The finest thing about Kuala Lumpur is that it has preserved a balance between exhilarating urban architecture and its natural environment. Indeed, there is an abundance of greenery in Kuala Lumpur. Check out the top gardens and parks in this city in the tour below.
1) Lake Gardens Park
Kuala Lumpur never seizes to amaze and entertain its visitors; where it has tall skyscrapers for the admirers of architecture; there are museums for the art lovers and enormous shopping complexes for the shopaholic at heart. However, even amidst the urban clatter the city gives way to a perfectly sculpted park that serves as nature’s sanctuary for the people.
Established in the 1880, the Lake Garden Park was actually the creation of Alfred Venning-the British State Treasurer. Spread across a vast artificial lake, the Lake Garden Park is one of the most visited places in Kuala Lumpur. Known as the Taman Tasik Perdana in Malay, the Garden Park is the oldest gardens in the country and was initially built for British government officials to settle separately and away from the city.
Covering an area of 92 hectares, the Lake Garden Park has an exotic Bird Park, the enchanting Orchid Garden and the favorite of all, the Butterfly Park. A paradise for the botanist at heart, the park boasts some of the oldest trees as well as native shrubs and plants, which are found exclusively in Malaysia. A walk in the Deer Park is also worth the while, if you have some more time to spare.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Auswandern Malaysia
2) Deer Park
Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Park is well established as a site for all the thrill and excitement that the natural world can offer. Guaranteeing its visitors a hundred percent unadulterated adventure and the chance to witness nature at its very best, the Lake Park cannot be missed.
With inclusions of exclusive parks like the Bird, Butterfly, Orchid and Deer Park, the Lake Park is surely the place for one and all. Just a stone throw away from the Bird Park is another enchanting experience that is sure to make it to the best memories of Kuala Lumpur, the Deer Park.
Spread across 2 acres of land, the Deer Park is filled with the jungle's most dainty creature in all shapes and sizes. Right from the robust looking Sambar Deer from the Philippines, to the tiniest of the deer family, the Kanchil or the Moose deer which is also the world’s smallest hoofed animal. Few of the other fascinating exotic species include the Axis deer which is the native of the Indian subcontinent and the Fallow which is imported from Holland.
Let to roam freely in an open environment, the sight is definitely worth the watch. The deer are also quite accustomed to being visited frequently and being fed by visitors, so to call these marvelous creatures, “shy” is a misnomer.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Altaipanther
3) Orchid Garden
For centuries orchids have been the epitome of unusual beauty, grandeur and mysticism. Scientifically proven to have existed much before the dinosaurs, orchids definitely manage to intrigue and amaze at the same time. Undoubtedly orchids are the most exotic looking flowers and a place that celebrates these majestic pieces of nature is the Orchid Garden in Kuala Lumpur. Dedicated to a rich variety of orchids as well as some stunning hibiscus species, the Orchid Garden is a must see in Kuala Lumpur.
Established in 1986, the Orchid Garden is a popular choice for many tourists visiting the city.
Perched atop a hill, the highest point in the Lake Garden Park, the beautiful and enthralling Orchid Garden is just a stone’s throw away from the Butterfly Park. With over 20,000 known and registered varieties of orchids spread across the globe, the garden boasts a brilliant 3000 species of which about 800 species are native to the Malaysian soil. Spread across 1 hectare of land, the Garden is the picture perfect getaway with babbling brooks, gazebos to stop and capture the breath taking views, winding paths with elegant chairs where you can rest for a while before moving forward. Undoubtedly, the Orchid Garden is a must visit in Kuala Lumpur or let’s say, Kuala Lumpur is a must visit for its Orchid Garden.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Auswandern Malaysia
4) Bird Park
Spend a day gaping in awe at some of nature’s daintiest creatures, birds. Without doubt the Aves are some of nature’s most delicate specimens in the wild. Although an opportunity to watch these quaint little creatures is always welcomed by one and all, it is a shame to see them wither behind a cage or trapped behind closed doors. But not at the Bird Park in Kuala Lumpur!
If you love bird watching, then the Bird Park is the perfect retreat on a bright day in the city of Kuala Lumpur. Experience the exotic sights and sounds of the public aviary that houses over 200 species of birds from all over the world. Spread over 21 acres of land, the Bird Park is adjacent to the Lake Gardens which is a popular recreational park. Attracting over 200,000 visitors all year around, the Bird Park has an international reputation and attracts tourists from all over the world.
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Bird Park has received accolades for being the world’s largest free flight, walk in aviary. Apart from that it has also earned its reputation for promoting eco-tourism. Enjoy the unique experience of watching some of the most exotic birds in their most natural environment. Boasting a population of over 3000 birds, the Bird Park is the perfect place to feel one with nature and wilderness.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Mike Powell
5) Butterfly Park
One of Kuala Lumpur’s main attractions is the Lake Gardens Park which manages to get millions of visitors every year from all over the world. But what makes this park special is the variety it offers its visitors. Here, amidst the greenery and nature, you get to see exotic birds, different varieties of orchids and everybody’s favorite, butterflies.
If you are an avid photographer and love macro photography and capturing nature at its best or simply love butterflies, then the Butterfly Park is the place for you. However you needn’t look through the lenses to enjoy the beauty of the Butterfly Park. Spread across two acres of land, the Park encompasses over 6000 different butterflies. With tropical waterfalls cascading through the park and gazebos that give you the perfect view of it all, the Park is truly magical.
Just a stone throw away from the Bird Park; the Butterfly Park is a tropical haven that is tweaked and custom made for its main residents, the butterflies. With vibrant hued flowers, butterfly friendly shrubs and trees and a huge net that allows these delicate creatures to roam freely and encompasses it all, the Park has definitely gone the extra mile to take care of their star inhabitants.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Erin Silversmith
6) Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
Kuala Lumpur is one city that does not seize to amaze and captivate the attention of its tourists. Many cities have their slice of greenery with parks and gardens but very rarely will you find an actual chunk of the well looked after jungle in the midst of an urban development.
Present in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is the oldest forest reserve in the whole of Malaysia. The Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve is actually a piece of the wilderness that is cozily nested admits skyscrapers and city dwellers. Recognized in beginning of the 20th century, the Bukit Nanas first got its status as a reserve in 1906. It then got its label as a Bird Sanctuary and Wildlife Reserve in 1934 and 20 years later the premises was declared as a Virgin Jungle Reserve. Unspoiled by the rapid growth around it, the Reserve spreads across 11 hectares of land.
If you love trekking and discovering nature, the Reserve is the perfect place to be. Enjoy the sights and sounds of exotic birds that migrate to this Forest Reserve, and if you are lucky you may also spot some Silver Langur and the Long Tailed Macaque monkeys along with exotic snakes and squirrels who are also residents of the Reserve. Also, it has several exciting nature trails like the Merbau Trail which is 361m long and the Jelutong Trail that is a 300m long walk.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Patrice78500