Penang Botanic
Gardens
The Penang Botanic Gardens, more popularly
known as the "Waterfall Gardens", was established by the British way
back in 1884 from an old quarry site. The beautiful grounds and the tranquility
of the gardens have long been enjoyed and admired by millions of visitors.
Besides being the arboretum living plants specimens, it is also the seat of
botanical conservation, education and training. The Gardens also play an
important role in the field of horticulture and landscaping development. The Gardens were founded in 1884 by Charles
Curtis from the Gardens and Forests Departments Straits Settlements. As the
first Curator, Curtis was a devoted plant lover who tirelessly transformed the
granite quarry into a garden, and greatly contributed to the botanical and
horticulture development of the Gardens.
Walking around the Gardens, one cannot miss
the Cannon Ball Tree (Couropita guanensis) and the large buttress roots of the
Sengkuang Tree (Dracanta melondao). Look out for the Pinang Palm (Areca catechu)
that lent its name to the island of Penang, and the Black Lily
(Taccaintegrifalia) with its unique purplish-black coloured flowers. The
endemic Slipper Orchid (Paphio pedilum barbatum) and the ginger,
Geoctachys penangensis, can also be found here.
Look out also for the wildlife inhabiting
the gardens. Commonly seen are the long-tailed Macaques, Dusky Leaf Monkeys,
Black Giant Squirrels and a myriad of insects and butterflies.
From afar, one could catch a view of the
famous waterfall up on the hills above the reservoir.
Some useful guidelines:
1) it is important to
respect the plants and animals here. Please do not remove, damage, or
intentionally disturb them.
2) Keep the grounds
clean at all times. Do not litter. You can also help us by picking up any rubbish
that you come across during your walk.
3) Stay on established
trails.
4) Do not start fires.
5) Observe and listen
to the voices of your natural surrounding. Appreciate nature without disturbing
it with loud noises. Please also refrain from using any audio equipment.
How to get there
By car or bus. The
garden is about 8km from town centre. Parking is available for vehicles at
several car parks just outside the Garden entrance.
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