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If you’re exploring Penang in 2026 – consider a visit to the Penang Botanical Gardens. This is one of the BEST places to experience the intense wild beautiful of Penang – without needing to trek deep into the jungle.
The botanical gardens is a well kept lush park located in a valley not too far from Georgetown. Many locals visit the botanical gardens to exercise and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. The botanical gardens Penang are situated in a valley surrounded by steep dramatic jungle Hills.
The Penang Botanical Gardens is ONE of the starting points for getting up Penang Hill (by trekking or jeep taxi)
Even if you take a short walk in the botanical gardens, you are highly likely to see an array of local wildlife including monkeys lizards, butterflies, birds and snakes (yes we have seen snakes here a few times so take care!)
You may also be interested in these EPIC things to do in Penang – we can’t believe how much this beautiful island has to offer!
Planning a trip to Penang and need a place to stay? Agoda often has great deals for hotels in Penang… anyway, back to the Botanical Gardens…
Map of the botanical gardens
How much does it cost to visit the botanical gardens in Penang?
It is free to visit the botanical gardens in Penang. There are no entry tickets required to visit the beautiful place.
What animals can you see in the botanical gardens Penang?
If you take a short walk around the botanical gardens, you are very likely to see various wild animals. It is very common to see macaque monkeys around the botanical gardens Penang. Be aware that the macaque monkeys can be quite territorial. Always keep a safe distance and be careful showing any food or drinks around them. Macaque monkeys often grab people food and drink. Furthermore, it is common to see Dusky leaf monkeys around the botanical gardens Penang.
These beautiful black coloured monkeys are more timid than macaque monkeys. You are more likely to see Dusky leaf monkeys high up in the treetops staying out of your way. On the jungle trails around the Botanical Gardens it is possible to see turtles and tortoises
We were even lucky enough to see this beautiful little specimen on the trail between Rest Station 5 and the Jeep track. This is the endangered spiny turtle…
If you make your way to the Lily pond in the botanical gardens you may also get a glimpse of a terrapin swimming in the water.
In the botanical gardens Penang it is also very common to see a range of different types of lizards. Everything from small lizards scuttling up trees and rocks.
And watch out for monitor lizards which can often be seen by the stream, on the grass or scurrying along storm drains. Monitor lizards generally try to stay away from humans, however if you approach monitor lizards they can be aggressive and they can be dangerous. Therefore we recommend keeping a safe distance if you do see monitor lizards in the botanical gardens Penang.
One of the things we love about Penang is the biodiversity. But there are some dangerous animals around. We have seen several snakes in the area so take care. We saw this male wagler’s pit viper hiding in a tree very near the entrance to the botanical gardens (a busy public spot)
And yes, if you’re wondering, these snakes are venomous and potentially lethal. Always be careful trekking in the area of climbing trees (if that’s something you like to do in your spare time!)
What is there to do at the botanical gardens?
The main activity in the botanical gardens Penang is walking and running. However, if you are created you could do photography here or artwork or even yoga. If you plan to do anything in the botanical gardens that involves slowing down or stopping we highly recommend that you bring mosquito repellent.
There are several enclosures for various types of plants, ferns and trees. However, these enclosures tend to be locked so it is only possible to look in from the outside.
The botanical gardens has several main trails which lead around the gardens in a large loop. The distance around these trails is around 2 or 3 km.
There are also some smaller jungle trails which lead after the side of the botanical gardens. Some of these small jungle trails lead up Penang Hill. Other small jungle trails loop round and return to the botanical gardens.
There is a small trail that leads up to the lily pond. This is a great way to experience a short jungle trek without going too far into the wild.
This is also a great way to observe the beautiful biodiversity and animals in this area. The botanical gardens also has a small gift shop selling souvenirs, drinks and ice creams.
Walks that starts from the botanical gardens
If you are hoping to walk a bit further, several beautiful walks start from the botanical gardens Penang. From the entrance of the botanical gardens there is a steep road that leads all the way to the top of Penang Hill. This road is sometimes called the Jeep track because jeep taxis drive up and down this road to take people for the summit of Penang Hill.
On the road leading up to the botanical gardens there is a moon gate. If you go through the moon gate you will see a trail that leads up the side of the hill.
This trail becomes very steep at some points. If you follow this trail up the hill you will eventually get to rest station 5. Rest station 5 is a hidden gem in Penang. There is a small exercise park, gym, toilets and shelters with seating areas. Many locals stop at this location to drink coffee and share snacks.
If you keep following the Trail along the ridge (walk through rest stop 5) eventually joins the Jeep truck. When you reach the cheap truck if you turn right down the hill this will lead all the way back down to the botanical gardens. The full loop walk will probably take 3 to 4 hours.
How do you get to the botanical gardens?
Unfortunately, at present no bus services run to the botanical gardens Penang. In the past a bus service operated on this route so it is possible that the service will be resumed in the future.
There are two main ways to get to the botanical gardens Penang. Firstly you can take a taxi. In Penang many people use the grab app to book taxis online. This is a very quick, simple and convenient way to arrange a taxi. The grab app allows you to book a taxi without answering any card details or payment information. You can select “pay with cash”.
As of now, the only other way to get to the botanical gardens Penang is to use your own transport. For example, if you have rented a car or are riding a motorbike you can drive up to the botanical gardens. That is a large car park just outside the main entrance of the botanical gardens.
AND finally, if you LOVE the biodiversity and wildlife in Penang we think you will also LOVE Entopia – this is a dedicated indoor sanctuary and conservatory for insects and reptiles in Penang. Well worth a visit!
