Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens)

The basics

Fringed by attractions including the Kuala Lumpur National Monument, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Garden, the National Museum, and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the Perdana Botanical Garden is a charming place for a stroll. Travelers can enjoy the orchid garden as well as fruit trees and spice plants. Since the gardens are large and some way from the nearest public transportation, it's convenient to see them as part of a tour.

Things to know before you go

• There’s no charge to enter the Perdana Botanical Garden.

• There are cafés, restaurants, and bathroom facilities in the gardens.

• The gardens are stroller-friendly. Combined with the bird park and the butterfly garden, they’re a great family choice.

• Though it's set on a hill, the Perdana Botanical Garden is generally wheelchair-friendly, with accessible parking and adapted bathrooms.

How to get there

The Perdana Botanical Garden forms part of the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. While central, it is tricky to reach, with many entrances closed off. Join a tour or book a private driver to take you there.

When to get there

The gardens are open daily from morning to evening. The heat can get quite intense in the middle of the day, so visit early or late.

Kuala Lumpur with kids

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit with kids. Around the Perdana Botanical Garden alone, there’s a planetarium, a butterfly park, and a bird park. For more wildlife, try Aquaria KLCC, with its 295-foot (90-meter) underwater tunnel, or Malaysia National Zoo. Petrosains the Discovery Centre, at the Petronas Twin Towers, is a fantastic interactive science center; the Berjaya Times Square Theme Park is a fun way to beat the heat; and batik classes can exercise kids’ creativity.