The Peak

The Peak Lookout was the former gathering place of sedan chair carriers, and was later converted to the alfresco dining area we can visit today. This heritage site is also a good place for butterfly watching. The open area of the restaurant has several White Jade Orchid Trees. White Jade Orchid is a food source for the caterpillars of Swallowtails, so attracting many Swallowtails to come to lay eggs. Common Jay (Graphium doson), Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon) and Common Bluebottle (Graphium sarpedon) are the most common species.

Walking up to this point, you can see the famous Lugard Waterfall. The fall is nearly ten metres high, its water tumbling into a small plunge pool. Though there may be only a trickle of water during dry spells, the flow is most impressive after heavy rain.

The wild flowers on the cliffs near the waterfall bloom throughout the year. With abundant water and flowering plants, the area attracts many butterflies to come to sip both nectar and water. Common Mime (Chilasa clytia) and Common Sergeant (Athyma perius) are the frequent visitors.

Ceylon Blue Glassy Tiger (Ideopsis similis), Common Bluebottle (Graphium sarpedon) and Common Sailer (Neptis hylas) are the commonly found species in this small park. There are many native trees in the park, such as Ivy Tree, Gordonia and Camphor Tree. These are favourites of caterpillars of local butterflies, attracting many adult butterflies to come to lay eggs.

This is a hotspot for Common Mapwing (Cyrestis thyodamas). First, pay attention to the Small-fruited Fig along the route, as mapwing caterpillars love eating Moraceae. Banyan Tree is among their favourites. The caterpillars have a peculiar shape. Their bodies have several long thorn-like protuberances, making them appear like miniature aliens.

The first stretch of Lugard Road is flanked by tall trees. You are like entering a tropical rain forest here. Then, you will come to “Fig Tree Portico”. It is actually an archway formed by tangled aerial roots of an Indian Rubber Tree. After years of growth, the aerial roots have become dense and magnificent.

Pay special attention when you walk here. You may be able to find a rare high attitude butterfly — Chinese Windmill (Byasa alcinous). Chinese Windmills have large bodies and their abdomens are uniquely bright red. With their long and slender hind wings, it is not difficult to identify them. However, do not mix up a frequent visitor here, Chinese Peacock (Papilio bianor), with Chinese Windmill. The two look very alike except for the bright red abdomens.

Danaids and Swallowtails are common along the path. If you are lucky, you may come into the leopard-patterned Indian Fritillary (Argyreus hyperbius).