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.

Attractions in Penang