Pustaka Negeri Sarawak is like a wondrous realm of knowledge where one can easily lose track of time poring over mountains of books. But beyond that, it also provides plenty of public spaces for the general public to enjoy, such as Taman Pustaka. The park offers opportunities for recreation, fitness, and surrounded by nature.
Taman Pustaka is ideal for morning strolls with the family on the weekend. You can easily spend two hours just looking at the plants that thrive at Taman Pustaka. There’s also an expansive lake where you can spend a good half-an-hour easily just looking at fish surfacing for food. Many bird species can spotted at the park too – some seemingly unfazed by the presence of humans.
A great way to make the most of your time at Taman Pustaka is to go on the library’s newly-launched “Le Tour de Park” guided tour. It begins just outside Window on the Lake (WOL) Café, where you will walk past the children’s playground and fitness area. Then across the bridge before arriving at the Community Garden (Laman Komuniti). Here, different kinds of plants, including edible species like Ulam Raja and passionfruit planted by the public under a greenhouse.
To your left is their Butterfly Garden, where nectar flowers planted to attract butterflies, bees and the occasional hummingbird. Next to the Butterfly Garden is the Swing Garden, where you can rest your tired feet for a bit and sit on a swing hanging down from a large tree.
Several meters away is their Taman Santai, where you can sit down, relax and enjoy the cool breeze. Ready for more? Make your way across the bridge to the children’s pool before you make your way back to the community garden. Once there, keep going straight to arrive at the Herbal Garden. Where unique species such as the highly beneficial Mahkota Dewa plant (Phaleria macrocarpa).
The final stop on your Le Tour de Park route is the Sensory Garden. Which designed to encourage you not only to observe but also touch and smell more than 30 plant species here. Braille on the information plates and tactile paving on the footpath offer convenience for the visually-impaired.
If you wish, you can explore areas off the park tour, like the 1km track around the lake. You will be able to enjoy the view of the library from across the lake. You could also take a detour to Bright Hill and soak in the scenery. Along the way, you’ll discover so many more species of plants great and small, including some you probably have never seen before.

End your tour with a hearty brunch at WOL Café. Which offers unique local fares like Tumpik, Celorot, Kuih Rangin, Linut, Bandung Goreng, Nasi Aruk and a whole lot more. And that is a morning well spent.
This article from BorneoTalk Vol.56 (page 58). Click here for DOWNLOAD
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