Not ten minutes drive from downtown Shah Alam is the Shah Alam Botanical Garden. An enormous green space gazetted on Bukit Cerakah, the gardens range from open lawns to jungle trails, from ornamental plant collections to a mini zoo. For Malaysians looking for something truly exotic, there is even a four-seasons exhibit. I had to pass on that one.

Instead we made our way through the lovely entry buildings that look out onto paddy fields.

Ornate Javanese Chair
Ornate Javanese Chair

We hiked up the hill towards the ornamental landscape installations. The slope is pretty gentle really but if you get tired I’d recommend bringing a sister along to ride when you’re flagging.

Sistermobile aka Becak Kakak
Sistermobile aka Becak Kakak

We made it to the whimsical landscapery, with topiary and hedge mazes and a massive folly of a tree-house. Built around some impressive specimens, the ferro-cement castle rises several stories till you’re given a commanding view of the gardens. A perfect tower for all my princesses.

Tree House Shah Alam
Tree House Shah Alam

My father, wife and I waxed nostalgic when we realized we had been here nearly 20 years ago. After my marriage in the US, we honeymooned in Malaysia and brought my father along (how’s that for filial piety!).

Taman Botani Shah Alam 1997
Taman Botani Shah Alam 1997

Although it had changed some, I’m pretty sure this section of garden is exactly where we had come.

Taman Botani Shah Alam 1997
The padi fields back in 1997

Our day at Bukit Cerakah was cut short by some rapidly approaching rain clouds, but luckily the park has it’s own bus/trolley thingamajig that picked us up and ferried us back for free. There is a whole lot there left to see but it will have to wait till next time which is hopefully not another 20 years hence.

Vista with rainclouds
Vista with rainclouds

 

 

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Shah Alam Botanical Park is open 7.30AM to 5PM every day except Mondays. RM3 for adults, slightly more for non-Malaysians.

Thinking about a visit? Come stay at our place.

Just outside of downtown Shah Alam
Just outside of downtown Shah Alam

Published by bingregory

Official organ of an American Muslim in Malaysian Borneo, featuring plants, pantuns and pictures from the Malay archipelago. Oversharing since 2002.

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1 Comment

  1. The park has changed over the years. A lot of trees have died. It was denser and thicker with more trees back then.

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