Get up close to some of Malaysia's famous hornbills, parakeets and other tropical birds at this fun, hands-on aviary.

Set within the vast Lake Gardens which has many different attractions, the highlight, especially for kids, has to be this aviary. Billed as the world's largest walk-in aviary, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is one of the largest covered bird enclosures in the world with more than 3000 birds.Inside the 8.5 hectare site, under nets that keep the birds in, you can see a huge array of tropical creatures from ostriches to eagles, peacocks to flamingos, and most of them are free to roam wherever they like. If you're not keen on birds, then perhaps this isn't the place for you! Armed with a cup of bird food that you can buy at reception, you'll soon be making friends with a whole host of tropical birds keen for a feed.As well as the free-flight aviary, there are feeding demonstrations, bird shows and a nursery where you can see chicks of all kinds. If you want to get even more up close and personal, for an extra fee, you can have your picture taken with your choice of birds, including hornbills, eagles and owls. Don't miss the World of Parrots where there are more than 20 different species to admire. The Waterfall Aviary is another highlight where you can see endangered milky storks on a 9-metre man-made waterfall.The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is not far from KL Railway Station, but given the humidity and the uphill walk, it's best to get a taxi. There is parking available and the Bird Park is also a stop on the Hop on Hop Off tourist bus that connects all the city's major sights. There is an admission fee for the park, which is open from 9 am – 6 pm every day of the year except major cultural and religious holidays.