9 Gardens in Malaysia For A Quick Nature Getaway
When the hustle and bustle start to get the best of me, I stop by Malaysia’s gardens to get fresh air and re-gather myself. As someone who sucks at landscaping and couldn’t grow a garden even if my life depended on it, I’m fortunate to live near ones that give me instant peace.
This is also why I make it a point to include at least a garden or two in my itinerary whenever I visit a new place in Malaysia. After countless years, I feel like I’ve finally curated a perfect list of gardens in the country, which I’m glad to share here!
Whether you’re looking for your next picnic spot or a simple romantic date destination, you’ll find something here that’ll pique your interest. Let’s get started!
Perdana Botanical Gardens – Kuala Lumpur
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Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana
Contact details: +60 3-2276 0432
Operating hours: Daily from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost:
- Park entrance: Free
- Orchid garden:
- Weekdays: Free
- Weekends: RM2
Perdana Botanical Gardens is Kuala Lumpur’s first attempt at making a large-scale recreational park back in 1888, and until today, it’s one of the best patches of greenery in the capital. It spans 91.6 hectares, consisting of flower beds, well-groomed gardens, and towering trees.
The Hibiscus Garden is one of the main stars here, featuring a rainbow-like display of various types of flowers. Meanwhile, the Sunken Garden offers a more serene setting, with its surrounding hedges and central water fountain.
Perdana Botanical Gardens also features two lakes, where you’ll sometimes find ducks roaming freely. Feel free to pack some food and picnic near these lakes for a relaxin, picturesque time!
Pro tip:
Make sure to stop by the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia while you’re here! It’s located right next to the park and features one of the most beautiful architectural designs in Kuala Lumpur.
Penang Botanic Gardens – Georgetown
Address: Kompleks Pentadbiran,Bangunan Pavilion
Contact details: +60 4-226 4401
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
Penang Botanic Gardens is one of the most breathtaking entries on this list. Why, you ask? It’s because of its location at the foot of Penang Hill, giving visitors a magnificent view of towering trees covering the elevated ground.
It wasn’t initially meant to be a tourist spot since it was created to research different types of plants, which is why you’ll find a plethora of unique ones here. These include cannonball trees, lily pads, slipper orchids, and the famous Pinang palm.
Aside from plants, the garden is also home to a variety of wildlife species, like the long-tailed macaques, which are notorious for snatching snacks off of visitors, so consider yourself warned!
Pro tip:
Stop by the Cactus Garden to see one of the most impressive collections of this plant. Entrance is free!
Taiping Lake Gardens – Perak
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Address: Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping
Contact details: +60 17-546 0464
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
As someone who loves jogging, I immediately fell in love with Taiping Lake Gardens. Aside from having designated tracks for running, the park features this surreal, serene vibe that makes it feel disconnected from the city.
As you may have gleaned from its name, the park features several lakes and ponds—10 of them, to be exact. They’re not just for show, either, as you can explore them further by renting a paddleboat/swanboat!
If you prefer to stay on land, you can rent some bikes or tandems and stroll along the scenic routes of the park. We recommend checking out the Raintree Walk because of its unmatched peacefulness—plus, it’s fantastic seeing these century-old trees still standing strong!
Pro tip:
Consider visiting this place for your pre-wedding or any type of photoshoot! Some sights you shouldn’t miss out on include the clock tower, the zig-zag bridge, and the Seven Sisters Point.
Putrajaya Botanical Gardens – Putrajaya
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Address: Lebuh Perdana Barat, Presint 1
Contact details: +60 3-8887 7770
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
Putrajaya Botanical Gardens is the largest of its kind in Malaysia, spanning approximately 93 hectares. For this reason, and its role in providing a breath of fresh air in an otherwise urban area, it earned its apt nickname of “Mother of All Gardens.”
Throughout its sprawling hectares are thematic gardens, with each one offering different vibes, floral collections, and views. For instance, if you’re looking for a sense of adventure, the Explorer’s Trail offers a stunning trail surrounded by Helocenia plants.
Meanwhile, you can set up a picnic by the lakeside to enjoy the serene waterfront. For the ultimate immersion, however, we recommend visiting the floral gardens to witness a diverse array of species from Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to stop by Putra Square to take a photo with the iconic I Love Putrajaya sign! You can also find the beautiful architectural design of the Prime Minister’s office from here.
Kepong Botanic Gardens – Selangor
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Address: Jalan E 4/15, Taman Ehsan
Contact details: +60 3-7963 0046
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: RM1
Kepong Botanic Gardens is home to FRIM’s grounds, which researches Malaysia’s rich tropical rainforest species, but it’s still open to the public. With that said, you can find a whole jungle of flora species during your visit here, from bamboos to orchids, and more.
