WHEN you next go to Kuala Lumpur (KL), take time off from shopping to smell the flowers - orchids to be precise.

Situated in a corner of Taman Tasik Perdana (also known as Lake Gardens) is an Orchid Garden that is home to some 3,000 orchid species from around the world. Of these, more than 800 species are from Malaysia.

Indeed, orchids are serious business in Malaysia. Some 750ha of land in Malaysia is dedicated to orchid farming, with 100 million stalks produced annually.

Although Malaysia's national flower is the hibiscus, the country is renowned internationally for its orchids. The easiest way to get to the Orchid Garden is to take a cab to Taman Tasik Perdana.

But, make sure you tell the cabbie that you are going to the Orchid Garden, or you risk being dropped off in some inconvenient corner of the Taman, which is a staggering 96ha in size.

If haggling with cabbies is not your thing, take the next best thing that has happened to KL since the monorail - the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

Serving most of the major hotels in KL city, this bus takes you to the various sightseeing destinations including the Orchid Garden. You can buy a ticket (RM38 for adults) on the bus, at travel agencies or major hotels. Each ticket, valid for 24 hours, allows you to hop on and hop off at all its designated stops.

If seeing these flowers that come in various hues make you want to see more, take a long drive - some 40km north of KL - to the Serendah International Orchid Park.

Nestled some 300m above sea level on Malaysia's main mountain range - BanjaranTitiwangsa - the park is Selangor state's pride and joy in agrotourism.

This is because the park retains the surrounding ecosystem - a diverse range of trees, plants, insects, birds and mammals in their undisturbed habitats.

At the same time, the park showcases more than 100 species of orchids and exotic hybrids, with such varied colours like those found in a paint catalogue. Although orchids can be grown anywhere as they are not soil-dependent, Malaysia's climate - year-round sunshine and a temperature that is relatively constant - is believed to be perfect for most varieties of orchids.

Of the estimated 22,000 to 35,000 species of orchids worldwide, more than 1,850 are native to Malaysia.

To understand why orchids are such a boost to Malaysia's standing in the international arena, you should visit Orchid Valley in Johor.

Sitting on a 40-ha land area at the foot of Gunung Pulai, about 30km off Johor Bahru, it is said to be the largest tropical orchid farm in the world.

Its international recognition is stamped by the World Orchid Society in London, which registers some of the orchid hybrids found in this plantation.

There are other orchid parks in Malaysia, including the Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden in Penang, the Sabah Agriculture Park and Kuching Orchid Garden in Sarawak.

The Orchid Valley in Johor is said to be the largest tropical orchid farm in the world.

Happenings

May 25 to 27: Johor International Orchid Show (Johor Bahru)
Various species of orchids, from all parts of the world are on display at the show.
E-mail: mtpnjohor@motour.gov.my

May 26: Colours of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
This event showcases the best of Malaysian culture, craft and cuisine. Get a fascinating glimpse of Malaysian culture. Highlights include parades, cultural performances, exhibitions and festivals.
Visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

May 26 to June 2: World Harvest Festival 2007 & Gawai Dayak (Sarawak)
The Dayak communities in Sarawak celebrate Hari Gawai to mark the end of a successful harvest season. This unique festival is shared with rice producing counterparts in Malaysia and around the region.
Visit www.sarawaktourism.com

May 30 to 31: Tadau Kaamatan (Sabah)
Join this celebration by the largest ethnic group in Sabah, comprising the KadazanDusun and Murut communities.
It is an annual thanksgiving celebration for the bountiful rice harvest.
The event culminates in the district of Penampang.
Visit www.sabahtourism.com