Greener, cheaper holiday spots

As families from all over the nation converge on Kuala Lumpur for the school holidays, will they be spending some time at the parks in the city? DAWN CHAN and VEENA BABULAL report. SCHOOL holidays are here again and most parents planning to take their children out would often head straight to the latest, swankiest or biggest shopping malls with no second thoughts. These parents, especially those living in the Klang Valley, prefer to spend time with their families indoors, where they believe amusement is aplenty to please the children, albeit at "high" costs. However, there are some natural and cheaper alternatives that may provide equal satisfaction -- parks.

City parks not only offer a respite from the trials of modern life but also offer a recreational avenue within the confines of lush greenery and fresh air. Besides, visiting parks doesn't burn a hole in the pocket, too. Unlike many Western societies, where families often spend quality time together in parks, these "little triangles of green" are often seen as nothing more a place to exercise or jog for an hour or so, especially by adults. Picnics in the parks are rather uncommon despite Kuala Lumpur having a few big ones, such as the Taman Tasik Perdana, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Taman Tasik Permaisuri and Taman Lembah Kiara, to name a few. Taman Tasik Perdana, fondly known as the Lake Gardens, is the oldest and most popular park in Kuala Lumpur. Dating back to the 1880s, it is undergoing upgrading works as part of its conversion into an urban forest park. Phase 1 of the three-year project, which is expected to cost RM35 million overall, is nearing completion. The move came following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's call on City Hall to spruce up the 101.25ha park. The lake in the park is special to Najib as it was launched by his father, the late prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, on May 1, 1975. More trees, such as the tembusu, majapahit, cannon bomb, pokok Johor and pokok Melaka, as well as various palms and cacti, will be planted here to complement the existing century-old trees.

Phase 1 of the project involves upgrading the waterfall and the planting of big trees in the park, such as the Moringa oleifera, Cycus revoluta and a Plumeria. Trees infested with termites and parasites will also be rehabilitated while the lake water is being purified with assistance from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and National Hydraulic Research Institute. Additional car parks, buggy service and bicycles will also be provided near the entrance as vehicles will not be allowed into the garden area. Among the other improvements are lighting, as well as lightning arresters to protect the trees.

Phase 2 involves the building of a cafe, a boathouse, a sculpture and a playground based on Lat's Kampung Boy characters. Phase 3 will see the installation of garden fixtures and the upgrading of car-park facilities. There will also a special garden for the disabled in the Botanical Garden, such as suitable plants and flowers for the blind to feel and smell.

-NST Online.