The park was originally established in 1986 as the Bukit Cerakah Agricultural Park before being rebranded to its current name.
It contains a collection of tropical fruit trees, some of which are difficult to find in typical urban residential areas.
The park grounds serve as a transition zone between lowland dipterocarp forest and urban development.
Several of the garden sections are themed around traditional Malaysian agricultural practices, such as rice cultivation.
The site includes a complex of lakes that provide natural catchment and irrigation for the internal garden sections.
The National Botanic Gardens Shah Alam is a sprawling 817-hectare forest reserve that serves as a primary conservation site for tropical rainforest vegetation. The park features specialized sections including the Spice Garden, Cactus Garden, and Orchid Garden. Visitors can explore a series of man-made lakes and a dedicated paddy field display reflecting local agricultural history. The site operates as a multifunctional park, offering facilities for high-ropes courses, fishing, and cycling. It utilizes an internal shuttle system to manage transport across the expansive, hilly terrain. The garden maintains a collection of rare tropical fruit trees and exotic ornamental plants for educational study. Large portions of the park remain undisturbed secondary forests, hosting diverse local fauna.
The suspension bridge area, which offers an elevated vantage point over the forest canopy and surrounding lake views.
Rent a bicycle at the main entrance to navigate the park, as walking the entire perimeter is physically demanding due to the hilly terrain.
Carry high-SPF sunscreen and insect repellent, as many trails are exposed to direct sunlight or located near dense, humid forest canopy.
Check the internal shuttle schedule upon arrival, as waiting times can be long during peak weekends.
Attempting to traverse the entire park on foot without water or proper sun protection.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance, unless it falls on a public holiday.
Modest athletic or outdoor attire is recommended; ensure footwear is suitable for walking on uneven terrain.