To experience Malaysia’s rainforests without straying too far from the sanctity of the city, you need go no further than the Penang Botanic Gardens.
Travel better, travel smarter
Save money, receive our latest updates and get the most out of your travels.
Set within a valley at the base of Penang Hill and bordered on three sides by dense tropical forest, the gardens offer a respite from the hectic streets of Georgetown. Wandering along its broad, tree-lined boulevards, and listening to the whir of cicadas and the chatter of birds and monkeys in the jungle beyond, it’s easy to see why this has always been such a popular place for locals to come and relax (although the peace is somewhat shattered by occasional blasts from a nearby rifle range).
Oh so pretty. Photo: Sally Arnold
The present gardens were established in 1884 on this 29-hectare site as a recreational facility for the town and as a repository for a wide variety of different plants. For seasoned horticulturalists, the gardens are perhaps not as impressive or as well tended as others around the world and although there are lots of labels citing the Latin names of species, there is not much information.
The rolling lawns and the backdrop of the rainforest make this a pleasant place for a stroll, and there are plenty of different zones to explore, including a Fern House, Orchidarium, Formal Garden, Palm Collection, and Sun Rockery, all featuring both endemic and foreign species. Even if you have never been that interested in plants, you may still be impressed by the cannonball trees, whose trunks are festooned with huge round fruits.
Bring a book ... or a rake. Photo: Sally Arnold
One of the highlights is a short loop trail to the waterlily pond—although there were none flowering at the time of our visit, regardless, as you wander into the jungle of towering trees, you really feel as though you are leaving the city far behind and get a real sense of Malaysia’s natural environment. Take a moment, park yourself on a bench and keep an eye out for monitor lizards in the pond, brightly coloured birds and butterflies, and the occasional monkeys swinging high up in ... Travelfish members only (Around 500 more words) ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
Don’t miss the boat!
Please subscribe to Travelfish.org to read the rest of this article, or log in here.
Subscribing to Travelfish costs A$35 per year and it gets you access to more than 200 downloadable guides to specific destinations, fabulous discount coupons and 50% off our personalised travel planning service. Sign up here.
By
Sally Arnold.
Last updated on 30th September, 2017.
Popular hotels in Penang on Agoda
(64 reviews)
(42 reviews)
(247 reviews)
(87 reviews)
(51 reviews)
How to get there
The number 10 bus to the Botanic Gardens leaves every hour from Weld Quay, via Lebuh Chulia Street and Lebuh Burma, alternatively the gardens are a stop on Penang’s Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus route. A Grab car from town will set you back around 10-15 ringgit.
Location map for Penang Botanic Gardens
Popular attractions in Penang
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Penang.
Best places to stay in Penang
A selection of some of our favourite places to stay in Penang.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Penang.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Read up on where to eat on Penang.
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Penang.
Read up on how to get to Penang.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Penang? Please read this.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.
