One of the loveliest experiences I've had in recent years was spending a day at the Butterfly Farm on the tropical island of Penang. Winding paths take you past flowering trees and lush vegetation - and butterflies land lightly on your hand, head, or shoulders, then flit away. The day was made extra-nice as I was accompanied by Nature Guide Edo Van Pel who is based on Langkawi Island, an expert on tropical flora and fauna. The Farm preserves special species that live nowhere else on the planet. Enjoy the slideshow below -- such fragile, delicate, elegant beauty!

Meet Barbara, the "Dog Mama," who shepherds some 240 rescued dogs on a hilltop in Penang, Malaysia. Click here to read my article on the Paul Penders Blog at http://www.paulpenders.com/ppblog/?p=17851.  YouTube Slideshow and Photos by Teviot Fairservis.