82. Botanic Gardens Penang

Our next stop was the Botanic Gardens which is at the end of Waterfall Road. The gardens were established by the British in 1884 on what was once an old granite quarry. I didn't have much time here as it was part of a tour. A short ride on a train takes you around the gardens and all too soon you are back at the beginning. You don't see all that much but it certainly beats walking which would have taken ages to complete.

Above: Floral pergola
This was very pretty and it was pleasant standing underneath in the shade.

Above: Collage
Top row
I'm not sure what the potted plants are in the top left photo but they look a little like cordylines. A cool gully of water is the photo top middle, orange flowers on the right.
Middle row
The white fountain is part of a large pool with pedestal block for standing plants on but the pool was devoid of water, middle photo is a hibiscus, right are ornamental shrubs.
Bottom row
A school group under a tree, landscaping and steps, orchids in the orchid house. The orchid house was locked so I took this photo with the camera wedged between the chicken wire fencing.

The tourist dollar
In the left hand photo in the middle row, the very large building you can see is part of a new developement which the Malaysian government is implementing. Tear down trees and build shops and cafes. My driver was very voluable on this and deplored the way the Malaysian government doesn't care all that much about natural attractions and forests.