River Terrapin Conservation Centre
Bota Kanan, Perak

The River Terrapin Conservation Centre (Pusat Konservasi Hidupan Liar Tuntung) was established in 1968 by the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) with the primary purpose of learning and understanding the habits of these reptilians. River terrapin eggs have been collected and hatched annually since 1980 for release back to the river to help conserve the species.

The Conservation Centre, which is located close to the banks of the mighty Perak River, houses an office, interpretation centre, a small laboratory and three pools for hatchlings and older terrapins.

Did You Know?

Some terrapin facts from the interpretation centre:

  • You can tell the difference between river terrapins and painted (marine) terrapins by counting their claws. River terrapins have four claws on all four feet while marine terrapins have four claws on their forelimbs and five claws on their hind feet.
  • The life span of a river terrapin is between 70-80 years.

Legend of Bota

Visitors can also learn that the word ‘Bota’ in the local area place name is named after a giant 'bigfoot'-type creature which used to inhabit bamboo thickets hereabouts and liked to chase children who play without any pants on. Sounds like a tall story parents use to scare naughty kids.

Opening Hours and Admission Fee

Visiting Hours are Monday to Friday from 2pm to 4pm.

Closed on public holidays.

I visited outside the official opening hours but the staff kindly let me have a look around.


Ticket Price

Entrance is free.

How to Get to the River Terrapin Conservation Centre

I have marked the exact location on the map on my Top Perak Attractions page.

GPS: 

4°20'54.5"N 100°52'50.1"E

4.348480, 100.880580

Address: Bota Kanan, Perak, Malaysia

Official Website: www.wildlife.gov.my

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AUTHOR BIO

cartoon of author with an orangutan

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing firsthand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published 700+ pages, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places even many Malaysians have never visited.