Travelogue Penang Botanical Gardens | Waterfalls, Monkeys and Canon Ball Trees
 

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Penang Botanical Gardens | Waterfalls, Monkeys and Canon Ball Trees
Written by Shirley T   
Tuesday, 06 September 2011 00:00



Serving as the backyard to many Penangites, the Penang Botanic Gardens is favored as one thinks of an outdoor recreational venue to sweat. Even before the first ray breaks the day, city folks are flocking around this sanctuary, gearing up for hike. Trekking trails aplenty are branching out from the Botanic Gardens. As morning light sneaks through the forest's canopy, these hikers return, drenching in sweat and wearing smiles on their faces. Serves as green lung to metropolitans, indulgence in all kind of physical activities especially as jogging and walking is a common sight. This was my memory of the Botanic Gardens that I was once visited every weekend.
Canon balls tree
When I revisited the Botanic Gardens recently, I started paying attention to what the Gardens is composed of. Lush greenery, unique flora, exotic fauna and home to the nature at its best. The sight of Canon ball trees (Couroupita guianensis), Pinang Palm (Areca catechu), Sengkuang tree (Dracontomelon dao) and Macaques (monkeys) are hardly missed by anyone. But that is not all about it, Penang Botanic Gardens also serves as a repository and houses collections of exotic and rare species of plants. So as one goes around the paved loops, Fern House, Aroid Walkway, Orchidarium, Cactus House, Begonia House, Herb Garden and Sun Rockery, (just to name a few) may cross your path. Wonderful treasures. Malaysia natural heritage, indeed!
Popular among outdoor enthusiasists
Penang Monkeys' Garden
Nestled against an old quarry site, Penang Botanic Gardens occupies more than 29 hectares of land at the cul-de-sac of Jalan Kebun Bunga. Operated as a public park with free access, it is also fondly known as the Waterfalls Gardens. But many visitors do wonder whereabouts is the secret waterfalls. Located in a restricted zone within the Botanic Garden, the water was described as 'sweet' by early sailors. It drops about 400 ft over three-tiers creating a spectacular cascading stream. Visit to the Penang Waterfalls can be arranged by writing to Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Website: www.pba.com.my).
Lush greenery
Need a ride?
Aside from the former popular names, this sanctuary is also earned a nick-name, the Monkey Gardens. Constituted from Macaques and Dusky Leaf Monkeys, they are part of the permanent residents here. Running wild, hanging around and living freely. In a simple sentence, the monkeys are the kings of the Gardens, so it is wise not to mess with them. Be polite. And do not offer food to them as they are never starved.

Getting there?
Jalan Kebun Bunga,
10350 Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4 2270428

How to get there & need a Google map? Refer here.

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