Ever since my childhood time, I have a soft spot for butterflies and moths, including the caterpillars which might look disgusting to many people. Keeping caterpillars until they transform into their beautiful winged form without going through all the risk of being harmed by birds or humans was one of the passion I had years ago that I would go cycling around the neighbourhood to look for their food (because there is not enough plants for them to eat at home, grandma would kill me). I am not a nerd in the entomology so my knowledge on lepidoptera (a collective term for butterflies and moths) but I appreciate the life and beauty of these creatures, even the appearance of caterpillars can be appealing to me. Maybe someday I will make a new post about my passion on these little flower angels.
Formerly named as Penang Butterfly Farm, this attraction in Penang is now called Entopia after going through a redevelopment worth RM 50 million. I have visited Penang Butterfly Farm a few times since I was a child and the last time I went before the renovation was in 2014 which was one of the best memories I have there (took lots of nice butterfly pictures). The waiting for the completion of this place was so anticipating that I bought the early bird entrance ticket immediately when I saw the buy-one-free-one deal on Facebook (it had not even reopened yet when I bought the ticket online). It sounds crazy but I was thrilled to hear that Entopia was finally going to reopen and there was a promotion where I could get a ticket with a cheaper price. The original entrance fee is so high (RM 49 per adult) that I don't think I would go again unless it is so good that I can't help to go back. It had been about half a year since I bought the ticket (two tickets, I got one for free in that promotion), and it's time to finally visit this disneyland of mine~
I love the new design of the whole park with lots of greeneries and rocks to create a look of Nature. The area became much more spacious to provide plenty of space for the butterflies to fly freely, reducing the risk of being trapped at any nook and cranny. Since we were visiting it not long after the official opening, the population of butterflies there has not flourished (I heard that they released most of the butterflies during the renovation work), so the scenery seemed empty. I did see lots of butterflies fluttering around the huge tree structure in the middle of the park, but maybe it's the high ceiling that made me feel that there was not enough butterflies for us to see. It is quite a selfish thought for wanting to be surrounded by butterflies, but that would mean the butterflies are cramped in a small space that is not healthy for their movement and people would accidentally hurt them with a swift movement. At least I did not see butterflies being stepped on by unknowing tourists, it's a good sign!
Me and my friends arrived at Entopia pretty early in the morning to avoid traffic and crowd (especially children, sorry to say, but they are dangerously annoying sometimes). Since it was Saturday, more and more tourists came in as the day went older. Everyone was behaving politely towards the butterflies (no grabbing or anything) and many of them (including me hahaha) tried to get the butterflies on their hand or any part of the body as long as they approached us. How wonderful it is if a butterfly is willing to perch on your hand? I would feel so honoured if one of them did! From the past experiences, only those with large wings or are dying would allow you to touch them. Just slowing slip your hand under the legs of the butterfly from the front patiently until he steps up onto your hand. After a few tries you will know which species is easier to approach and which is impossible! Be gentle so the butterfly does not get hurt, they are very fragile.
Besides the butterfly section (which is of course essential to have), there are new sections for other insects such as the dragonflies and the grasshoppers. However, I only saw dead dragonflies and the grasshoppers were all so small. Nothing special can be seen there, maybe it's because I am familiar with them that I don't find anything extraordinary in both of the sections. The park is divided into the indoor and outdoor sections as well, with lots of educational activities and information indoor. There are reptiles and amphibians in glass cases, and also terrifying arachnids (I mean spiders and scorpions) on display. The most interesting addition is the beetle larvae section where there will be real beetle larvae being burried in substrate and you get to dig them out. I had kept beetle larvae before and I know it would be a thrilling thing to do if it is your first time. But due to time constraint we didn't wait until the session time. I hope that they survive human touch *shudder*.
Let's summarise the rest of the visit with photos below.
I was enjoying myself there walking around and spending time with friends instead of trying to learn as much knowledge as possible. There is a cafe in the park where it would be nice to sit there watching the butterflies while having a cuppa. Besides, a hobbyist centre is established to sell insects as pets. The prices are quite affordable but lets not buy them on impulse as you might get boring with them soon because they can't really interact with people like cats and dogs. They are sort of like a display for you to appreciate their beauty and uniqueness. This visit was not very satisfying and I would consider visiting again after a few years maybe, hopefully by that time the park has been fully established and thriving.
The opportunity for children these days to experience Nature is scarce especially in the cities. Entopia is definitely a good choice for direct contact with living insects. You would not love something unless you have seen and felt it with your soul. Insects are definitely something that worth falling in love with~
