Sunday, March 30, 2008

Penang Botanic Gardens - Malaysia Tourist Attractions

The Penang Botanic Gardens, more popularly known as "Waterfall Gardens", was established by the British way back in 1884 from an old granite quarry site. It lies in a deep valley, at the foot of 366 feet jungle clad hills, bound by evergreen tropical rain forests, divided by a cascading stream that meanders through a sprawling 29 hectares of prime and undulating grounds.

Its lush greenery and tranquil setting makes it a favourite park and a popular tourist attraction. It is Penang's unique natural heritage, being the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Besides, being a repository of flora & unique to the country and to the region, it serves as a "green lung" for Metropolitan Penang.

Scenes & Activities in the Gardens
The Penang Botanic Gardens is Penang's unique asset, being the only gardens of its kind in Malaysia. Various floras unknown to many are found in these gardens. Besides being a botanic centre, the garden is a popular recreational spot.

Early in the morning, many people come to the Gardens to jog, exercise and enjoy clean fresh air. As the day goes on, hundred of visitors come to sit at the lawn, by the stream or underneath the shade of trees.


Visiting Hour & Admission
Open from 5.00 am to 8.00 pm every day of the year.
Admission is Free at the Main Entrance.

Plant Information Kiosk
Available at the Gardens Office from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm on working weekdays. Closed on weekend and public holidays.

Healthy Gardens
The Penang Botanic Gardens was selected as a Healthy Recreational Gardens and Tourist Destination by the Health Ministry of Malaysia.

Access to the Gardens
The Gardens is located at the far end of Jalan Kebun Bunga, approximately 8 km from Georgetown city. You can reach there by boarding transit link bus No.7. Parking bays for motor vehicles are provided and it is located nearby the main entrance.

Refreshments & Souvenirs
Refreshments and Souvenirs are available at the Gardens Shop (Botanika) besides the Formal Gardens.

Facilities
Recreational / Picnic areas, toilets, wheelchair access walkways, Bandstand, Gazebos, jogging tracks, jungle trails, resting lawns and plant nursery.