The Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm is a netted garden behind the Palm Beach hotel strip, planted with nectar and host plants and stocked with butterfly species from Asia, Africa and the Americas, flying free among the paths. The guided introduction covers the life cycle, and the emergence cage where pupae hang in rows is timed so visitors usually see one or two butterflies coming out, which is the part children remember. Morning is when the most flying happens. A ticket is valid for repeat visits during a stay, which is unusual and is worth using, since the butterflies are far more active on some days than others.

What you actually see

• The free-flying butterflies - hundreds of species from three continents.
• The emergence cage - pupae hanging in rows, with butterflies coming out.
• The host plants - what each species needs to breed.
• The guided introduction - the life cycle explained on arrival.

When to go

Year-round; mornings are much the best, when the butterflies are warm and flying. It is quiet in the afternoon. Tickets are valid for return visits during your stay, which is worth using.

Honest expectations

It is small and an hour covers it. The butterflies are imported as pupae rather than bred locally, which some visitors would rather know. Afternoon visits see far less activity. The entry price is high for the size, though the repeat-visit ticket softens that.

Nearby

The Bubali ponds are next door; Palm Beach is five minutes.