The tale of the legendary 20-ft white back crocodile, Bujang Senang, strikes fear into the hearts of those who read or hear of it. It’s also one of many reasons people flock to Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo, the oldest, largest and finest captive breeding crocodile farm in Malaysia.
Major attraction
Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo is set on a 25-acre site located 29km away from Kuching city centre and is reachable via the Kuching-Serian road. It is tucked away in a setting of tropical greenery and is carefully planned to provide good accessibility to visitors and conducive living conditions to the crocodiles and other animals kept at Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo. It is a major attraction here in Sarawak and is a must-visit when you come to Kuching.
Scales and teeth
Near the entrance of Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo, past the canteen and souvenir shop, visitors will arrive first at Malaysia’s only known crocodile museum. Here, the skull of the legendary Bujang Senang is encased in a display box for visitors to see. The museum also holds records of historic man-eating crocodiles in Sarawak, historical photos, crocodile eggs and nest, as well as a replica of a crocodile skeleton.
Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo also has in captive three giant crocodiles, namely Bujang Sudin, Pak Indo and Bujang Samariang. They are a must-see before you move along to all 5 crocodile ponds located throughout Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo.
Altogether, there are more than 2,000 crocodiles in captive at Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo. At the Saltwater Crocodile Ponds, you will see plenty fearsome crocs of the same species as the legendary Bujang Senang itself. Go on a jungle walk after the stage area towards the edge of Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo and you’ll arrive at the Tomistoma Ponds, where you can see the less notorious, fish eating False Gharials resting in the calm waters down below.
It’s good to know that although it can be quite nerve-wracking to witness these great reptiles up-close, proper fencing all around ensures the safety of visitors. And apart from the “big guys”, visitors can also look at smaller crocodiles kept in smaller concrete pens near the main building.
Other animals and exciting activities
Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo also has a collection of birds and animals such as pythons, pheasants, eagles and owls, bearcats, barking deer, bears, monitor lizards, wild boars and other species. The fishpond holds more than 15 species of freshwater fish, including the gigantic Arapaima gigas from South America, which can grow up to more than 10 feet and weighs more than 180kg.
While seeing the reptiles, animals, and birds themselves up-close is already exciting, visitors can also witness some of the featured “residents” at Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo during feeding time. The crocodile feeding demonstration (11am & 3pm daily) is a hit with visitors. The sight of crocodiles propelling themselves out of water to grab their food hanging from a feeding line is just mind-blowing! Those who wish to see the Arapaima fish breaking the water’s surface can gather round the feeding area at the fishpond to see the giants surface for food.
Conveniences
Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo is well equipped with conveniences such as rest areas and cave-themed toilets. Cafés ensure the hungry can sit down for some food and drinks before they make their way back out. To exit Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo, visitors will walk through the souvenir store, where you can grab all sorts of keepsakes to bring back home.
Newly refurbished, Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo is a joy to visit if you love animals and if you want to take a closer look at the crocodiles kept at the farm. Check out www.jongscrocodile.com for more information.
The story about Sarawak crocodile: “Bujang Senang: A tale of terror”
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