The attraction is divided into thematic zones, among which is the Ethnoflora Collection, which houses an impressive selection of medicinal plants. Moreover, the gardens are dotted with scenic trails that loop around the lake, where you can jog, walk, and ride bicycles.
The main attraction here, however, is the FRIM Forest Skywalk, where you’ll get to witness unobstructed views of the gardens. It consists of eight hanging bridges as well as 11 towers suspended up to 100 metres in the air!
Pro tip:
Visit either early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy more pleasant weather while exploring the gardens. While you’re at it, pack a raincoat or a foldable umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable in the area.
Rimba Ilmu Botanical Gardens – Kuala Lumpur
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Address: 50603 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: Free (online registration required)
Website
If you’re looking for a garden that isn’t crowded, then Rimba Ilmu Botanical Gardens should be right up your alley. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like the biggest garden when compared to other entries on this list, but don’t be fooled, as this place houses 1,600 plant species!
It’s not necessarily a place you visit for picnics, but it’s one of the best gardens to immerse yourself in Malaysia’s flora and fauna! We say fauna because it’s a fantastic birdwatching place, where you can spot species like the Asian Glossy Starling.
Our favourite thing about this place is its temperature-controlled greenhouse that conserves rare species of plants, from orchids to seaweeds, etc. It was built around 2000 and is still visited today via educational and guided tours.
Pro tip:
The lush greenery this place houses is notorious for mosquitoes, so be sure to bring any type of repellent or, better yet, wear long-sleeved yet breathable clothes.
Melaka Botanical Garden
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Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak
Contact details: +60 6-231 4343
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Melaka Botanical Garden is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, and we prefer it that way! It’s less tourist-y as it’s often overshadowed by more famous attractions in the city, but it doesn’t fall short on stunning sights.
For starters, it’s home to a prehistoric zone, which is a sure-fire hit with kids. It features a playground as well as massive structures of dinosaurs that are both terrifying and impressive at the same time.
It’s also home to the Malacca Bee Gallery, which showcases one of the hardest-working species in the world. The best part is that you can sample some freshly-harvested honey products—or you can simply check out the hives and hornet nests.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a more thrilling experience, we recommend checking out the nearby Skytrex Adventure Park and riding its adrenaline-inducing ziplines!
Tropical Spice Garden – Penang
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Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2
Contact details: +60 12-423 6797
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- With guide: RM55 (adults), RM45 (senior citizens), RM35 (children)
- Without a guide: RM30 (adults), RM25 (senior citizens), RM20 (children)
- Forest bathing: RM75
- Hands-on cooking classes:
- Adults: RM280
- Children: RM150
If you’re looking for a nature getaway, then Tropical Spice Garden is the perfect choice! It’s located by the sea amidst a lush rainforest, so you’ll have little to no sights and vibes that will remind you of your daily hustle and bustle.
Our favourite thing about this garden is that it offers several exciting activities, among which is the hands-on cooking class. Here, you’ll get to use the 100+ herbs and spices found around the garden in recipes that stay true to Southeast Asian cookbooks.
You can also bask in the serene ambience of the garden through the forest bathing program, which involves meditation, breathing exercises, and tea sampling! Alternatively, you can opt for just the entrance fee and explore the beauty of the garden on your own or with a guide.
Pro tip:
Tropical Spice Garden also offers camping and glamping if you want to stay overnight amidst the peaceful rainforest. They even provide equipment for rent, like projectors and extra mattresses!
Secret Garden 1 Utama – Petaling Jaya
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Address: Upper Roof (above Food Republic) 1 Utama Shopping Centre
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
The Secret Garden, located on the upper roof of 1 Utama, is easily one of the most unique entries on this list. After all, it’s not always that you can admire an extensive selection of exotic plants and a bird’s eye view of the KL skyline at the same time.
The variety of flora species showcased here is magnificent, as they come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. They’re displayed throughout a 35,000 square feet roof deck garden, which is the perfect place to get fresh air after strolling inside the mall for several hours.
There are numerous Instaworthy spots throughout the garden, including the hedge tunnel and the man-made pond, which features beautiful lily pads! Lastly, you can also rest your feet and enjoy light snacks and your favourite cup of joe in the Secret Garden cafe.
Pro tip:
If you’re not satisfied with the flora and open space of this rooftop, you can head downstairs and continue your date at the Central Park Bandar Utama.