Once a granite quarry, Penang's Botanical Gardens were founded in 1884 by Charles Curtis, a tireless British plant lover who collected the original specimens and became the first curator. Today, the 30-hectare grounds include a fern rockery, an orchidarium and a lily pond. Or take the 1.5km Curtis Trail, which dips into the jungle.
The Botanical Gardens are located about 8km northeast of George Town. To get there, take bus 10 (RM2.70) from Komtar or Weld Quay; a taxi will cost at least RM25.
The gardens are also known as the Waterfall Gardens after the stream that cascades through from Penang Hill, or the Monkey Gardens for the many long-tailed macaques that scamper around. Don’t be tempted to feed them: monkeys do bite, and there’s a RM500 fine if you’re caught.
