Deerland Park

The basics

To visit Deerland Park, you'll pay a small entrance fee, but you don’t need to buy tickets in advance. Most travelers stop by after visiting the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, which is 3 miles (5 kilometers) away—with some travelers coming from Kuala Lumpur and others from the Genting Highlands. The park isn't fancy, and signage is limited, but many families appreciate the chance to get up close with deer and smaller animals.

Things to know before you go

• Deerland Park appeals to families with younger children.

• The park is compact. Allow 30 minutes to one hour to see everything.

• The path through the park is flat but uneven, and some travelers who use wheelchairs may find navigating it cumbersome.

How to get there

Deerland Park is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of the small town of Lanchang in central peninsular Malaysia, near the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. It’s about a 65-mile (105-kilometer) drive east of Kuala Lumpur, from where most tours leave. There’s no public transit so your options are driving, hiring a driver, or joining a tour.

When to get there

The park is open mid-morning to mid-afternoon Saturday to Thursday with a later close time on Saturday and Sunday. It's closed on Friday. Visiting midweek makes a quieter experience than at weekends.

Wildlife experiences near Kuala Lumpur

Peninsular Malaysia may lack Borneo’s wealth of exotic wildlife, but you can get up close and personal with other interesting animals. Visit the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary near Deerland Park to see its rescued and orphaned elephants. Or, book a trip to the Kuala Selangor Fireflies for a mesmerizing night cruise through the mangroves. Another worthwhile stop is the Malaysia National Zoo, 10 miles (15 kilometers) from the city, which hosts critters from tigers to rhinos.