The Penang Butterfly Farm opened to the public in 1986. As far as anybody knows, the Penang Butterfly Farm was one of the first, if not the first, tropical butterfly farm in the world. It is located on a 0.8 hectare site near the foot of the Teluk Bahang hills, between the Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang and the Teluk Bahang village. The owner and founder is David Goh, who was inspired to start the farm by another butterfly farm owner, Clive Farrell of Stratford-upon-Avon in England.
The farm was intended to be more than just a tourist attraction. It introduced and created an interest in entomology - the study of insects - to the Malaysian public. For the first time, Malaysians from children to adults could experience the pleasure of watching over a thousand butterflies from 120 different species fluttering in an enclosure. They include the famous Rajah Brooke (Trogonoptera brookiana), the beautiful black butterfly with florescent green patches called birdwing. This butterfly comes from Borneo and West Malaysia, and was named after James, the Rajah of Sarawak, by naturalist Alfred Wallace, the founder of the Sarawak Museum, in 1855. Other butterflies found here include the endangered Yellow Bird wing (Troides helena).
Although to the general public, the butterfly farm is just another of Penang's many tourist attractions, the farm itself has gained an international reputation within the industry as a butterfly breeding centre. Rather than depleting the butterfly population in the wild, the farm has been active in breeding butterflies in captivity. This helps to increase the number of butterflies which are endangered species. It also increases awareness of conservation issues pertaining to the rain forest and butterfly habitats.
Getting there
Penang Butterfly Farm is located about 2.2 km or 15 minutes from the Teluk Bahang roundabout. From George Town, take the northern beach road through Batu Ferringhi until you reach the Teluk Bahang roundabout. Make a 9 o'clock turn to the left. You will reach the Teluk Bahang Forest Park (Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang) after passing the Penang Butterfly Farm on the left side of the road. If you are taking public transport, Rapid Penang Bus U101 goes to Teluk Bahang Village. From there you need to change to Bus U501 that heads towards Balik Pulau. Take note that bus services is sporadic.
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 9:00am-5:30pm (last entry 5:00pm)
Weekend & Public Holidays: 9:00am-6:00pm (last entry 5:30pm)
Closed half day on Chinese New Year Eve
Admission:
Adults: RM20
Children: RM10
Half price for MYKAD holders
Video / Digital Video Camera: RM5.00
Discounts available for school bookings and large group. Contact the Penang Butterfly Farm at:
Tel: 60-4-8851253
Email: info@butterfly-insect.com
What to see and do
Enjoy the sight of butterflies fluttering in the enclosure as they consume nectar from flowers and fruits. In addition to the butterflies, the farm also has a menagerie of other animals and insects. Admire the different types of beetles, stick insects, and other fascinating creatures. There is also an enclosure with huge scorpions. There is also a collect of tropical snakes and ducks. Gardening enthusiasts will also be delighted to see a big range of tropical plants growing healthily and many in full bloom.
After you are done with the butterfly enclosure, visit the Insect Library with a vast collect of insects, from beetles to butterflies and more. The owner of the farm is also an avid ethnologist, and has a collection of tribal items on display including masks, effigies, weapons and musical instruments. Some of these items are on sale to interested buyers. The last part of the farm is the gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, t-shirts, trinkets, even books, to remember their trip to the Penang Butterfly Farm.
If you're going to Penang, you now have the option of finding accommodation in a hotel, or look for one in hostels and guesthouses. To book a room in a star-rated hotel, use the Penang Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers. To find accommodation in a Hostel or Guesthouse, use the Penang Guide to Hostels and Guesthouses. Each link provides detailed listing of the type of accommodation you can expect in Penang. Be aware that you get what you pay for. If you need a certain degree of comfort, then a star-rated hotel may be an ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you are able to forego a bit of creature comfort, then hostels and guesthouses are clean, safe, and incredibly good value for money. For accommodation in other destinations, visit Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers or Hostels & Guesthouses Accommodation Guide.
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