Akuarium Tunku Abdul Rahman (AkuaTAR)

History

Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium (AkuaTAR), formerly known as the Malaysia Aquatorium Penang, began operations in June 1996. AkuaTAR is fully managed by the Fisheries Research Institute. It actually replaced the original Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium located on Jalan Akuarium, Gelugor, Penang, which was once renowned across Asia. The aquarium was named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj, who personally officiated the building in 1968. The aquarium earned an excellent reputation as both a tourism landmark and a scientific institution. Among the distinguished visitors were the former Crown Prince and Princess Michiko of Japan in 1974, as well as the fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the late Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Zainal Abidin. In 1984, the aquarium had to be closed due to severe structural damage.

Currently, AkuaTAR showcases nearly 123 fish species, featuring 2 freshwater tanks, 31 marine tanks, 8 aquatic plant tanks, 6 preserved specimen tanks, and 1 touch pool. One of its main attractions is an auditorium with a backdrop of a giant 120-tonne tank, along with a 40-foot Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) skeleton—one of the critically endangered marine mammal species. Although AkuaTAR may be considered a budget-friendly tourist destination in Penang, its exhibits and the educational value it offers visitors are truly invaluable and cannot be measured in monetary terms.

Objective

To educate and raise public awareness on the importance of ecosystem conservation in preserving Malaysia’s aquatic heritage.

Ticket Price

Harga Tiket seperti dibawah:

Adult — RM 5.00
Children (6–12 years old) — RM 2.00
School Groups — RM 1.50
Below 6 years / Persons with Disabilities (OKU) / Senior Citizens — Free

Facilities

- 120-ton large marine Fish Behavior Tank.
- Marine fish and grouper hatchery.
- Freshwater Touch Pool.
- Water quality laboratory.
- Workshop facility.
- Water storage and filtration system.
- Auditorium Rental Facility