the shuttle bus up to the top and then working your way down. I did this and would highly recommend it. Mostly because it means you're walking downhill for the majority of your visit, which is much easier. In terms of timings, I spent about 2 hours 30 mins walking at a steady pace through all the areas before arriving at the panda house. Then I stopped for a half-hour lunch there before making my way through the remaining areas which took another 45 mins. If you're a slower walker or you prefer to take lots of breaks, then I'd recommend you allocate at least 4 hours to the zoo, if not more! Judging by what it says on the map, many areas are closed on some Mondays, so while it's definitely better to visit on a weekday, I'd suggest avoiding Mondays.
Accessibility and Amenities: The whole park felt very wheelchair accessible, though there were some exhibits where the animals are much lower than you are, which would make it tricky to see if you are in a wheelchair. There are clean toilets and vending machines throughout the zoo, so you can easily stay hydrated. As well as the restaurant at the panda house and the McDonald's at the entrance, there are also several food stalls further up the zoo, but they're outside and not air-conditioned. There are many naturally shaded areas along the path, but if still highly recommend wearing sun cream and mosquito repellent (I didn't see loads of mosquitos while I was there, but I still somehow got 5/6 bites!).
Exhibits: there were so many animals and exhibits in every area. Many animals have an indoor space attached to their enclosure which they can move in and out of freely, so a few animals weren't visible when I went. Additionally, some areas were undergoing maintenance when I was there (including the capybara enclosure sadly!) so I missed seeing some of the animals. Despite all that though, there was still loads to see and I wasn't left wanting. My highlights were the pangolin dome (so-called because it's shaped like a pangolin) where they simulated a rainforest habitat and had loads of animals cohabiting side by side, and also the reptile house, where there were some incredible (and sometimes hard to spot) creatures. Note: if you're uncomfortable around insects, I'd recommend avoiding the insectarium, as there's an area you walk through where the insects are flying freely around you, which can be quite...
Read moreOkay, so Taipei Zoo isn't just big, it's massive. You could easily spend an entire day wandering through all the different sections and still feel like you've missed a bunch. It's the kind of place where you keep thinking you've seen it all, and then you turn a corner and there's another whole area to explore. And the fact that it doesn't break the bank to get in? That's just a huge bonus. You get so much bang for your buck. But the real magic for me was finally standing in front of animals I've only ever seen in books or on a screen. You know, those animals that feel almost mythical until you see them with your own eyes. The rhinoceroses were just these incredible, powerful-looking creatures, like something out of prehistory. And the elephants? Their sheer size is breathtaking, but there's also this calm, intelligent look in their eyes that's really something. Then there were the hippos, these huge, almost comical-looking things lounging in the water. It's hard to describe the feeling of actually seeing them – it's like your imagination suddenly becomes real. They're not just pictures; they're living, breathing beings, and you're right there, watching them. It gives you this whole new level of appreciation for how amazing the natural world is. Honestly, trying to cram it all into one day felt like a race against the clock. Every time I thought I was ready to move on, I'd spot another path leading to a new exhibit and think, "Just a quick peek!" Next thing I knew, another hour had gone by. There's just so much to take in. I left feeling like I'd seen a lot, but also knowing there was so much more waiting to be discovered. I'm already mentally planning my return trip, figuring out which sections I want to spend more time in. If you're ever anywhere near Taipei, making a trip to this zoo should be high on your list. It's not just a way to kill time; it's a genuine adventure and a chance to connect with some truly incredible animals. Trust me, it's an experience you...
Read moreIf you're looking for a fun and family-friendly attraction in Taiwan, you can't go wrong with a visit to the local zoo. And this particular zoo is definitely one of the best in the country, with a wide variety of animals and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
One of the things that sets this zoo apart from others in Taiwan is its unique collection of animals.
In addition to the usual zoo staples like lions, tigers, and bears, you'll also find a number of more exotic creatures, such as koala bears and even penguins. These animals are a rare sight in Taiwan, and they make for a truly unforgettable experience.
But it's not just the animals that make this zoo such a special place. The zoo itself is also incredibly well-designed and accessible, with most roads being flat and easy to navigate. This makes it a great option for visitors of all ages and abilities, including the elderly, as well as those with babies or young children.
And speaking of children, this zoo is a great place for families to spend a day together. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities that are sure to capture the attention of even the youngest visitors, from petting zoos to playgrounds to educational exhibits that teach kids about the importance of conservation and animal welfare.
Of course, the zoo can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays, so if you're planning to visit during peak times, it's a good idea to arrive early and plan your route carefully. The train queue in particular can get quite long, with waits of 100+ people not uncommon.
But even with the crowds, this zoo is still a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and unforgettable...
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