Penang Botanic Gardens

Overview

The Penang Botanic Gardens, locally called the Waterfall Gardens, cover 30 hectares of tropical landscape at the foot of Penang Hill. Dating to 1884, the gardens house a lily pond, orchid garden, cactus house, and a canopy walkway.

Highlights

• Waterfall: A natural waterfall in the upper gardens gives the park its local name.
• Monkey Troops: Long-tailed macaques roam freely through the gardens.
• Jogging Trails: Shaded paths loop through the gardens, popular with morning joggers.

History

Established by Charles Curtis, the first Superintendent of the Gardens, in 1884, the gardens were originally a granite quarry.

Visitor Tips

• Free entry: No admission charge; parking may fill up on weekends.
• Morning visit: Coolest and most active with wildlife before 09:00.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.