The Botanical Gardens (monkey park), Penang

The stream that runs through the Botanical Gardens is perfect for a little dip and children do often come here just to do that. If you are not equiped for a full dip, why not just take off your socks and shoes, and dip your toes in. It is a lovely way to cool yourself off and give yourself a break.

Due to the mature trees and bamboo groves providing much needed shade, on weekends, you will find local families sitting on the grass for a little rest or having a picnic.

Indeed, within the 29 acres of these lovely gardens, you will certainly find a way yo enjoy yourself.

There are a number of unique species of trees in the Penang Botanical Gardens. During the early days when this gardens functioned as part of the then Gardens and Forests Department for the Straits Settlements (i.e. the states of Malacca, Singapore & Penang), it was used in the cultivation of commercial plants such as spices, pepper, nutmegs, and cloves. The diligent curator of these gardens, a Britisher named Mr Charles Curtis, a tireless and diligent gardener obtained and planted seedlings from around the world - including the cannon-ball tree which was from Guyana, in Africa.

The official Penang Botanic Gardens website describes it thus:

A beautiful fast growing tree which reaches 25m in height. The leaves have a life span of approximately 6 months after which they are shed rapidly so that the crown is usually bare for a day or two.

A remarkable flowering tree bearing large pinkish red, fragrant waxy flowers borne on tree trunk on long woody twigs. Later, followed by large reddish brown globular fruits, which attain the size of human head** and contain a mass of sour smelling pulp, take 8-9 months to ripen.

Flowering continues for many weeks. Ideally suited in large gardens and parks.

The cannon balls that I saw here and also in Bali were the size of large oranges or grapefruits, but certainlty not that of a human head!

The crew of Harper's Bazar visited the Botanical Garden for a fashion-shoot try-out, with its offering peace and tranquility amidst lush green surroundings, tropical plants, the vibrant colours of Penang's flore and, a lot of butterflies. Well, the ladies weren't that fond of some huge butterflies and, agreed some of these beauties looked like creeps when alighted on your shoulder and head, we decided to shoot at the hotel. The garden revealed even more beautiful spots, in fashion-language ... though we could not "see" the creatures housing the tree-area (snakes ... ?). See next pics of a beautifull >>>

Botanical Garden

Created in 1884, the gardens is spread over 30ha of forested hills and lush green tropical trees and plants. The garden has a wide collection of both local and tropical trees, flowery plants and ferns. There are also dozens of plant houses and nurseries, waterfalls as well as lily ponds scattered throughout the park. A popular sight here would be the mischievous monkeys which can be found dangling from the branches of the trees overhead or roaming freely in groups on the ground.

The garden is a favourite spot for jogging, picnics & also wedding shoots. On weekdays, common scenes are groups in Tai Chi, Xi Gong, Line Dancing.. Weekend scenes - mixture of ages, students on school trips, family outings..

Lots of good memories here for me since young.. taking part in art competition at the garden, dating days (lots of lovebirds during the evenings), picnics. about 10 years ago, the garden even keeps a pair of black honey bear.

Opening Hours : 5am to 8pm daily
Admission : Free

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The gardens cover 30 hectares. They are also known as the "Waterfall Gardens" due to water cascading through them from Penang Hill. While I was there they seemed to be a very popular place for locals to relax in. My highlight was coming into close contact with some of the many monkeys that live there.

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The Botanical Gardens is a great place for a walk or run and of course also to see some of the Malaysian Flora. And of course, you also see the monkeys, which would cover the Fauna.

The Garden is more than 100 years old and spans over 30 hectares.

Admission
Free

Opening Hours
5am to 8pm

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One of the most popular tourist spots in Penang island is the Botanical Gardens. In Malay, "Kebun Bunga" means "Garden of Flowers".

It has been known as the "Waterfall Gardens" because if you look at the sign that points to a waterfall, there is actually a high natural waterfall up the valley.

There is a stream and a miniature Penang Bridge. There are locals having a picnic and kids wading in the water to catch small fish or watch water skippers.

At certain season, many of trees will burst into blooms of flowers. There are ferns, orchids, cacti, palms but many are in cages because of the monkeys.

Wild monkeys are found outside and inside the Botanical Gardens. Inside the Garden, you are not suppose to feed the monkey.

There is a row of cannon ball tress at the entrance. Not to be missed. As well as a small nature shop and a formal garden with fountain.

If you drive, you can park further before the Garden for free and take a 5 minutes stroll along paved trail or along the road.

Bring an umbrella or hat if you are here in the hot part of the day. Many locals hike, jogged or exercise through out the day.

There is a public bus that stop near the entrance but not that frequent. Or you can just walk from near the junctin of Burmah Road and Gottlieb Road where you will pass by the famous Hindu temple.

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The lush green surroundings, tropical plants and vibrant colors of Penang's flora make the Botanical Gardens a nice place for a relaxing stroll. There is a considerable amount of plant specimens on display, which I imagine would be better appreciated by someone more botanically inclined than myself.

Hours: 07:00 - 19:00

Bottom-line: Peaceful setting away from the busy city with plenty of walking trails. Also a good place to go if you're interested in seeing some Rhesus monkies up close.