VISIT TO AGRO TECNOLOGY PARK IN MARDI CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Besides doing Community service at the Orang Asli Village, my colleagues and I also visited the Agro Technology Park in MARDI at Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands.

Info about the Park
The agrotechnology park is divided into six main areas: the English Garden, Herb Garden, Orchid Garden, Rose Garden, research centre and an information centre, where tourists can also buy souvenirs. Mardi's Agrotechnology Park is home to 40 varieties of roses, 10 strawberries, 100 citrus fruits, at least six types of anthuriums, four varieties of apples, and pears and persimmons.

The Park is home to 40 varieties of roses, 10 strawberries, 100 citrus fruits, at least six types of anthuriums, four varieties of apples and pears as well as persimmons. The RM8 million 42-hectare park has six areas C Rose, orchid, English, Herb and Orchid Gardens and a research and information centre where tourists can also buy souvenirs.

The Park was launched on June 14. The brainchild of Malaysian Research and Development Institute (MARDI), the Park received 100,000 visitors annually. The idea to turn the former research station opened in 1926 by the British to an agrotechnology park came from the Agriculture Minister Datuk Dr Effendi Norwawi three years ago. The British handed over the park to MARDI some 22 years ago.

The Park is actually MARDI's oldest research station in the country and since Cameron Highland is a popular tourist destination, MARDI has followed through on the idea to turn it into an Agrotechnology Park.

ADMISSION FEE
Adult: RM5.00
Child: RM3.00

Monday to Thursday
8.00 am. to 12.45 pm, 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

Friday
8.00 am. to 12.30 pm, 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm

Saturday and Sunday
8.00 am. to 5.00 pm

School Holiday & Public Holiday
(Closed on Aidilfitri and Aidiladha)


Information Centre
At the centre visitors can get information on MARDI Agrotechnology Park. There are also exhibits on MARDIs latest technologies and publications available for sale. Visitors purchase tickets to enter the park at the information centre.

Sales Centre
Here, visitors can buy fresh farm produce and processed agriculture products. Also available are potted plants, and fresh cut flowers.

Flower Nursery
At the flower nursery, visitors can browse the rows and rows of colourful flowering plants that thrive in the crisp air of the highlands. Here, potted plants and cut flowers are also available for sale.

Cafeteria
The cafeteria serves up refreshing teas, juices and a range of snacks.

Meeting Facilities
Meeting facilities are available for seminar/workshop to fit the 100 person theater. Facilities are rented upon request and approval from the management of the park.

Walking Trail
Jungle Trails 3 and 7 pass through the park. Please enquire from the Cameron Highlands Visitors Centre at Tanah Rata or your tour guide, if you have engaged one. The trails also lead to the foot of Gunung Berembun nearby.

Source; http://www.cameronhighlandsinfo.com/attraction/Agro_Technology_Park_MARDI/