Penang Aquarium (AquaTAR)
PenangSentral.com » Penang Tourist Attractions » Penang Aquarium (AquaTAR)
The Penang Aquarium is one of the tourist attractions in the fishing village
of Batu Maung. Officially known as Aquarium Tunku Abdul Rahman (AquaTAR),
managed by Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), this medium-size aquarium is
located within the Fisheries Research Institute complex in Batu Maung, on the
southeast tip of Penang Island.
The history of Aquarium Tunku Abdul Rahman (AquaTAR) was started in 1968. The
first aquarium was located at Jalan Akuarium, Pulau Pinang which operated by
FRI. This aquarium is inaugurated by Malaysia first Prime Minister, YM Tunku
Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Due to structural damages to the building, it had to
be closed in the year 1982. AquaTAR was moved to the new location at Batu Maung,
Penang in June 1996 with the new name "Akuatorium".
This new aquarium focus on marine and coral ecosystem display. This aquarium was
closed again in Jun 2013 for upgrading the facilities and to build up new design
to be more attractive to the public. It was officially opened for public on the
15 August 2014 by the Minister of Agricultural and Agro-based Industry.
The main function for this aquarium is to initiate fisheries research program
such as aquatic plant, coral, and ornamental fishes. By opening to the public,
AquaTAR share the interest with school kids and public the importance of marine
life. AquaTAR hope the display can enhance public awareness on the conservation
of the ecosystem to sustain our fishes resources in future.
The aquarium has 25 tanks to showcase various types of marine life, especially
those found in the regional waters. Among them are the lion fish, the boxfishes,
moray eels, tangs, surgeon fish, cat sharks, stone fish, angel fish, blue
spotted stingray, fox face fish, parrot fish, squirrel fish, damsels, bivalves
and more. The largest tank measures 15 ft by 10 ft and houses the big fishes
such as the snappers, the tudung periuk and the nyior nyior.
Other Facilities
The FRI library has many scientific books and journals on fishery from around
the world. All reference books are categorized using the Dewey decimal
classification. Some of journals are subscription copies which the library
receives regularly so you get the latest information.
There is also an internet-ready computer available. At the moment, the library
is opened to the Department's researchers, outside academicians and students,
the latter two with prior written permission.
Admission fees
RM5 for adults, RM2 for kids 7 to 12 years (RM1.50 for school group) (Price
subject to changes)
There is no charge for kids below 7 years
Thursday - Tuesday : 10.00 am - 5.00 pm
Friday : 10.00 am - 12.15 pm / 2.45 pm - 5.00 pm
Close on Wednesday
Contact Information
Fisheries Department Research Institute
11960 Batu Maung
Penang
Tel: +604 626 3925 / 3926
Fax: +604 626 2210
Getting There
The Fisheries Research Institute and Aquarium is located in Batu Maung, opposite
the Batu Maung post office. You can get there by bus no. 69 (the yellow bus
which goes by the name of Milan), by cab or private transport. The signs are
quite clear and you can't miss the building.
undo...back