Winged beauties of Teluk Bahang
At a farm in Penang, goes in search of the National Butterfly, the elusive Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing
Ten minutes later I find myself at the entrance of Entopia. I am all smiles after learning from the ticketing clerk that the place gets crowded closer to lunch time. Looks like my habit of turning up early has paid off handsome dividends. Apart from a small group of Vietnamese tourists, I literally have the entire place to myself and can view the interesting exhibits at leisure!
Based on the site map by the main entrance, Entopia is basically divided into two large subsections. The living garden vivarium called Natureland focuses on visitor experience while Cocoon, the indoor exhibition section is designed as a place of learning and understanding the curious lives of invertebrates.
Conscious of the vagaries of the weather, I quickly make for Natureland first and take advantage of the excellent weather in Teluk Bahang while it lasts. Natureland turns out to be a gigantic domed open air ecological space that is shared not only by butterflies but also a variety of other animals, ranging from the tiniest invertebrates to several sizeable reptiles.
The first thing that hits me the moment I pass through the plastic chain veil, which acts as a security door, is the unbelievably large number of colourful butterflies fluttering around. When observed as a whole, the flying insects look very much like a rapidly moving haze of brilliant colours! terfly gardens in the country. In Natureland itself, visitors can see up to 15,000 free-flying butterflies at any one time.
The population consists of 60 different species, mostly those endemic to Malaysia, living within the confines of a lush garden filled more than 200 plant species as well as numerous cascading waterfalls, tranquil ponds and even awe-inspiring caves. The strategically located information boards are very useful in helping visitors gain an insight into the amazing world of butterflies. After reading one, I finally understand the reason why Natureland is filled with so many plants and lush shrubs.
Apart from providing food and sites to lay eggs, trees also serve as places of refuge during storms, heavy rain and falling temperatures. The leaves act as umbrellas that reduce wetting of the butterflies that cluster below them. Entomologists also believe that trees help to stabilise the microclimate by acting as blankets that retain heat during the night and prevent butterflies from freezing.
I start to move from flower to flower trying to take photographs of the butterflies as they land to drink the sweet nectar. The main attractions in Natureland to look out for are Mystery Cave, Tiger Falls, the Home Tree, Dragon Path and Aroma Trail.
I like the last one most as it is filled with many colourful blooms that attract the most number of butterflies. It is here that I manage to capture the most beautiful images. Sadly though, I fail to get even a single photograph of the rare and protected Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing butterfly.
Head of visitor services, Edzil Pacaldo, happens to be on his rounds at Natureland. According to Pacaldo, the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing usually remains at the treetops and will only occasionally make its appearance below to sip mineral-rich water.
“The males require sodium and potassium to activate their adult behaviour,” he adds before giving me a brief overview of