Penang Botanic Gardens - The Natural Heritage

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 (Dracantamelon dao). Look out for the Pinang Palm (Areca catechu) that lent its name to the island of Penang, and the Black Lily (Tacca integrifalia) with its unique purplish-black coloured flowers. The endemic Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum 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.

The Monkeys:

1) Do not feed the monkeys.

2) Do not eat as you walk - monkeys love food and are likely to snatch it from you.

3) If you come across some on the path you are walking on, do not fear. Be calm, wait for someone else to come by before proceeding or turn around slowly and walk away. Do not look at them in the eye or intimidate them in any way.

Garden Tours

The gardens run guided tours for the public and for organized groups.

Plant Information Kiosk

Available at the Gardens office from 8.00am to 4.30pm on weekdays.

The Herbarium

The herbarium houses a collection of preserved, dried mounted specimens. it is open for botanicalenquiries of a professional nature. To use these scientific resources, a written request for permission is necessary.

Landscaping, Sales & Rental of Plants

For landscaping and rental of plants, prior application must be made to the Director of the Penang Botanic Gardens. The Gardens also provide sale of plants to the public at reasonable prices.

Plant Houses & Open Collections

Botanical expeditions carried out in the jungles of Penang Island and peninsular Malaysia resulted in the collection of numerous special species including rare species for conservation, cultivation and propagation purposes. These plants are showcased as collections in the Fern House, Palm Collection, Aroid Walkway, Orchidarium, Perdana Conservatory, Cactus House, Bromeliad and Begonia House, Herba Garden, Fern Rockery, Sun Rockery, and the Formal Garden.

Getting 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.

Office:

Penang Botanic Gardens Department

Jalan Kebun Bunga 10350 Penang

Tel: 604-2270428, 604-2284124, 604-2271354

Fax: 604-2286075

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Garden Tours
Friends of the Penang Botanic Gardens Society ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) run
guided tours for the public and for organized groups.