Penang Botanic Gardens, George Town

Penang Botanic Gardens, George Town

The Penang Botanic Gardens, often hailed as the "Pride of Penang", is a beautifully maintained 50-hectare park that has been an integral part of George Town's landscape since its establishment in 1884. Recognized for its stunning surroundings and the cascading stream that earned it the nickname "Waterfall Gardens", this botanical oasis boasts a picturesque backdrop of Penang Hill, offering visitors a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life.

Under the stewardship of the British colonial administrators, particularly the park's first curator, Mr. Charles Curtis, the abandoned granite quarry was transformed into a botanical haven adorned with thousands of native and exotic trees, shrubs, and herbs. Many of the original trees planted during Curtis's tenure still thrive today, lending a timeless quality to the park's lush landscape.

Since independence, the management of the Penang Botanic Gardens has remained committed to preserving and enhancing its natural beauty while introducing new features to captivate visitors. Whether opting for a leisurely stroll along the park's paved footpaths or embarking on the more adventurous hilly trails, visitors are treated to encounters with a diverse array of flora and fauna, including monkeys, monitor lizards, squirrels, wild boar, snakes, and various bird species.

For the convenience of visitors, the park offers amenities such as shops, restrooms, a bandstand, and gazebos. Additionally, buggy and tram rides are available for those who prefer not to walk.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in George Town. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Penang Botanic Gardens on Map

Sight Name: Penang Botanic Gardens
Sight Location: George Town, Malaysia (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor

Walking Tours in George Town, Malaysia

Create Your Own Walk in George Town

Create Your Own Walk in George Town

Creating your own self-guided walk in George Town is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
George Town Introduction Walking Tour

George Town Introduction Walking Tour

Some felt in Malaya that the city of George Town should be renamed Tanjung Penaga ("Cape Penaga"). That was the name of the area where George Town now stands. But the Chinese, British, Muslim, Malay and Indian movers and shakers of the town wisely declined. It might be bad for business.

Captain Francis Light, R. N., came to Tanjung Penaga in 1786. He wanted to set up an entrepôt for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Farquhar Street Walking Tour

Farquhar Street Walking Tour

Farquhar Street, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, is a culturally rich thoroughfare in George Town, Malaysia, and home to many interesting historic properties. Let's take a brief journey down this storied street and see what they are.

At the outset of Farquhar stands the impressive Supreme Court building, a symbol of justice and governance in Penang. Just a stone's throw away,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
George Town's Historical Religious Buildings

George Town's Historical Religious Buildings

George Town, Malaysia, has much to be proud of when it comes to religious heritage. The city boasts a plethora of wonderful churches, temples, mosques, and other religious sites – each beautifully decorated and with its own unique story. Follow us on this self-guided walk and see some of them up close.

We start at the Acheen Street Mosque. Dating back to the early 19th century, this is one of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles