Try these top tips before heading to Tanjung Bungah in Penang for a nice romantic walk in the park.
The little hillock behind Penang’s oldest Tua Pek Kong temple is beautifully lit at night.
You can experience being transported to Pandora. Perhaps even becoming part of the Avatar tribe.
This is the popular Penang Avatar Secret Garden built by MBI.
You will see trailing LED lights hung from branches of huge trees.
The trees are lit with different hues of color.
It is interesting to watch the colors change.
SmartDory answers some FAQs about Avatar Penang and the top tips before visiting.
How To Get There?
Taking an Uber, you can pin Penang Avatar Secret Garden.
For Grab, you need to pin Penang Garden Car Park (for some reason)
Both rides will cost approximately from George Town.
If you are driving, go early.
In front of the Tua Pek Kong temple, the car park charges a flat rate of RM3 for weekdays and RM5 for weekends.
The area near the UDA Flat is residential, and parking is prohibited.
Is There A Beach?
There are topiaries and stone sculptures to photograph on the beach.
When the sun sets, the garden lights up!
How Long Do You Need?
The Avatar theme garden has changing LED lights, which create an exciting, mysterious atmosphere.
You will need about 15 minutes for a quick walk around.
There are wooden staircases to lead you up and down.
Some parts of the walkway may be dark; watch your step.
Is It Disable Friendly?
The place is not wheelchair friendly.
You must climb the stairs and walk along the walkways to enjoy the stunning lights.
It can get crowded during the long weekends as visitors flock to see the lights.
As there are many stairs, it will not be possible for someone in a wheelchair to go to the top of the hillock.
Are there Rest Stops at Avatar Penang?
Look out for comfortable wooden benches to rest if you intend to explore the whole park.
There are some small structures for shelter and rest below the hillock.
At the center is a small area for a Chinese Checkers Game Board game.
What Is The Best Time To Go?
Go around 6.30 pm for a walk near the beach.
Stone statues are on display. Children play on the sands. Couples, family, and friends take selfies and proceed to the garden as the sunsets.
What’s At The Top Of The Hillock?
Your eyes grow accustomed to the low lights, and your attention to view the garden as a whole.
The entire ground is lit with LED Tulips.
You will notice some Chinese Gods statues. At the summit is a Golden Cobra Statue.
Can I Go During the rainy season?
The best time to view the Avatar-like night lights display is when it is not raining.
Are There Mosquitos?
Top Tips: Bring mosquito repellent if you’re sensitive to insect bites.
What’s For Dinner?
You can go for a seafood dinner at the Sea Pearl Lagoon Café.
The cafe smells great with the aroma of salt-baked crabs and prawns.
Do ask for the price before ordering.
If you’re on a budget, you can order some satay and fried noodles from the hawker stalls.
Anything to Shop
A few makeshift stalls are selling packed drinks and mineral water. A recent addition is a clothing stall.
Charges to Enter The Park
FREE. There might be a nominal charge of RM1 per person, as reported on TripAdvisor recently.
Any Downside to Real-Life Avatar Penang?
You must be patient to climb up the staircase jam-packed with people.
You may need to wait a while before you can take photos.
Plan and go early if you’re visiting during the long weekends or public and school holidays.
You may find it hot and humid.
With Top Tips For Visitors – What should I bring?
Penang is hot and humid, so consider this when you visit.
The things I recommend that you bring are
- A camera that takes good pictures in the dark
- A tripod for slow shutter speed
- Bring a significant other, some friends or your family.
- Wear White or reflective clothing
- Water
- A small towel
- As the Avatar gardens are near a temple, please be modestly attired.
Great for photo-taking
This is a great place to bring your family for a fun outing.
It can be challenging to take selfies with a smartphone in low-light conditions.
Opening Hours
Top tips: The lights come on at 7.30 pm and turn off by 11.30 pm.
Penang Avatar Secret Garden https://g.co/kgs/HeBnktr
Update: This tourist attraction is permanently closed.