The last time I came to Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary, I was 12 years old. This place was called “The Butterfly Park Malacca” back then. It had been many years since I last visited and I was looking forward to it.
I have always loved butterflies. I find the colours and patterns of their wings fascinating. However, there is more to a butterfly than just pretty wings. At Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary, you will be able to learn more about the butterflies and others too.
Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary
Inaugurated by Melaka Chief Minister back on 1st February 1991, this park was initially named “The Butterfly Park Malacca”. The objective was to breed and produce butterflies of different types. And there are many of them.
Some butterflies have been extinct, sadly. Some butterflies, like the Raja Brooke is close to being extinct. This is sad, especially for our future generations. If you didn’t know, Raja Brooke is Malaysia’s National Butterfly.
Housed on 11 acre jungle site, Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary not only has butterflies but also reptiles, lizards, amphibians, crocodiles, mammals, birds and Koi (in the Koi garden).
It took us about 40 minutes to arrive at Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary from Melaka Town. It will take about 3-4 hours if you’re planning to slowly enjoy the park. There are so many things you can see and if you’re a photography enthusiast, there are many macro-photos of butterflies and insects you can take at the park.
We were told that the park is privately owned because of the owner’s passions to protect the many butterfly species. The staffs are all well-versed and knowledgeable on everything “butterfly” and it’s counterparts, it is so fun to listen to their explanations.
Butterflies of Melaka Butterflies & Reptile Sanctuary
We were told that there are more than 5,000 butterflies in the sanctuary. The most common butterfly you can find would be the Clipper (Parthenos sylvia). If you look closely, part of the Clipper’s wings are slightly transparent. Isn’t it beautiful?
The minute we entered the sanctuary, we were welcomed by many Clippers. Some of them even sat (rested) on my head. The Clippers in the photo above are sucking from pineapples.
A Butterfly’s Life Cycle
Butterflies have 4 Life Cycle: Egg, Larvae, Pupa (Chrysalis) and Adult.
- Butterflies lay eggs on leaves that are specific to it’s species. Different species of butterfly eats different type of leaves and usually, only one type per species.
- When the egg turned into larvae (caterpillar), it will live it’s entire 3 weeks of life eating, which is why it is very important for it to be laid on the right type of leaf.
- After 3 weeks and the caterpillar is fully grown, it will turn into a Pupa (Chrysalis) and stay in it’s cocoon as it turns into a butterfly.
- Once it is fully grown, it will live for 7 days (in the wild) or 28 days (with artificial nectar) and it’s main purpose is to reproduce.
If you notice, there is not one single live flower in the butterfly sanctuary. This is because, the sanctuary is teaching the butterflies to suck from artificial nectars available throughout the butterfly sanctuary. Artificial nectars are larger in amount in comparison to nectars produced by flowers. At the same time, artificial nectars allows the butterflies to live longer.
Insects & Reptiles of Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary
Koi Pond
As you walk in the park after you leave the Butterfly Sanctuary, you will come upon the Koi Pond. Many large and friendly Kois will come swimming towards you as you stand near the pond.
The sound of the water, the trees and plants at the pond as well as the refreshing ambience are the reasons why this place is my favourite at Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary.
Tarantula Adventure & Bugs Kingdom
I’m not much of an insect fan so, having a Rhinoceros beetle tagging along at my bag would not be my idea of an ideal walk. Luckily, it was my friend’s camera bag that it decided to hang on to.
There are many other types of insect at the sanctuary but luckily not all are allowed to roam-free (for the safety of the insects, I assume). Most of the bugs are kept in glass aquariums. you can also find animals like frogs, tarantulas, snakes, mice, porcupines, turtles and others in aquariums.
Crocodile Farm
Crocodiles would be another “must see” attraction at Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary. There are a few different species of crocodiles at the Crocodile Farm, both saltwater and freshwater. You can tell the difference even from the different color of the skin.
Crocodiles are usually active at night so expect more subdued crocs when you visit the sanctuary in the day.
My Souvenir From Melaka Butterfly Park & Sanctuary
What was incredibly memorable for my friends and I after returning from the park would probably be the “babies” we each received from the park owner.
We were all given 2 butterfly pupas (Chrysalis) and told that it will hatch in the next 3-4 days. Upon returning from Melaka, we were all excited to see our babies “born”.
I didn’t get to see my own when the butterflies got out of the pupas but I did see how the wings of butterfly grow larger as the liquid in the butterfly’s body spread to the wings. It took about 2 hours for the wings to be full and another 2 hours before the butterfly is strong enough to fly.
It was one of those very few times I can touch a butterfly for a long time. Such an experience!
Admission Fee & Operation Hours
Open every day including all public holidays and school holidays
Time: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Admission Fee: RM22 (Adult), RM16 (Children aged 3 – 12 years old)
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