Perdana Botanical Gardens
Last updated: October 2026
Perdana Botanical Gardens (Taman Botani Perdana), still widely known as the Lake Gardens, is Kuala Lumpur's oldest public park. It was founded in 1888 around an artificial lake in the valley west of the old town and now covers about 92 hectares of lawns, lakes, themed gardens and old trees, run by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). Entry is free. The gardens are the heart of a wider green district that also holds the KL Bird Park, the Islamic Arts Museum, the National Museum, the National Monument and the National Planetarium, so many visitors spend a whole morning here.
This guide covers the park's history, the main gardens to see, opening hours (updated in 2026), getting there and practical tips.
| Address | Jalan Kebun Bunga, Lake Gardens |
|---|---|
| Details | Daily 5:30 am – 10 pm; until midnight Fri–Sat Free |
| Area | Lake Gardens |
| Typical visit | About 1 h 30 min |
| Listed in | Kuala Lumpur Attractions |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
History of Perdana Botanical Gardens
The gardens were the idea of Alfred Venning, the British State Treasurer of Selangor and chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Sanitary Board, who in the late 1880s proposed a botanical garden in the valley of the Sungai Bras Bras, a small stream west of the town. Frank Swettenham, then British Resident of Selangor, approved the scheme and released the first state funds, and work began in 1888. Around 173 acres were cleared, and the stream was dammed to form an ornamental lake, named Sydney Lake after Swettenham's wife. The gardens formally opened on 13 May 1889 as the Public Gardens, soon better known as the Lake Gardens.
The gardens quickly became the social centre of colonial Kuala Lumpur. The Lake Club, founded on the edge of the park in 1890, is still there as the Royal Lake Club. On the hill above stand Carcosa Seri Negara, the former colonial official residences that later became a hotel; they are currently closed for restoration.
After independence the area took on a national role. The Parliament of Malaysia was built on the park's northern edge in 1963, and the National Monument (Tugu Negara) stands nearby. In 1975 Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak renamed the park Taman Tasik Perdana (Perdana Lake Gardens), and the old lake is now Perdana Lake. The Orchid Garden opened in 1986, the KL Bird Park in 1991 and the KL Butterfly Park in 1992. On 28 June 2011 Prime Minister Najib Razak relaunched the park as Perdana Botanical Gardens, with a renewed focus on plant collections and botanical education. Today the park measures about 91.6 hectares.
What to See at Perdana Botanical Gardens
Perdana Lake
The original lake, formed by damming the Sungai Bras Bras, is still the centrepiece. Paths and bridges run around it, and the lakeside lawns are the main picnic and photo spot, with views of the city skyline over the water.
Orchid Garden
Opened in 1986 on one of the highest points in the gardens, the Orchid Garden holds over 800 species of orchid, including rare and endangered varieties. It also works as a nursery, conservation and research centre.
Hibiscus Garden
A 0.9-hectare garden dedicated to the hibiscus (bunga raya), Malaysia's national flower, with many varieties in different colours growing under the shade of mature trees.
Deer park
A small deer enclosure, viewed from a raised walkway, is a favourite with children.
Themed gardens and collections
Other areas include the Sunken Garden, a symmetrical bowl-shaped garden; the Fernarium with its shaded boardwalk; a Heliconia Garden; Cycad Island; collections of forest trees, plumeria and rare fruit trees; a large waterfall; the main square, Laman Perdana; and the Perdana Canopy, a shade structure unveiled in 2015. Many plants carry labels, some with QR codes for more information.
Neighbouring attractions
Within or on the edge of the gardens are the KL Bird Park, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the National Planetarium, the National Museum (Muzium Negara), the National Monument and the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial. The National Mosque is a short walk beyond the Islamic Arts Museum.
Opening Hours, Entry and How Long to Spend
- Hours: daily 5:30 am to 10 pm, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. DBKL announced these extended hours for its ten main city parks in May 2026; some older guides still quote 7 am to 7 or 8 pm.
- Entry: free. The KL Bird Park and other attractions inside the park charge their own admission.
- Time needed: about 1.5 hours to see the lake, Orchid Garden and Hibiscus Garden; half a day or more if you add the Bird Park and a museum.
How to Get to Perdana Botanical Gardens
- MRT: Muzium Negara station (Kajang Line) is the nearest. It is about a 15-minute walk uphill past the National Museum to the southern side of the gardens.
- From KL Sentral: KL Sentral is linked to Muzium Negara MRT by an underground walkway, so you can walk from the transport hub in around 20 to 25 minutes.
- Bus: RapidKL bus routes from Pasar Seni and the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus stop at the gardens.
- Grab or taxi: the simplest option, especially in the heat. Ask for "Taman Botani Perdana, Jalan Kebun Bunga", or a specific drop-off such as the Orchid Garden or the Bird Park.
- Driving: there are car parks along Jalan Kebun Bunga and near the main attractions; they fill up on weekend mornings.
Tips for Visiting
- Go early. From 5:30 am the park fills with joggers, walkers and tai chi groups, and the hours before 10 am are the coolest and best for birds and photography.
- The park is large and hilly in places. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and bring a hat and sunscreen; much of the lakeside is exposed.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan outdoor walks for the morning and head to a museum when it rains.
- Main paths around the lake are paved, but some themed gardens have steps and slopes; wheelchair users should stick to the lakeside paths.
- For food there is a restaurant inside the gardens, and the Nasi Lemak Tanglin stall and the cafes of Bukit Damansara are a short drive away.
- Weekend mornings are busiest, with families and wedding photo shoots. Weekdays are quieter.
Perdana Botanical Gardens Location
Nearby
- KL Bird Park — Attraction, 0.5 km away
- Nasi Lemak Tanglin — Hawker food, 0.6 km away
- TREVO — Car rental, 0.7 km away
- Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia — Attraction, 0.7 km away
- National Museum (Muzium Negara) — Attraction, 0.8 km away
- National Mosque (Masjid Negara) — Attraction, 0.9 km away
Plan a route with opening times using the Where2Go trip planner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perdana Botanical Gardens free?
Yes. Entry to Perdana Botanical Gardens is free. Attractions inside the wider park, such as the KL Bird Park, charge separate admission.
What are the Perdana Botanical Gardens opening hours?
Kuala Lumpur City Hall extended the hours in 2026 to 5:30 am to 10 pm daily, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is Perdana Botanical Gardens the same as the Lake Gardens?
Yes. It opened in 1889 as the Public Gardens, became known as the Lake Gardens, was renamed Taman Tasik Perdana in 1975 and was relaunched as Perdana Botanical Gardens in 2011.
How old is Perdana Botanical Gardens?
Work on the gardens began in 1888 under Alfred Venning, with Frank Swettenham's approval, and they formally opened on 13 May 1889, making it Kuala Lumpur's oldest public park.
What is the nearest MRT station to Perdana Botanical Gardens?
Muzium Negara MRT station on the Kajang Line, about a 15-minute walk away. Many visitors take a Grab from the station to the part of the park they want to see.