Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
Created in 1888 because well, let's be honest, the reason the Brits colonized a lot of the world was for plants of financial value, and so the gardens started initially as a test bed in the local area to create value for the Empire.They grabbed the valley just west of the original train station, which was primarily grassland, and it took 10 years to clear and dig a lake to be used as a water source. As the gardens were turned into a public (and free) space, plants from all over the region were added, causing the collections to be quite substantial, and uniquely regional.
The park has other institutions popping up around the edges and is the natural heart of the old city, with decent public transport access.
Orchids
Malaysia has a lot of territory that contains basically 40% of the orchid varietals in the world. I was surprised myself how many different types of orchids there are, not just the pink and white O'Keefe style ones placed in my cocktails here in Asia.Herb House and Lower Waterfall Areas
At about the same elevation as the orchid area (which is really high up in the park) is the Herbarium building. I dunno if you could go in, it looked closed, but around it were things to see. Also, it was on the way to the lower waterfalls via a steep twisty path.Lower Lake Level
Once you make it down to the waterfalls, you are at the lake levels. There is... a lake. Paths, bridges, a hibiscus area, sunken garden, supposedly even otters.
A map of the area to cover, Orchids are in the upper right
These are the orchids I am used to
Did not realize these are also orchids
And this is an orchid? See, informative!
Mixed flower arbor
Red Hibiscus
Water features to keep you cool in the tropics
This is that path I was mentioning. Safety rules are different here
Upper fall
Lower fall, a more substantial affair
Along the level area once you reach the waterfalls
People were having picnics nearby when it wasn't raining
Welcome to the jungle baby
Yep, a lake at the lake level
A much better picture of the fountain than Google maps has
Palms, all over. Actually not nearly as many as are by the airport
The sunken garden, how properly English
The canal from the lake where the otters supposedly play
Along the canal"
See, you are super close to the city even while away from it