Famous Botanical Gardens in Malaysia [Back]
Malaysia's rich biodiversity is showcased through its numerous botanical gardens, which serve as centers for conservation, research, and public education. These gardens offer visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse array of plant species, reflecting the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Here are some of the most notable botanical gardens in Malaysia:
Perdana Botanical Gardens
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Perdana Botanical Gardens, formerly known as the Lake Gardens, is the city's first large-scale recreational park. Established in 1888, it spans 91.6 hectares and features lush greenery, a butterfly park, a bird park, and various themed gardens. The park serves as a refuge from the bustling city life, offering visitors a serene environment to explore and appreciate nature.
National Botanical Gardens Shah Alam
Situated in Shah Alam, Selangor, the National Botanical Gardens Shah Alam, also known as Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam, covers an area of 817 hectares. Established in 1986, the garden aims to provide a national scientific education center and serves as a natural resource conservation center. It offers various attractions, including an animal park, ornamental garden, four seasons temperate house, and a tropical fruits garden.
Penang Botanic Gardens
Established in 1884, the Penang Botanic Gardens, also known as the Waterfall Gardens, is located in George Town, Penang. Covering 29 hectares, the garden is renowned for its lush greenery and tranquil setting, making it a popular tourist destination. It features a diverse collection of flora, including the cannonball tree, pinang palm, and black lily. The garden also serves as a green lung for metropolitan Penang, offering recreational activities such as jogging, walking, and jungle trekking.
Rimba Ilmu Botanical Gardens
Located within the University of Malaya campus in Kuala Lumpur, the Rimba Ilmu Botanical Gardens was established in 1974. Covering over 80 hectares, it houses more than 1,600 species of plants, primarily indigenous species but also including many from tropical Asia, the Pacific islands, Australia, South America, Africa, and Madagascar. The garden serves as a center for botanical research and conservation, offering educational programs and guided tours to promote environmental awareness.
Kinabalu Park
Located on the west coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Kinabalu Park is Malaysia's first World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO in 2000. Covering an area of 754 square kilometers, it surrounds Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain on the island of Borneo. The park is one of the most important biological sites in the world, with more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including 326 bird and around 100 mammal species. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, from rich lowland dipterocarp forests to alpine meadow plants.