The Nature Walk

The Nature Walk at The 12 Waves, Batu Kawan, Penang. (1 October 2020)


The Nature Walk (GPS: 5.22471, 100.43355) is a Japanese garden at The 12 Waves at Batu Kawan, Penang. Stretched over a length of 750 meters (making it the longest Japanese garden in Malaysia!), it was designed by Japanese landscape gardener Masaki Kumagai.

The Nature Walk is presently opened to special guests and on special occasions. My wife and I were privileged to an invitation to visit it on 1 October 2020, which happened to be the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. We were personally ushered through the garden by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Behonce Beh.

The whole concept of The Nature Walk is to illustrate the cycle that water takes through nature. The entrance is through an archaic wall called Kawaradobei. From there, a path meanders through the garden, taking the visitor to various sights.

Entering The Nature Walk

At time of writing (Oct 2020), The Nature Walk is only open on special occasions. Check The 12 Waves Facebook Page for updates.

The Nature Walk interpretive board (1 October 2020)


A path meanders through The Nature Walk (1 October 2020)


Water cascade at The Nature Walk. It represents rain water falling onto the earth. (1 October 2020)


Water flowing between stepping stones. (1 October 2020)


The stone lanterns are specially imported from Japan. (1 October 2020)


Water from one pond cascades to another pond. (1 October 2020)


A large variety of trees are planted along The Nature Walk. (1 October 2020)


A wash basin for one to rinse hands and mouth before entering. (1 October 2020)


A tea room for one to meet in a peaceful manner while partaking a cup of tea. (1 October 2020)


This is the Azumaya Pavilion, a place to stop over and exchange conversations over the surrounding nature. (1 October 2020)


The fish pond teems with koi, the Japanese carp. (1 October 2020)


A paddy field appears along the journey, illustrating the role of water in sustaining life. (1 October 2020)


At the rock garden, carefully raked gravel conjuges images of clouds swirling around jagged mountain peaks. (1 October 2020)


The Rokakudo Pavilion beckons sojourners to take a respite on their journey. (1 October 2020)


At the end of The Nature Walk are stone benches for a well-deserved rest. (1 October 2020)


Here I am with Mr Behonce Beh, the Head of Corporate Communications at The Nature Walk. (1 October 2020)