Hello my Dear Ramblers
First of all, I hope that all of my Ramblers in the US had a very Happy Thanksgiving Day. This is a day set aside to "give thanks" for all of the blessings in one's life, including loved ones, a home, etc. It is usually celebrated by a big feast centered around the turkey. Although it is not a public holiday here in Malaysia, American expats like myself celebrate this holiday in the best way we could. Of course, traditional ingredients may be more difficult to find as they may not be available (such as turkey). Still, the spirit of the day is the same as you regale on wonderful Turkey Day memories that you share with your Malaysian family.
Here in Bolehland, soon will mark the time that many folks will take year-end holidays (vacations for my American Ramblers) as the proximity of the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays will give ample time for my Ramblers to plan such getaways. Many will pack their bags and take off to parts unknown to sojourn novel locales. One such locale is the tropical isle of Penang, home to natural splendors aplenty.
In our last outing, we journeyed to the beautiful Monkey Beach located on the northwest corner of Penang Island. I regaled you with tales of a white-sand beach washed by turquoise waters backed by the emerald foliage of Penang National Park.
Today, I want to take you to another part of Penang Island. Although it in itself is not natural, it employs the surrounding wilderness in it's appeal. I am talking about another of the crown jewels of Penang: the Penang Botanical Gardens.
Opened in 1884, this public park lies on Waterfall Road (Jalan Air Tejun) and it occupies the site of a former quarry. It is tucked away into the foothills of Penang Hill. It affords a type of quiet not experienced in other parts of the city. Full of natural greenery, one can hear the calls of the jungle birds as they walk the well-maintained trails. There is a beautiful square lily pad pond just to the right of the parking area just before you enter the gate to the main garden area.
To get to this verdant paradise from the city, follow Scotland Road (Jalan Scotland) north. It will turn into Jalan Utama, which you will continue to follow. At the intersection of Jalan Gottlieb (Gottlieb Road), it becomes Waterfall Road. You follow this road all the way to the end, where you will reach the parking area and entrance to the Gardens. Click anywhere on the blue link just below for a map to the Botanic Gardens.
As you traverse the grounds, you will encounter a separate cactus and succulent garden. Near the entrance, you will also find an orchidarium growing different species of orchid. Like coffee? Well, there are a number of coffee trees along the trail. Not too many people get to personally see this end of the coffee supply chain. Other rare species of plants are housed in disparate garden areas, ie Fern Garden, Bromeliad and Palm Gardens.
Some plants of note are the pinang palm (Areca catechu), namesake of Penang Island, cannon ball tree (Couroupita guiarensis); and the black lily (Tacca integrifolia) with it's unique purplish-black colored flowers. Also, the ginger (Geoctachys penangensis) and the slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum barbatum) are found in the Garden.
The fauna of the garden include the long-tailed macaques around the trails and in the trees. Also, dusky leaf monkeys and black giant squirrels inhabit the 28-hectare site. Also, many species of insects and butterflies call this green paradise home. Be on the lookout for some beautifully-colored butterflies fluttering about as you jog or walk your way to good health.
Speaking of good health, just before you reach the parking area, there is a fruit and juice stand. Named the Tropical Fruit Juice Bar Botanical Gardens Penang, they serve up a number of delicious fruit juice and smoothies to quench your thirst after a brisk and invigorating walk through the beautiful natural setting.
--NOTE-- DO NOT FEED THE MONKEYS AS THEY WILL NOT BE SHY ABOUT APPROACHING HUMANS. AS NOTED ON VISITMALAYSIA,THEY CAN BE AGGRESSIVE IF YOU EAT FOOD IN FRONT OF THEM!!
The main trail offers access to the nearby jungle. It, also traverses two prominent stands of palms and bamboo clusters along the Waterfall River, the main body of water in the Gardens. The upper part of the main trail travels over Waterfall River via a scenic bridge. This offers a beautiful vantage point of cascading river rapids. The sounds of rushing water mingle with the jungle and it affords the observer a sense of tranquility not experienced too much in our daily lives.
Also, the jungle trail mentioned just now? Well, there is another trail branching off that will take you into the jungle primeval for a 15-minute hike. The trail is relatively easy with only a slight incline, so most people can easily handle it. Surrounded by dense tropical foliage, the noise of the city falls away and you suddenly feel like you are a thousand miles away. Of course, at the end of the trail lies a beautiful and Instagram-able reward. Want to know what it is? Then, you will just have to come and find out for yourselves, adventure seekers!
The Gardens also go by another name: "Waterfall Gardens". This is due to the nearby 400 meter waterfall. Although it, as well as a nearby reservoir, are private property; they can be visited by arrangement with the Penang Water Authority (Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang).
A great time to visit the Gardens is early in the morning just before dawn. It is light enough to see and the air is still cool enough to feel more comfortable. Most of my outings here have been during this time. If, during your visit to Penang, you have some spare time, I would highly recommend patronizing this Natural Wonder of Penang. Plus, (as depicted in one or two of the photos) the look of any clouds and fog up along the mountain slopes will lend an air of the exotic to this place so close to the city. It will make you almost forget that just minutes away lies the hustle and bustle of George Town, Penang's capital.
Stay tuned for another in this series of the Natural Wonders of Penang. Where will we go to next? I guarantee that wherever we go to, you will "fall" for it in an instant!
All photos are original works of the author. ©2018 Ramblings of Robert. All Rights Reserved.
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