Shakira Mobarak has a favourite tree. She will tell you a story about her chosen ‘strangler tree’, a member of the fig family. The ‘strangler’ begins its life as an epiphyte high on the trees, borne by birds and monkeys after a fig feast. Lodged in one of its host tree’s cavities, it sprouts quickly, sending its long roots down to the ground. Growing rapidly, it surrounds and suffocates the host tree, turning it into a hollow core. Shakira prefers to think of the ‘strangler’ as a rescue effort instead of ‘the killer’, as it’s often derided.

This story-telling is just one of the specialities at The Habitat Penang Hill, where  environmental awareness and sustainability rule.

The Habitat’s crowning glory is the 130-million-year-old rainforest, around which eco-friendly attractions allow visitors a sensorial experience to reconnect with nature. With minimal impact on the environment, The Habitat houses a 1.6 km nature trail, butterfly garden, giant swings, themed gardens and arty rest stops that offer a gratifying reprieve. Kid’s Walks and complimentary guided tours, too. Expect the much-anticipated canopy and treetop walks – due in a few months – to take you to further heights.

During the George Town Festival 2016’s Dinner at Eight press preview, Junglewalla Founder, Resident Naturalist and Conservationist Irshad Mobarak led us on a tour. Teasing us with nuggets of inspiration, he patiently described the verdant flora and fauna, as well as the Giant Black Squirrel and the Racket-tailed Drongo we had spotted. Irshad, too, had many tales to share.

Now I want to tell a story. My favourite tree is the Fern Tree…

The Habitat Penang Hill is open to the public, but is set to officially launch in August 2016. For more information: thehabitat.my