The Habitat Penang Hill – Malaysian Rainforest Experience

Tropical rainforests cover only 6% of the planet’s surface but in terms of biodiversity, they contain more than 50% of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species. On plants alone, tropical rainforests are thought to be the exclusive home for 170,000 of the world’s 250,000 known plant species.

The largest intact tropical rainforest in the world is in the Amazon River Basin and it dwarfs the Malaysian rainforests in size by far. However, age-wise, the Amazon jungle’s estimated age of 55 to 70 million years is way younger. Estimated at around 130 million years old, Malaysia’s rainforests is host to some of the most diverse tropical ecosystems in the world. During the Ice Age, Southeast Asia’s rainforests continued to experience moist temperatures due to its geographical location. This, in turn, allowed them to develop much earlier than the tropical rainforests of Africa and South America, the Amazon included.

Over millions of years, Malaysia’s rainforests have nurtured a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna and has served as home to countless unique mammal and bird species. Scientists estimate that they host around 20% of the world’s animal species. Recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, Conservation International listed Malaysia as one of 17 countries described as “mega diverse”.

Closer to us, the Penang Hill virgin jungle reserve area, on the fringe of which The Habitat sits, is believed to be part of Malaysia’s treasure trove of prehistoric rainforests dating back 130-million years old. Besides its rich biodiversity, it plays an important role as primary water catchment area for Penang island.

Our rainforests also provide essential ecosystem services for sustenance of life including climate regulation, water & nutrient recycling, air purification, carbon storage and soil stability.

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm – Voices of Nature

Imagine nature’s largest classroom and discovery hub, where butterflies and insects are free to come out and play. Within Entopia lies two worlds; The Natureland living outdoor gardens and The Cocoon indoor discovery centre. Over 150 species of fauna and more than 200 species of flora are being showcased throughout Entopia’s entire exhibition.

The Natureland, which is a living garden vivarium, is a shared ecological space for a variety of animals from invertebrates and reptiles living in their re-created natural habitat. It is the one of the largest butterfly garden in Malaysia with approximately 15,000 free-flying butterflies at any one time consisting of up to 60 species. The living garden features more than 200 species of plants with waterfalls, ponds, caves and other artistic garden features. Be sure to stroll along the mezzanine-terrace from David’s Garden and get a majestic view of our Home Tree.

The Cocoon features two floors of learning exhibition and indoor activities. This indoor discovery centre is designed to let visitors self-explore the world of invertebrates through various interactive edu-stations. Besides the walk-through experience, visitors will also be guided to participate in fun hands-on learning activities. The entire Cocoon itself is also a state-of-the-art facility where the visitor experience is enhanced by technology guided interpretations. Some of its exciting attractions include the Pandora Forest, Metamorphosis, Lumino City, Downtown Entopia, Breeding Ground, Underground Mysteries and Understory Tales.

Tropical Spice Garden – Asia’s Hidden Eden

Nestled along the northeastern coast of Penang island in Malaysia, Tropical Spice Garden is where nature meets culture.

It’s a bio-diverse living museum of the spices and other tropical plants that have shaped our global history.

The five landscaped acres of the garden is a treasure trove of more than 500 living specimens of lush and exotic flora from around the world.

There are stories still hidden in this Eden, incredible yet untold. And we want to share this treasure with as many as we can.

Join us on this journey, and step into nature.