Perdana Lake Gardens

Think of Kuala Lumpur and the image that springs to mind is of soaring neon-lit skyscrapers interspersed with dignified mosques and temples among teeming throngs of humanity. Malaysia’s capital is a city flush with its commercial prosperity and driving ambitiously ever higher toward greater architectural and economic grandeur. Easy as it is to get caught up in the flashy currents of city life, one must pay due regards to the sprawling city parks which provide a brief respite from its breathless pace.

The Perdana Lake Gardens is the oldest and most popular of these city parks. The 90-hectare grounds which sprawl in a valley around two artificial lakes provide a tranquil oasis where city dwellers come to jog, exercise, boat or indulge in some tai chi. Lying on the fringes of the city, this used to be the area where the elite British colonists built their pleasure homes. Two of these colonial mansions have now been converted into the Carosa Seri Negara, Malaysia’s most exclusive hotel.

Although the main attraction is the Tasik Perdana, or the Premier Lake, where families rent boats for leisurely weekend afternoon paddles, the Panggung Anniversary is also a major draw, being an open theatre for cultural and musical shows. However, these are the least of the park’s attractions. The Orchid Garden housed within the park boasts 800 species of orchids while a small terraced space is devoted to hibiscus (Malaysia’s national flower). The Deer Park is a favourite haunt of the mousedeer, the world’s smallest hoofed species, and spotted deer imported from Holland. Children and insect enthusiasts will delight in the Butterfly Park, home to over 120 species of butterfly whose rainforest environs have been carefully recreated to mirror the insects’ natural habitat. The Bird Park is the largest in Southeast Asia and is the world’s largest walk-in aviary housing more than 3000 migrant and indigenous birds.

Travelers seeking Kuala Lumpur Serviced Apartments or even businessmen looking for corporate housing should find the park quite accessible from the commercial city centers. Located in the KL central business district, adjacent to the Petronas Towers, an Ascott Kuala Lumpur Service Apartment caters to the extended stays of both business and leisure guests who wish for prime access to train stations and cab services that lead to all the city’s major attractions.