Even the stoniest heart melts at the sight and smell of beautiful flowers. Adjacent to the picturesque and cosy Regency Jerai Hill Resort lies an absolutely stunning sanctuary called the Gunung Jerai Botanical Park. Here, you will find a vast array of unique and rare orchid species. In fact, this park is home to the largest orchid collection in Malaysia!

With its pristine location at the top of Gunung Jerai, it will be a surreal experience as you take a stroll in the park and breathe in the exotic and mesmerising fragrances of the flowers. Standing at 1,217 metres, the 550-million-years-old Gunung Jerai is also the highest peak in Kedah, giving you an incredible panoramic view of paddy fields and the sea. Fun fact: Gunung Jerai has also been nicknamed the ‘Switzerland of Kedah’.

Read also: Enjoy Fresh River Oysters at Bakau Hijau, Kedah

Gunung Jerai Botanical Park: Malaysia's Largest Orchid Farm

Gunung Jerai Botanical Park: Malaysia's Largest Orchid Farm

Largest Orchid Farm in Malaysia

Gunung Jerai Botanical Park is the brainchild of the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK) in collaboration with the Ooi Leng Sun Orchids Nursery & Laboratory and the Jerai Hill Resort. At the park, the orchids are cultivated in their natural habitat, and these exquisite flowers can be found growing and climbing on trees. One may opt to take a stroll in the beautiful park on your own or choose to join a guided excursion.

Go on a guided excursion with orchid specialists at the Gunung Jerai Botanical Park to thoroughly understand its background and vision

Tiger Orchid & Treacher’s Epigeneium

Gunung Jerai Botanical Park is home to the ‘Tiger Orchid’ - the largest orchid species in the world. It has brown and orange stripes that resemble a tiger and is known scientifically as ‘Grammatophyllum speciosum’. While the name can be a mouthful to say, it has an incredibly unique story behind it. The word ‘Grammatophyllum’ is derived from the Greek words for ‘letter’ and ‘leaf’ as the petals of this beautiful flower evolve from modified leaves. This majestic flower is also fondly known as the ‘queen of the orchids.’ It has earned a place in the hallowed Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s tallest orchid, recording a height of 25 feet or 7.62 metres.

If you visit at the right time, you might just be fortunate enough to catch the Epigeneium Treacherianum in full bloom. Also known as the Treacher’s Epigeneium, this is a remarkably beautiful soft pink flower that will make you gush over its delicate beauty. The blooms usually last for only one to two weeks, so be sure to plan ahead before making a trip to the park.

Small but beautiful details to discover as you journey through Gunung Jerai Botanical Park

Coconut Pie Orchid & Yellow Jade Orchid Tree

As you walk on and breathe in the crisp mountain air, you might catch a faint whiff of jasmine. This beautiful scent comes from the 'coconut pie orchid' or the 'delicate-leafed maxillaria.' And delicate it certainly is, as the flowers are no more than one and a half inches in size. The petals are a deep hue of rich burgundy. As you inch closer, you will be astounded to find that the fragrance has a unique note of coconut!

There are still many more treasures to discover! As you proceed along in your journey, you will catch another beautiful scent that is a blend of sweetness and spice. This unique aroma is from the ‘Magnolia Champaca’ known also as the ‘champak’, ‘joy perfume tree’, ‘yellow jade orchid tree’ or the ‘fragrant Himalayan Champaca.’ It is a beautiful flower with vibrant yellow-orange petals. The fragrance attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it yet another chance to put your photography skills to good use!

If you have better luck than us, you'll catch the Bulbophyllum Beccarii when it is flowering!

Bulbophyllum Medusae at Gunung Jerai Botanical Park

Nepenthes Burdidgeae at Gunung Jerai Botanical Park

There are so many orchid species to discover here at Gunung Jerai!

We may not be able to see Tiger Orchids in full bloom, but the myriads of other orchids made our trip to Gunung Jerai Botanical Park equally as exciting!

Beautiful and interesting ferns at the botanical park

Platycerium Angolense at Gunung Jerai Botanical Park

Wildlife & Exotic Animals

Other than the unique orchids, there are also other flowers and plants found at the Gunung Jerai Botanical Park. Wildlife enthusiasts would be pleased to know that there are several animals that can be found here, such as guinea fowls, jungle fowls and serval cats. The peacocks will quickly catch your attention with their bold, beautiful and striking blue plumages.

You can find peacocks at the Gunung Jerai Botanical Park!

According to the owner, this beautiful wild serval cat has been sent to Zoo Negara to be mated. The team strongly believes that breeding in captivity is necessary for ensuring a healthy population among the endangered species.

Iguana at Gunung Jerai Botanical Park

Woolly bear caterpillars

Guinea fowls are also being bred here, which are subsequently release into the park.

It's a nature's wonderland at Gunung Jerai Botanical Park. Open your heart and mind and soak in the beauty that surrounds you!

How to Get to Gunung Jerai

Gunung Jerai Botanical Park is part of the Regency Jerai Hill Resort. From the foot of Gunung Jerai, it is an approximate 30 minutes’ drive up to the resort. Note that the roads are winding and might be a tad bit uncomfortable for some. Nevertheless, don’t miss the opportunity to roll your windows down so you can enjoy the fresh air! Once you reach the Regency Jerai Hill Resort, the Gunung Jerai Botanical Park is located beside the car park.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open from Thursdays to Sundays, as well as public holidays. Although the park is open from 10am to 5pm, the best time for you to visit is in the morning. Avoid getting there between 3pm–4pm as the park closes at 5pm and you might not have enough time to savour the entire experience that Gunung Jerai Botanical Park has to offer.

Entrance Fees

The admission tickets to the park are as follow:

• RM10 for adults
• RM5 for children

A visit to Gunung Jerai Botanical Park will certainly be a wondrous feast for your eyes as you take in the marvellous beauty of nature. You will be reminded of what a beautiful world we live in. Your senses will also be tingled with the different fragrances of the flowers that come together gloriously. Quite simply, it will be a visit that will be etched in your mind forever.

While you are in the area, why not consider the option to put up a night (or possibly two) at the quaint Regency Jerai Hill Resort? Imagine walking up to the sounds of birds chirping outside your window and having a nice, leisurely breakfast to start the day. The resort also provides activities such as jungle trekking, abseiling, and an outdoor camping site for those who would like to spend the night under the stars.

Contact Information

Address: Jalan Kaki Bukit, Lebuhraya Gurun, 08300 Gurun, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm (Thursdays to Sundays & Public Holidays)
Contact Number: +6019-448 0880