MBI DesaKu 自由游行 Kulim High Tech Park Kedah is a favorite brightly light nighttime garden attraction.
The developer has cleverly conceptualized and converted the community open space photography hot spot.
Over the Chinese New Year break, we took a drive to DesaKu.
Locals from Kedah love to visit this magical fairyland night.
A few years ago, it was unheard of for a property developer to build a “theme” park to attract potential buyers.
MBI has done well to create the trend of lighting up its properties in Dan Nok.
The first transformation was from a disused hillock behind an old temple into Penang Avatar Secret Garden.
DesaKu is a mixed housing township project located in Padang Meha, Kulim.
Turn in when you see the MBI DesaKu Entrance. Photo: Doris Lim
You may need to drive in to find a place to park. Photo: Doris Lim
It is safe for a family to explore. Photo: Doris Lim
Guest Safety Measures – Family Safe Spot
The developer, MIB, locates the attractions within the site and builds with ponds and tiny mounds.
The place has attractive lights.
It may be dark in certain spots.
However, it is safe for a family to explore.
There are seats and benches for older people to rest along the way.
Children Safe
Many youngsters are running around without tripping or falling.
They set the displays and statues up for little ones to climb or clamber around and pose.
Lots of kid-friendly shapes. Photo: Doris Lim
Peter Rabbit is a fictional animal character in the children’s storybook by Beatrix Potter. Photo: Doris Lim
Children love to pose on cute, friendly animal statues. Photo: Doris Lim
Photography 101 for MBI DesaKu 自由游行 Kulim High Tech Park Kedah
The general ambient light is sufficient for smartphone photography.
You don’t need fancy equipment and sophisticated cameras.
We saw one or two camera buffs with their tripods and set up initially.
Eventually, they, too, walked around to take photographs with their handheld camera.
There are lots of photo opportunities. Be sure to bring your power bank! Photo: Doris Lim
Check out the Koi Carps & Gold Fishes for good luck. Photo: Doris Lim
Find out why the Leaning Tower of Pisa is leaning. Photo: Doris Lim
Found my Cinderella Carriage and White Horse! Photo: Doris Lim
Toilet Facilities
Clean and well-ventilated public toilets are in place if you need to go!
Going by car
GPS coordinates: 5.5071° N, 100.6230° E
We found that staying on the highway is a better option.
Although Waze took us on a much shorter route, we overshot two turnings due to tonight’s visibility.
I prefer to use Google Maps for directions.
Going by Van
Some visitors even rent a van to visit DesaKu!
We saw several unmarked parked vans but couldn’t find the passengers to ask for more information.
Cautionary Notes
For the Elderly
• The gardens are wheelchair accessible. Some slopes between gardens may require some maneuvering or even lift-over.
• When parking further away, please note that the roadside drains are uncovered and are profound.
For Young Children/ Toddlers/ Babies
• The place is prominent, so do not let your child wander off alone, as they may get lost in the crowds.
• There are many plants and decorative stones. Please do not destroy the plants or throw stones.
• Be cautious of prickly cacti at the Cactus Garden, and watch your step when taking photographs.
The gardens are not interconnected or linked; be careful and watch out for oncoming vehicles while crossing the road.
Be careful of ponds and water features. Photo: Doris Lim
These red flowers are pretty. Just remember that the cactus has sharp thorns. Photo: Doris Lim
What to Bring
There are no shades in the gardens. It can be pretty humid and warm, even at 6 pm.
It’s advisable to bring an umbrella if it is still scorching in the afternoon to avoid heatstroke.
- An umbrella
- Hat
- Extra change of clothes
- Bottled water
What to Wear
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around.
- Bring an extra change for children, who may run around and sweat profusely in the heat.
- Prepare to remove the child from wet clothes before resting in an air-cond.
How to Get to MBI DesaKu 自由游行 Kulim High Tech Park Kedah
MBI DesaKu is near Lunas Interchange and easily accessible via BKE Highway, leading to Kulim Hi-Tech Park Phases I, II, III, and IV Industrial Park.
MBI DesaKu Homestay
The MBI DesaKu Homestay is in Kulim, about 16 km from Sungai Petani.
All homes are air-conditioned, with four bedrooms.
Each unit has a seating and dining area fitted with a microwave and fridge.
They fit each unit with a private bathroom with FREE toiletries and slippers.
The host provides towels. Guests may enjoy the barbecue facilities.
For connectivity, George Town is 50 km from the Homestay.
Penang International Airport is the nearest airport. It is 53 km from MBI Desaku.
